Safety Tips

For babies:

• Your infant should always be in a rear-facing infant car seat securely fastened in the back seat when in a car or taxi.

• Toys should be simple and unbreakable with no small parts.

• Always place your baby on his back when he goes to sleep to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

• Exposure to cigarette smoke is bad for your infant's health.

• Never leave your baby alone on a bed or table; she may quickly roll off!

• Never leave your baby unattended in a sink or tub of water.

• Check your home for accident hazards, poisons, medicines, sharp objects, and table edges.

• Be careful when handling your baby.  It is dangerous for him to be jerked or shaken.

• Use plastic plug covers on electrical outlets.

• As your baby starts to pull to stand, she may be in danger of pulling down unsecured wall units, lamps and other objects on a table.  Dangling electrical cords and vertical blind cords are also a hazard.

• Use safety gates at stairwells.

• Install safety devices on windows, screens, and cabinet doors.

• A toddler car seat will be needed if your baby is over 20 lbs.

• Between 9-12 months of age, babies should receive a blood lead test regularly through age six.

• Small hard food, such as raisins, peanuts & popcorn, can cause a baby to choke.

• Poison proof your home.  Do not leave medicines on tables or dresser tops.  Use safety caps on medicines.  Be sure to have the telephone # of the Poison Control Center handy:  1-800-343-2722 within CT, or 860-679-3456 outside CT.

• Closely supervise your baby when he is outside.

• Prevent burns and scalds- keep hot liquids out of reach.  Pan handles should be turned toward the back of the stove.  Be careful when ironing and keep your toddler away from stoves, heaters, radiators and fireplaces.

• Always use non-toxic crayons and paints.

• Never leave your child unattended in a car or alone at home.

• Limit television viewing and do not use TV as a substitute for interacting with your child.  Turn off TV during meals.

• When your child reaches 40 lbs., use a belt positioning booster seat with the lap belt and shoulder harness in the back seat.  Continue until the child weighs 50 lbs.