Print out this checklist and use part or all of it; keep it on the fridge, use it when you go out and leave the kids with a 'sitter, use when shopping for a crib or car seat. All the basics are covered and listed inan organised and straight forward way.
CRIB
- Bars should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart
- Railing should be at least 26 inches higher than the lowest level of the mattress support
- Mattress should fit snugly into crib
- All surfaces should be smooth
- A bumper guard should be installed to protect infant from the hard railing
- Do not place the crib near a hot radiator or cold draft
- No pillow should be used in the crib
CHANGE TABLE
- The table should be sturdy
- It should have a strap to secure infant
- Never turn your back on the baby while changing a diaper, even if using the strap
CAR SAFETY
- Children under forty pounds should be placed in a car seat
- Infants ride facing the rear of the vehicle _ Everyone over forty pounds should wear a seat belt with shoulder harness or use a booster seat with a seat belt
TOYS
- Toys should always be appropriate for age
- Avoid toys that have buttons or small objects that can easily be pulled off and swallowed
- Don't give any child a toy with a sharp edge
- Avoid toys that are breakable
BATHING
- Water should be tepid. Check temperature carefully using your elbow or a bath thermometer
- Never leave an infant or toddler alone in a tub.
- Keep room draft-freer
FEEDING
- Keep infant in upright position to prevent choking
- Check temperature of formula or baby food carefully before feeding.
- Never prop an infant's bottle
ENVIRONMENT
- Remove poisonous houseplants (e.g. philodendron, poinsettia leaves, caladium, narcissus, daffodils)
- Electrical outlets should be in good repair.
- Install protective electric outlet covers to guard child if he/she is drawn to poking items into outlets
- Instruct child never to play with matches. Keep matches and cigarette lighters well out of reach
- Don't expose child to second-hand smoke. This can contribute to serious respiratory problems
- Toddlers should be instructed about an emergency fire escape plan. Plan two escape routes
- Every home should have smoke alarms
- Every home should have a fire extinguisher
- Never leave a baby unattended on a bed or sofa, even if the baby is strapped into a carrier
- Never leave a child alone near a pool, pond or water source of any kind
- Pets should be supervised closely around children
- Handles on pots should be turned to the back of the stove to prevent a child from pulling on it
- All low cupboards should be emptied of any solvents or detergents that are harmful if swallowed. Use lock-latches, if necessary
- Keep vertical blind cords out of reach of children
- Keep all cords, ropes and scarves away from children. Don't allow child to tie a cape of other costume garment around neck
- Know the Heimlich maneuver
- Keep all medicines out of reach of children
- Use safety gates to protect child from stairs
- Use a playpen or crib to protect the baby or toddler if distracted with a phone call or some other distraction
BABYSITTER
- Take special precautions when selecting a babysitter. Is the sitter qualified? Does the sitter have experience? References?
- Have the sitter visit beforehand to spend some time with you to become familiar with baby's routine
- Prominently post the phone number of the place where you will be
- Keep emergency numbers for fire, police, poison control center and doctor posted next to the phone
- Always have a telephone that is in good working order
- Check if the sitter knows the Heimlich maneuver for choking emergencies. Review this with sitter, if necessary
