Injuries often happen when children are not supervised. Children need to
be watched all the time, especially children under age 3.
Children are not as alert when they are tired or hungry. They are more likely
to injure themselves before eating or before bed.
Injuries are more likely to happen when children are somewhere they haven't
been before, especially if the new place is not baby-proofed.
How can I baby-proof my home? To baby-proof your home, point out possible risks and take steps to protect
your children from them.
Explore your home from a child's point of view. Get down on the floor and
look around. What could he pull on, tip over, climb up on, break, or put in
his mouth?
Baby-proof your home ahead of time. Lock cabinets before children are able
to climb. Put gates up before children can crawl. Recheck gates often as your
baby grows.
Cover electrical outlets with plugs.
Lock windows or cover them with window guards so children can not fall through.
Set hot water temperature to 120 degrees F (49 degrees Celsius).
How can I prevent injuries?
Children are eager to try out new skills, such as rolling over, crawling,
walking, and climbing. Parents need to think ahead to what new injuries could
result from these new skills.
Talk to your doctor for more safety tips. As your child gets older, your
doctor will point out new risks.
Supervision
Supervise your children at all times.
Never leave your child alone even to answer the phone or the door. Take
your child with you or ignore the phone or visitor.
Childhood injuries often result from car injuries, falls, burns, drowning,
poisoning, and choking.
Injuries often happen when children are not supervised, when they are tired
or hungry, or when they are somewhere new.
To baby-proof your home, explore it from a child's point of view. What could
your child pull on, tip over, climb up on, break, or put in his mouth?
Children are eager to try out new skills, such as crawling and climbing.
Parents need to think ahead to what new injuries could result from these new
skills.
To prevent injuries, think ahead. Make your home a safe place for your child
to explore. Supervise your child at all times.
References
CaringForKids. Child Safety at Home and in the Car. Canadian Pediatric Society.
2002 January 29 (cited 2002 March 28).
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Wellness: Infant Safety Tips.
1998 August (cited 2002 March 28).
Cronan, K and Dowshen S. Babyproofing Your Home. 1999 March (cited 2002
March 28).
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