Protect Your Baby

You want to keep your baby safe. Here are some helpful tips:

Protect your baby at home

• Do not sleep with the baby in your bed.
• Cover electric outlets with safety plugs.
• Make sure there is no lead paint on the crib or anywhere that your baby can reach.
• Install at least one smoke detector and one multi-purpose fire extinguisher on each floor.
• Install at least one carbon monoxide detector in or near the baby's bedroom.
• Don’t attach pacifiers or other objects to the crib or baby with a cord.
• Don’t put a string or necklace around the baby’s neck. Make sure clothing and bedding don’t have loose strings or ribbons that could become wrapped around fingers, toes, or neck.
• Keep the crib free of small objects (safety pins, small toys, etc.) that could be swallowed.
• Check that crib bars are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. (A pop can should not fit between them.)
• Keep medicines, cleansers and plants out of your baby’s reach, or in locked cabinets. Child-safety locks for cabinets are available at hardware stores.

Protect your baby in the car

• Take your baby home from the hospital in an approved car seat.
• Never leave your baby alone in a car -- even for a minute.
• Never put your baby in the front seat if your car has an air bag.
• Put your baby in a back-facing car seat when riding in a car – every time. The safest place for your baby is in the middle of the back seat.
• Padding can be used for very small infants, but never put any padding between the car seat straps and your baby.
• Make sure you install the car seat according to manufacturer's instructions. If you need help, check with a car dealership (many install them free) or your local police department.

Protect your baby everywhere

• Keep your baby away from tobacco smoke.
• Keep your baby out of direct sunlight.
• Never shake your baby, which can cause brain damage.
• Never hold a baby while holding a hot drink.
• Never leave plastic bags or wrappings where your baby or child can reach them.
• If you use baby powder, shake it into your hand - away from your baby’s face - to avoid having it inhaled.
• Never leave your baby alone near water, or on a raised surface like a changing table or bed. Sometimes, babies can roll over even when you don’t expect them to.