Babies (0-6 months) - Keep your baby clean, changing the diaper often during the day and night. Always use a car seat. Keep plastic bags put away, and do not use pillow or fluffy blankets. Never leave a baby alone in the bath, and use only warm water. Never heat food or milk in a microwave (it can get too hot). Use a walker only on a smooth floor. Keep small objects off the floor. Support your baby's head. Never shake a baby. Never leave a baby alone. Teach siblings to be gentle with the baby. Put baby to sleep on his/her back. Keep baby away from areas where smoking is allowed.
Crawlers and Walkers (6 months-2 years) - Put gates up at the top and bottom of staircases. Cover outlets and plugs, and lock cabinets with medicine and cleaning products in them. Shorten cords on blinds and remove hanging toys from the crib. Always use a car seat. Use a toy box without a lid, store toys with small parts out of reach, and do not put items that the child may want above the stove. In the kitchen, put knob protectors on the stove, and turn pot handles in when cooking. Never carry hot drinks or foods near the baby, or when you are holding him/her.
Toddlers (2-4 years) -
Lock doors to dangerous areas, and keep child away from kitchen appliances,
irons, and floor heaters. Lock up all guns. If you are storing an old
refrigerator, remove the door so the child does not become trapped inside. Keep
matches and lighters out of reach. Store tools in a safe place. Teach your child
to be gentle with pets. Never leave a child alone near water. Hold the child's
hand when crossing the street and explain safety, and do not let the child ride
a tricycle down the driveway or near the street. Always use a car seat.
*For more resources, including names and numbers of agencies that can help, contact Success By 6, the United Way, or your local health care provider.*