Young children are often the victims of preventable tragedies. These accidents often occur right in the home, with the parents being present. It is heartbreaking when a parent has to live with the knowledge that their child has been hurt in their own home. However, none of these things need to happen if a few precautionary measures are taken!
Each parent must know that it is his and her job to maintain a stable, safe, clean environment for their child(ren). Parents must look out for their baby's future needs just as well as their present needs by questioning how all current plans, events and situations may potentially affect the baby and take steps to prevent any foreseen dangerous circumstances and disastrous outcomes.
Transportation
Babies do not go far from where they are taken. Depending on the age of a child, he or she may only crawl or roll a few inches on their own. Therefore, the mobility of a child depends on the parents. People use strollers, carriages, swings, walkers and baby carriers to occupy or transport their child in ways other than having to hold the baby in their arms. It is crucial that the equipment is of good, durable, trusted quality before you place a child in it. Over the years, there have been many recalls. It is good to go with tried-and-true companies, brands and styles. Always choose quality over cuteness. After a while, if there are no negative reports about it, you could always ask someone to help you buy a cuter, newer style as a gift for the baby.
When baby is on-the-go, it is important that baby is able to move freely. There should not be any items on the floor or in the path of the baby; for example, when swinging back and forth, both directions should be clear. Station gates in places the baby should not venture, especially stairways. Move anything that the baby can bang into or squeeze fingers in and leave no uncovered circuits because babies get electrocuted by those. If baby's in a stroller but you did not want him or her moving, make sure the wheel brakes are down. Open stroller should be completely opened, not closing on the baby. Baby should be secured yet comfortable. With walkers, pre-check floors and the walker. Make sure there is nothing dangerous, like pins, and that all places are dry. Move anything that you do not want the baby touching. Remove open buckets of water. If wearing a carrier, always strap it on properly and secure the baby. Protect baby's head from bumps and take careful steps.
Stationary
We know not to leave the baby on the bed, now don't we? Babies should be monitored at all times but you won't be standing over them every minute if they are laying or sitting in a playpen. Therefore, it is extra-important that the environment of the crib is handled with great care! With cases of SIDS reported regularly, you may have become wary of cribs but cribs are still a good friend. Keep in mind that it is far better for a baby to stay crying in a playpen because they want to be out than to be out and cry after being hurt. In a crib, they can get but so far. Now, there was a case of one special kid who, slowly but surely, made a huge hole in the side of his playpen and crawled out once he could fit through. However, most children will not do that. A fussy baby who only wants to be held is better off within the confines of a crib or playpen. This way, they cannot grab things, fall or get spoiled. A highchair also does the trick of keeping the baby safe while stationary. Here are some tips for stationary safety:
Keep the baby strapped into high chairs both comfortably and securely. Whatever equipment you use, ensure it is properly assembled. While in a crib, if the sides come down, keep them up and secure every single time you put them down, especially if your baby can stand! Sometimes, a parent may lower the sides to change baby's diaper and forget to raise it again afterward. Big mistake, that is. Only allow that which is necessary to be inside of the crib. Maybe, that is one bottle, one teething ring and a fitted sheet. Either way, "less is more." Too many items will not foster more creativity, as some may think; it will simply pose a safety risk. Only items which are age-appropriate and not considered to be "choking hazard"s should be with the baby at any given time and especially when in cribs & playpens. The ability of the baby to breathe freely should always be a top priority when it comes to their crib safety. Do not leave anything that can wrap around the baby's neck. For example, if the pacifier is on a string, make sure it is not able to choke the baby. Ensure that you are able to see and hear the child at all times. Most accidents would not result in disastrous effects if they were just caught sooner. Never allow a blanket to be over the baby's head. Do not leave extra clothing inside. Make sure there is nothing around the area of the crib or playpen that could potentially fall into or onto the playpen and hurt the baby inside.
Meet & greet
Colic, jaundice and ear infections are one thing but many sicknesses can be prevented by watching who is around the baby, how long and what they do together.
* In hospitals, you must wash your hands; it should be the same at home, especially with infants. Baby have not yet developed a strong enough immune system to be able to fight it if a terrible sickness were to come their way. Keep hand-sanitizer handy. Ask those with a cough or sneeze to use tissues, cover and wash their hands. Better yet, ask them to rest away until they feel better, instead of coming around the baby.
* Always have several thermometers to check baby's temperature because he or she cannot say, I have a fever. When there is a fever, it is always a sign of another internal health problem, so you need to be able to tell if the baby has one.
* Keep baby's immune system up - give your baby a healthy and balanced diet, ask a pediatrician about vitamins and, especially if you are breast-feeding, staying healthy yourself is of utmost importance.
What they eat
There are many hazards involved with feeding time and eating in general. Some hazards include choking, being burned, and being exposed to bacteria and toxins. From the very beginning, it is necessary to check the ingredients of the foods you offer, their temperature and the amounts given. Especially important is the sterilization of bottles and other feeding utensils. There is much more involved and it does not get less important over time. An essential step to take in ensuring the baby’s safety in your home is monitoring what goes in the baby’s mouth.
To avoid being an aid in the production of harmful bacteria, chemicals and toxins, always abide by guidelines regarding the usage of food containers. If it says it’s not suitable for a microwave it should not go in. Avoiding a microwave overall is also a great method. There are many other ways to heat milk and food, including stove top, but the best way is to buy bottle warmers and other new gadgets that were specifically created to assist in the process. Hot foods should be hot. Cold foods should be cold. Do not let food sit around. If any food is not being eaten, it must be stored appropriately as soon as possible. Allow cooling when necessary before you refrigerate it, freeze it, or store in other ways needed. Bacteria develop as food sits. Milk, for one, always needs refrigeration unless it is in powder form and has not yet been made.
Always test temperatures before bringing food near the child. Take smaller spoonfuls of hotter foods and hold it for a while before putting it toward their mouth in order to allow it to cool. Children old enough should also be taught to blow. Always cut food into smaller pieces, follow stage levels of baby food and never offer anything that can’t be digested by simply sucking and gum-chomping until they get teeth.
The most dangerous place in the house
Bathrooms are the most dangerous place in any house. It is easy to burn yourself with water, hit your head on the side of the tub or to slip and fall. If you fall in the shower, you may drown. You may accidentally inhale too many toxic fumes. It is easy to mistake a bucket of bleach for a bucket of water. You may accidentally cut yourself with a razor. As an adult, you face these dangers. It is that much more dangerous for a baby!
Keep everything in a specific place, out of baby's reach. Keep baby's bath items in one place in the bathroom or in one bag or caddy that you can carry in each time. Do not bring in your baby until it is right before you are going to place the baby in the tub. Have a baby tub that you can place in the bathtub rather than having baby sit directly in the tub. Always test the temperature of the water and use only as much as necessary when filling the tub. Only use soaps safe for baby's skin and will not overwhelm the baby with fragrances or burn their eyes. Keep the temperature of the room at a good level. Remember that baby will be colder once they come out of the tub. Keep bathmats to avoid slips. Make space to safely dry off and dress the baby.
Prayerfully, these pointers have greatly helped you to keep your baby safe in the home!