Injury is the leading cause of death among children. Some of the biggest dangers to babies are falls, burns or scalds, drowning, choking, suffocation or strangulation, and car crashes. The good news is that these injuries are almost always entirely preventable.
Parents can take steps to protect their new baby by:
- Recognizing everyday risks early, and taking precautions.
- Anticipating a baby’s new skills, and being prepared.
- Paying special attention at extra busy times of day Actively supervising.
The best way to prevent injury is to watch, listen and stay nearby. When you have to move away from your baby, put him in a safe place, like his crib.
Remember:
- Your infant can’t lift her head until she is about 4 months old, when her neck muscles are stronger, and then only for a short time. She can’t avoid conditions or objects that make it hard for her to breathe.
- Your infant can squirm and move along a surface long before she can turn over by herself. Even a newborn can wriggle enough to fall off the change table, bed or sofa.
- Your infant can grasp and shake things, reach for dangling objects, wave a fist and push down firmly with his legs—and fast enough to knock hot or sharp things from your hand.
Before you bring your baby home
- Make sure your crib has a permanent label with detailed manufacturing information, instructions and a warning statement about mattress size and proper use. Never use a crib that is missing this label, or one made before 1987.
- Check that all the crib bars are present and secure.
- The mattress should be firm, flat and fit tight within the crib frame. Sheets are smooth and tight-fitting as well.
- Corner posts shouldn’t be higher than 3 mm (1/8 inch) above the end panels.
- The frame must be solid, with no cut-out designs or openings where a baby could catch her head.
- Crib sides should lock securely in place when raised.
- Mattress support hangers must be secured by bolts and closed hooks. Don’t use a crib where these hooks are “Z” or “S”-shaped.
- Be sure to check for loose fittings regularly, especially whenever the crib is moved.
- Place the crib away from windows, window coverings and blind cords.
- Do not use bumper pads, pillows, lambskins, quilts, stuffed toys or comforters in the crib.
- Hang mobiles out of reach of your infant’s hands and fasten them securely to both sides of the crib.
- Don’t use a bassinet or cradle. Even an infant’s weight and movement can make them tip or collapse.
- Make sure that shelving or any heavy furniture is anchored securely to the wall.
- Install a smoke alarm in your baby’s room and check all the household smoke alarms to be sure they are working.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
Once baby is home, your precautions and behaviour will help protect her against the most common types of injury.
