Green Child Magazine Spring 2016 | Page 8

It’s never Too Early to Baby Proof • Bathe baby in warm - not hot -water (96 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit). • Never, ever leave baby alone in the tub. • Place a nonslip mat near baby’s bathing area. • Consider a tub faucet cover to prevent baby from hitting her head on the hard spout. Toy Safety • Choose toys that are much larger than your child’s mouth to prevent choking. • Look for age-appropriate toys, since those for older babies and children may have small choking parts. • Give toys a once-over to check that seams are reinforced and loose buttons, beads, and other small items are secured properly. • And, of course, toys with sharp edges and peeling paint aren’t a safe choice for your baby. Safety for the Crawling, Cruising, Pulling Up Stages Try getting on your hands and knees for a “baby’s eye view” of her surroundings. There are often things adults may miss seeing that your child will quickly and curiously try to explore. • Cover all unused electrical outlets with safety protectors. • Hide electrical cords behind furniture or use a hide-a-cord device. • Make sure lamps, blow dryers, heaters, and other appliances are kept out baby’s reach. • Install door stops and holders to protect baby’s fingers. • Roll up, cut off, or tie up dangling cords from blinds and shades to prevent strangulation. Or opt for window treatments with loop cords. • Secure furniture (bookcases, dressers) to the walls. • Anchor flat-screen TVs with safety straps. • Keep heavy items that could tip over on lower furniture, pushed back away from baby’s reach. • Install a toilet seat lock to prevent mashing fingers or potential drowning. • Keep medication, vitamins, and cosmetics away from your baby’s reach. 8 • If possible, avoid pressure-mounted safety gates and purchase ones that need to be installed with screws or doorjambs. Install gates at the nursery entrance and at the head and foot of staircases.