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Babies are precious and everyone wants to handle a new baby just so. New parents spend their waiting time planning on their new arrival. One of the things they should look at is how safe is the baby's environment. There are many things that can be dangerous to babies that we as adults might overlook. Here is my list of the top five items that are must haves.

1) Car Seat. Doesn't matter if you're going to the corner grocery store or across the state to grandma's house, baby needs to be in their specially designed seat. There are many seats available as well as different shapes and sizes. The correct one is one that fits your child's size. For these and other tips go to the National Transportation and Safety Administration's website at http://www.nhtsa.gov/CPS/CSSRa ting/Index.cfm for more information.

2) Outlet Covers. Babies are naturally curious and inquisitive. When they reach the crawling state it's open season on anything that baby can access. This includes electrical outlets. While baby may not be able to get their fingers in the outlet, they are not beyond trying to stick something in. There are a number of manufacturers who make plastic covers. Any that cover the outlet will be adequate.

3) Cabinet and Drawer Locks. Babies also like to open doors and lower cabinet doors are the perfect target. A good quality cabinet lock will prevent possible poisoning or burns. Make sure that you install them properly and keep these items from attracting little hands. It may not be so much as what is in the drawer as the drawer possibly coming out completely and either hitting the baby or worse yet spilling the contents on the floor for baby to latch onto.

4) Gates. It is of course imperative to block off any hazards that baby should avoid at all costs such as stairways and other open doors or hallways. Sometimes the best prevention is just keeping baby away from hazardous areas. A good sturdy adjustable gate is just the trick. Make sure to read all the safety and installation instructions as proper use is paramount to a safe baby.

5) Common Sense. This one is probably the most overlooked, the cheapest, and the most deadly. Walk around your house and look for things that baby may become exposed to. Exposed electrical extension cords, low hanging cords from window blinds or shades, Small decorative items on end tables and floors or anything that could possibly be a hazard for a small child or baby. When boiling water on a stove always place the handles away from the reach of little hands. You'd be surprised what you might find.

These and many more safety tips can be found in books, libraries, the Internet or even your pediatrician's office waiting room. Remember an informed parent is a safe parent. And don't forget to talk to Grandma about her house as well. Stay vigilant and protect your little ones, because as they say an ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure.

Learn more about this author, Rick H. Blase.
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