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Home › Articles › General Safety Issues › For Baby's Sake

For Baby's Sake

Safeguarding Your Home Room to Room

By Lisa A. Goldstein

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

  • Make sure crib slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.
  • Ensure that the mattress fits the sides of the crib snugly.
  • Consider moving toddlers from crib to bed when they reach 35 inches.
  • Use a detachable rail to prevent falls from the new bed and/or put padding on the floor next to the bed.
  • Place the crib mattress on the floor as an alternative to a regular bed.
  • Keep beds and cribs away from windows, drapery and hot surfaces.
  • Remove blankets, covers, comforters, pillows, stuffed animals and bumper pads from cribs. Place infants on their backs to sleep.
  • Make sure child's clothing, especially sleepwear, is flame resistant.
  • Keep cosmetics, perfumes, candles, appliances, electric cords and small objects such as jewelry, buttons and pins out of children's reach.

    • Expert tip: If your house was built before 1978, have it tested for lead-based paint, warns the Home Safety Council. Parents should childproof the house every couple of months to keep up with their child's development. Developing childproof "zones" in areas of the home that are highly frequented and blocked off from the rest is one way to cope with increasing mobility. Some rooms can be made off limits by simply closing the door.

    When it comes to childproofing, the motto should be "better safe than sorry." Carrying a cordless phone is also recommended, as this will allow you to continuously watch your children without leaving the room to answer the phone. Teaching grandparents and other relatives or caregivers to take the same precautions will also ensure your child's safety, both in and out of the home.

    Ultimately, the most effective childproofing tool is constant supervision. After all, "it's important to understand that childproofing can never be 100 percent effective," says Dr. Maxson.

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