Encourage Your Baby to Explore Safely
Never leave your baby to explore in a room alone. Always make sure there are safe places to play when you can't give him or her your full attention. If the room you are in is not baby-proofed, you can put her in a play seat (without wheels) or a playpen for a short period of time.
Check your home again to make sure it is safe for your baby to explore. Put dangerous or breakable things in a locked cabinet or up high and out of reach. Do not expect her to leave these things alone just because you say “No!” Putting them away is easier and safer. Keep furniture away from windows so your baby cannot climb up and fall out. Window screens are not strong enough to hold him or her inside.
When you buy a toy, check to see what age child it is meant for. Your baby is not old enough for toys with small pieces or sharp edges. She will enjoy simple toys, such as plastic cups in the bath or a large cardboard box.
Keep Your Baby in His Car Seat
Keep your baby in the back seat of the car and buckled into the car seat. A car seat that is used correctly can save your baby’s life and is required by law. Babies should sit rear-facing until they reach the weight OR height maximum for their car seat. For most babies, this will be after age two. You may want to turn your baby forward facing at age one, but it is five times safer for him or her to stay rear-facing as long as possible. This protects your baby's head, neck, and spine from serious injury.
As your baby gets more active, he or she may not want to stay in the car seat. To help him or her be happier during the ride, talk and sing to your baby or give him or her soft toys.
Never leave babies or children in the car without an adult, even for a short time. It is very dangerous.
Lock Up Things That Could Poison Your Baby
Older babies and toddlers are curious. They learn to open containers (even ones that are child resistant) and may eat things that will harm them, such as:
- Cleaning powders and liquids.
- Iron pills, vitamins, and medicines.
- Liquid nicotine, marijuana products, and mouthwash.
Keep these kinds of things on a high shelf in a closet or cupboard with a door that locks. If you think your child has been poisoned, remain calm and call the Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. If your child is unconscious, having convulsions, or has trouble breathing, call 911.
Prevent Burns (Scalds) from Hot Foods
Your baby can get burned by hot water, drinks, or food. Watch him or her closely in the kitchen.
- Keep pots, bowls, and cups away from the edge of the table or counter.
- Use the back burners and always turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.
- Avoid using tablecloths. Babies can pull hot things off of the table and onto themselves.
- Do not hold hot drinks when you are holding your baby, your baby is in your lap, or when he or she is in a stroller.
Contact the Northwest Burn Foundation at 1-888-662-8767 for a free scald prevention kit.