Adults have a lot to keep in mind when it comes to keeping children safe. September - Baby Safety Month - offers a great opportunity to review tips that can help to protect the family’s youngest members.
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“There are many considerations to keep in mind when infants and toddlers are involved,” said SSM Health Pediatrician Dr. Dan Beardmore. Potential safety issues for infants and toddlers seem to be everywhere, but proper education and preparation can make a difference.
In the home
Childproofing, which may include installing baby gates at stairwells, placing covers in outlets, installing cabinet stops or doorknob covers, is extremely important as soon as an infant is mobile.“It doesn’t take long for infants to start exploring once they are able to pull themselves or crawl on the floor,” Beardmore said. “Once they are walking, they can – and will – try to go everywhere.” From early on, it’s important that families take special care to remove any potential choking hazards, and always be on the lookout for them.
Choking hazards could include anything from small decorative items on low shelves, to coins or batteries in an unsecured cabinet or drawer. “It’s important to also determine age-appropriate foods as infants began to transition to eating solids,” Beardmore said. “Initially start with purees off the spoon, and when they are grabbing and putting food in mouth make sure it is at first dissolvable, gummable or mashable - or do that for them before serving.”
A child’s room or primary play space should include age-appropriate toys, and furniture that is solid and secured to the wall. A safe sleep space and routine is also crucial. Infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep. Their crib or bassinet should include only a firm mattress with a fitted sheet. No toys, crib bumpers, pillows, or other decorative items should be present. “There has been a decline in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) cases nationwide since the 1990s, when these guidelines were introduced,” Beardmore said. “Safe sleep strategies do help.”
Outside the home
Not every space outside the home has been scrutinized for safety. It’s important to be on the lookout for potential issues. When traveling, infants and young children should always be properly restrained in a car seat or booster seat whenever they are in a vehicle. “Even for very short trips, like going in and out of stores in the same shopping complex, it’s important that children have been completely buckled in with the straps properly adjusted,” Beardmore said.
Adults should also always double-check that they do not leave a child in their car seat. “Nobody ever thinks that they would be the person to forget a child in their vehicle, but we have all seen and heard the tragic news stories – it does happen,” Beardmore said. “It’s best to always double-check your back seat before leaving a vehicle.”
Young children should also always be dressed appropriately for the weather, as they often cannot say whether they are too hot or too cold. In the winter, be sure to change the little ones out of their puffy winter coats before securing them in the car seat.
At all times, it’s a good idea to have a family emergency plan in place. Know your primary care providers’ names, any medication allergies, or important medical details. If you don’t have the phone numbers of emergency contacts memorized, be sure to write them down in a secure location that you will be able to access.
To learn more about baby safety and family safety plans, visit the CDC. Anyone with questions about their child’s particular needs should reach out to their primary care provider or pediatrician.
