According to the National Safe Kids Campaign, each year more than 4.5 million children are injured in the home. Parents, grandparents, family and friends can prevent many common serious injuries by knowing where the dangers lie and how to protect them.
Start by turning down the water temperature on your hot water heater to 110 degrees. Install window guards or adjust windows so that they cannot open more than six inches. Tie up cords that hold blinds so that a child doesn't get tangled in them. Cover all unused electrical outlets with safety plugs. Install gates when children start crawling. Do not place gates at the top of stairs though, some babies can climb up a gate and fall from and even greater height. Never leave anything on the stairs that you can trip on while carrying your baby. Keep all medications and cleaning products stored in a locked cabinet. Teach a child that the oven is "hot" and not to touch it. Finally get right down and look at things from your baby's point of view.
Just remember that baby-proofing is not a one-time event. As your baby develops new capabilities, new dangers arise, so check your home often.
Brought to you by Sutter Amador Hospital and Marie Lindsey, Director of Sutter Amador Hospital's Health and Pediatric Centers
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