Baby Safety Around the House

You're probably doing lots of baby proofing, and that's great. Here are some other important ways to help keep your little one safe and sound.

Never leave your baby alone

Even newborns can occasionally turn over or flip around, so never leave your baby alone in the tub, on a raised surface like a changing table, or on an adult bed. And never leave a baby in a car by herself, even for a minute. Emergencies can happen in an instant, and your child needs an adult with her at all times.

Use a baby monitor

Even when your baby is safely in another room, you’ll appreciate the extra peace of mind an audio or visual baby monitor can give. Of course, a baby monitor can never replace your care, but it can let you see or hear how your baby is doing in the next room.

Never shake a baby

Shaking a baby, even playfully, can cause bleeding in her brain and rip nerves and muscles. Shaken Baby Syndrome can result in blindness, brain damage, or death. Taking care of a baby is a tough job, and in the early days it's often difficult to fathom why your baby is crying. Feeling angry and frustrated sometimes is normal. But no matter how frustrated you get, NEVER shake or jiggle your baby violently. If you feel yourself losing control, seek help from your mate, a friend or relative, or a professional. Never shake a baby as part of a game, either. It's just too dangerous.

Make sure your baby's gear is safe

There are lots of new safety standards for baby and child equipment. Before you purchase anything or take on used baby gear, check to be sure everything meets standards and hasn't been recalled.

• Before you buy any baby gear, check for safety information. Everything you buy should pass Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. Call1-800-638-2772 or check the website to be sure.

• Check the CPSC website for an updated list of product recalls

• Check all of your baby's equipment regularly for loose parts, sharp or rough edges, and peeling paint.

Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and check for radon

• Call the Radon Hotline, 1–800–767–7236, for information on reducing the risk of radon exposure in your home.

Prevent choking

• Avoid foods that pose the greatest choking hazard. This includes hot dogs, whole grapes, peanuts, hard candy, and raw carrots.

• Always feed your baby sitting up, in your lap, or in an infant chair. Make sure your toddler sits at the table and doesn't walk or run with food in his mouth.

• Make sure your child's toys are safe. Soft toys should be washable, stuffed with fire-safe material, and have no loose pieces such as eyes, buttons, or latches. If toys break down into pieces, no piece should be smaller than 1.75 inches. (They should be too big to fit through a paper towel tube.) Pieces smaller than that pose a choking hazard. Don't use any toys that have strings, fasteners, buttons, or chipping paint. Avoid latex balloons and small balls, and check all of your baby's toys regularly for rough edges, loose parts, or peeling paint.

• Only dress your baby in safe clothing. Check clothes inside and out for loose strings or ribbons or anything that could wrap around your baby's neck, small fingers, or toes. Avoid drawstrings on clothes that can get caught in doors, cribs, or toy equipment such as bicycle wheels. Remember, children can always pull off buttons that you think are securely attached.

Additional safety guidelines

• Don't put pacifiers or necklaces around your young infant's neck. A cord or necklace can too easily get caught and strangle him.

• Never refer to medicine as candy.

• Put all visitors' handbags and luggage out of your child's reach.

• Make sure carrying devices such as packs and strollers fit your child's age and stage of development.

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• Baby Proofing Your House