Double check the car seat straps and hide the fridge magnets: it’s Baby Safety Month! Created in 1983, Baby Safety Month exists to increase public awareness of safety issues and safe selection of baby products.
A home, while a sanctuary, presents many possible hazards for a young child. They might not be as obvious as you think; see if you can you find the 10 accidents waiting to happen in this house.
Even though parents will probably zip through the quiz, it’s never a bad idea to have a quick refresher. Those without kids could also use a review. Who knows when you might be drafted into last-minute babysitting duty or end up staying with family or friends with a young child?
Safe Kids Worldwide outlines four major, fixable safety concerns in the home:
- Burns and Scalding:
- Setting your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (or a manufacturer recommended setting) to avoid accidental scalding.
- Avoid heating baby formula or milk in microwaves —instead, heat bottles by placing them in warm water.
- Make sure barriers are in place around fireplaces, ovens, and stoves when they are in use.
- Choking:
- Always monitor a child when they are eating or playing.
- It never hurts to know CPR in case of an emergency.
- Check that all toys have appropriate age ratings and look for items that are JMPA (Juvenile Products Manufactures Association) or ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) certified.
- Falling:
- Keep babies strapped in while using high chairs, infant carriers, swings and strollers.
- Properly install window guards, with emergency releases in windows above the first floor in case of fire.
- Install approved safety gates at the tops and bottoms of stairs.
- Poisoning:
- Keep all medication, detergents, and liquid laundry packets locked up, out of reach, and out of sight.
Let the theme of this month remind you to do a double take of your surroundings anytime you’re with a baby. A few seconds well-spent could make a lifetime of a difference.
