Being a parent is one of the most rewarding roles you can experience, but it can also be overwhelming. Amidst the joy of cuddles and smiles are the diaper changes and sleepless nights, all things you will be prepared for. However, parents often forget things in the early days of being a mom and dad. We take a look at 15 essential safety checks that parents often miss here:
Safe Bedding
The safest way for your baby to sleep is on its back on a firm mattress in a crib. Sheets should be fitted, as loose sheets and blankets are suffocation hazards. You should always avoid having any stuffed toys or pillows in the crib, as they could always be a danger if your baby moves about while sleeping.
Monitor Temperature
Babies, especially newborns, are not very good at regulating their own body temperature. An overly warm room can lead to overheating, which is a risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). You can buy a temperature monitor to monitor the temperature in your baby’s room, especially during warm weather.
Cabinet Locks
When your baby starts to crawl and eventually walk, their little hands will be everywhere. You should install cabinet locks to prevent them from accessing cleaning supplies, medications, or anything they can break and hurt themselves.
Safety Plugs
Little hands will also try to touch open electricity sockets, so you should cover them with plastic safety plugs. You can get a packet of plugs for a few dollars, and they should be placed over unused electrical outlets with safety plugs to prevent shocks.
Furniture Anchoring
It may not seem like heavy furniture can fall over, but it can be hazardous when babies start to pull themselves up on drawers and wardrobes. Secure furniture like bookshelves and dressers to the wall to prevent them from tipping over when your baby becomes active.
Sharp Object Stashing
It is easy to keep sharp objects like knives and scissors out of reach and leave things lying around by accident. It is best to keep sharp items locked in drawers and not be tempted to leave things lying around to put away later.
Water Woes
You should never leave your baby unattended in the bathtub, even for a second. There’s a drowning risk even in shallow water, as your baby can quickly wriggle or slip. You can buy bath seats and slings for added safety, but they should never be replaced by your watching them at all times.
Thermometer Test
Before bath time, always test the water temperature with your elbow to ensure it’s comfortable but not too hot. For further accuracy, you can buy a water thermometer or a bath with a built-in monitor and aim for a temperature between 99°F (37°C) and 100°F (38°C).
Car Seat Savvy
Most people know that car seats are essential for baby safety, and some hospitals do not allow babies to be discharged without one. However, not all car seats are installed correctly, so you should install them every time you use them. Refer to your car seat manual or have a professional check the installation.
Sun Safety
Protecting your baby’s skin from harmful UV rays with sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and wide-brimmed hats is essential. If you are out in your stroller, you should use a sun shade or an umbrella, but never cover the front of the stroller with a sheet, as this will make your baby overheat.
Stay With Your Baby While They Eat
You should always observe your baby while eating, even if it seems they have mastered weaning. When you have washing and chores to complete, leaving your baby for a minute or two in their highchair can be tempting. But it would be best to be on hand for choking incidents.
Keep Plastic Bags Out of Reach
Babies can be drawn to colorful plastic bags and easily get caught in them. If they get their heads stuck in a bag, they could suffocate. Keep all plastic bags, including nappy bags or dog bags, out of reach at all times.
Keep Blind Cords Out of Reach
Blinds and curtain cords are a strangulation hazard for babies. Once they start taking a few steps, you should ensure any cords are tied up and out of reach so your baby is not tempted to pull on them. If a baby can get the cord, they could wrap it around their neck in minutes.
Check Banisters
Balcony railings and banisters with gaps wider than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) pose a serious risk to small children. Their bodies can slip through, leaving them dangling in a dangerous situation. You can cover banisters with safety netting or boards until your baby grows.
Install Baby Gates
Many parents install baby gates to prevent their children from climbing the stairs once they start to crawl. However, you may need to place a baby gate in certain rooms, such as where your dog lives or the exit to your backyard.
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