Five Simple Ways to Make Your Baby Safer

2006-05-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt that baby safety is a top concern of parents, and it has spawned a multi-million dollar industry. The "baby proofing" section at Babies R Us is filled with new and improved ways to keep your precious little one safer. From the simplest outlet plugs to hundred dollar gates, parents can spend a lot of money to avoid every possible accident. Yet, for all the safety gadgets on the market, some of the most overlooked ways to keep a baby safe are simple and completely free. Here are five easy ways to make your baby safer, without spending a dime.

1. Don't flip the car seat just because it's legal. The American Academy of Pediatrics now officially recommends keeping a child in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the weight limit of the seat. The rear-facing limit on most convertible car seats is 35 pounds, well above the 20 pounds and one year old rule that is currently law in most states. Crash tests show that children riding rear-facing are much less likely to be injured in an accident.

2. Turn down the water heater. Severe burns from hot water can be avoided by keeping the temperature on your water heater at about 120 degrees. It doesn't take long for a baby to figure out how the faucet in the tub works, and even the most vigilant parent can't always move fast enough. It takes less than two minutes to sustain second or third degree burns from water over 125 degrees. Not only is it free to turn down the heat, it will likely even save you some money on your energy bill.

3. Get down and crawl around. You'd be surprised what hits the floor and isn't noticed until it turns up in baby's mouth. Make a regular habit of getting down and looking under the furniture. Check for small items such as coins, which could pose a choking hazard. While you are down there, keep an eye out for other possible hazards only noticeable from a baby's perspective.

4. Make sure your car seat is installed properly. Car accidents are the number one cause of death in children, and an incredible 70% of car seats are not being used properly. Free car seat installation checks are available across the country; you can visit www.seatcheck.org to find one near you. Whether you follow the first recommendation on this list or not, making sure the car seat you use is installed correctly is one of the most important things you can do to keep your child safe.

5. Check for recalls. Hundreds of baby toys and gear are recalled every year due to manufacturing defects. Recall information is readily available through the Consumer Product Safety Commission website at www.cpsc.gov. You can even sign up to receive emails when a new product recall is announced. Also, register items such as car seats with the manufacturer to ensure that you will be informed in case of a recall on that item.

While we can't protect our children from everything, we can take some easy steps to keep them safer every day. Some of the most common causes of injury and even death can be avoided without expensive products; a small effort can go a long way towards keeping your baby happy, healthy, and safe.

My Precioussss...

Five Simple Ways to Make Your Baby Safer