Baby Safety Checklist

Accidental injuries kill more than 4,500 babies each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Keeping your baby safe should be a number one priority as a new parent. Although it can seem overwhelming, following a simple checklist and going through each room of your home carefully can help you ensure ultimate safety for you new bundle of joy.

  1. Bath-Time Safety

    • Use caution when bathing your baby.

      Give your baby sponge baths every other day until his umbilical cord stump falls off. Begin to bath your baby in a tub around 2 to 3 weeks after birth (the stump should fall off by then.) Use a small tub filled with only enough water to cover your baby's bottom. Never leave you baby unattended, even in a small amount of water, as he could drown. Place a small towel in the bottom of the tub to prevent slipping. Have your washcloth, shampoo, soap and towel within reach so you can keep one hand on your baby at all times. Gently place your baby in the tub, then wash and dry him thoroughly.

    Travel Safety

    • Your baby should be in a car seat every time she is in the car.

      Install your infant seat correctly in your car prior to your baby's arrival. Place your baby in his seat, secure the straps tightly and place the infant seat into the vehicle. Never travel even a short distance without your baby secured in his infant seat. Dress your baby appropriately for the weather to prevent chills or overheating. Install a mirror on your rear seat allowing you to see your infant in his rear-facing seat. Never leave your baby unattended in your vehicle for even one minute.

    Sleeping Safety

    • Avoid using blankets or pillows in your baby's crib.

      Place your baby on his back to sleep every night. Use blanket sleepers or sleep sacks to keep him warm in cold weather. Avoid using blankets or placing stuffed animals or pillows in the crib to prevent suffocation. Remove the mobile and crib bumper pads once your baby can pull himself upright; he could injure himself if he tries to use these to climb out of his crib. Keep your baby's room at a comfortable temperature and use a baby monitor to listen or watch him while he sleeps.

      Some parents may use an older, hand-me-down crib. Be sure your crib meets all U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. You should not be able to fit anything larger than a soda can in between the crib slats to prevent entrapment. Do not use a crib with any damaged parts or peeling paint, which can cause injury, choking or lead poisoning. Use a firm mattress that fits snugly in the crib frame. Drop-side cribs are no longer recommended due to the possibility of the side coming loose or falling while the baby is in the crib.

    General Safety

    • Keep your baby safe and happy by childproofing all areas of your home.

      Never leave your baby unattended on a changing table, in the bathtub, in the car or with another young child or pet. Place outlet covers over every electrical outlet your child can reach once he becomes mobile. Use cabinet locks on any cabinet that contains medication or cleaning supplies. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home on every floor. Make sure any blind cords or other strings are away from your baby's play and sleeping area to prevent strangulation. Keep all houseplants out of baby reach to prevent poisoning.

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