Preventing Falls

• Install stair gates.

• Secure furniture to the wall.

• Use stationary play centers instead of baby walkers.

• Never leave your baby unattended on changing tables, beds or other furniture. Keep one hand on your baby while changing diapers.

Preventing Motor Vehicle Injuries

• Use a rear-facing car seat in a back seat of your car until your baby is at least age 1 and 20 lbs.  Then switch to a rear-facing convertible seat with higher weight and height limits. Toddlers under age 2 are safer riding rear-facing, if the seat allows it.

• Have your car seat checked by a certified child passenger safety technician to make sure it’s properly installed.

• Never leave a baby alone in a car, even for a minute.  Don’t overlook sleeping infants buckled into their car seat in a back seat.

Preventing Burns & Scalds

• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

• Set your water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

• Test the bathwater with your wrist or elbow before placing your baby in it.

• Don’t hold your baby while cooking or carrying hot foods and liquids.

• Never microwave your baby’s bottle. Heat bottles with warm water and test them before feeding your baby.

Preventing Poisonings

• Follow instructions and read labels when giving medicines to your baby.

• Use child-resistant packages.

• Learn the Poison Control number: 1-800-222-1222.

• Lock up medicines, household cleaners, poisons and dangerous items out of your baby’s sight and reach.