SAFETY CHECKLIST for Infants and Toddlers

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