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Baby Safety Tips

Baby Safety Tips

Infant safety tips you need to know, baby proofing solutions and products new moms need to keep your baby safe—in your home and on the go.

Changing Table Safety

  • Make sure the changing table is sturdy and has two-inch guardrails all around.
  • The top of the changing table should curve in, with the sides slightly higher than the center.
  • Don't leave your child alone on a changing table, even if there's a safety harness.
  • Keep all baby supplies within reach (for you, not baby).
  • Pieces of plastic diaper can be dangerous if your baby tears them off and swallows them.

Baby Car Seat Safety Tips

  • It's a law in every state that infants must ride in a federally-approved car seat. Do not use one that's more than 10 years old.
  • Learn how to install and use your infant car seat before your baby is born. You'll need to bring him home from the hospital in one.
  • The most effective seat has a five-point harness, with two shoulder straps, a lap belt, and a strap that goes through your baby's legs. These harness straps should fit snugly against your baby's body. Make sure the restraints are easy to fasten and unfasten.
  • The safest place to install the infant seat is the center of your car's back seat. Install it facing backward. When your baby gets older, you can move up to a forward-facing toddler or convertible seat.
  • Never place a rear-facing infant car seat in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag. Not even if the vehicle has a switch that lets you to turn off the air bag.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions about threading seat belts through the correct slots. Your car's seat belt may require a special locking clip to hold it tight. If you rock the seat back and forth, there should be no movement at all.

Safety Guide for Baby Carriers, Backpacks and Frontpacks

  • Look for a carrier made of sturdy materials that offers full back support for the baby. Make sure your baby can't slip through the leg holes.
  • If your backpack has an aluminum frame, make sure it's well-padded in case your baby bumps into it.
  • Inspect the carrier's seams, straps, and fasteners frequently.
  • Never bend at the waist when using a back carrier. You'll risk back injury, and your baby could topple out. Always bend at the knees.
  • Always use the restraining straps. Especially once your baby is about five months old (and restless).

Stroller and Baby Carriage Safety

  • Choose a carriage/stroller with a wide base, to minimize the risk of it tipping over.
  • Make sure any toys strung across the carriage are well-fastened.
  • Always secure your baby with the seat belt and harness.
  • As soon as your baby can sit up alone, it's time to stop using a carriage.
  • If there's a basket attached to your stroller, it should be low and near the wheels, for better balance.
  • Make sure the model you choose has easy-to-operate brakes on the wheels.
  • If you need a twin stroller, get one with a footrest that extends all the way across both sitting areas, instead of one footrest for each child.
  • When opening or closing a collapsible stroller, keep your baby's fingers away from the hinges.
  • Be sure your baby can't reach the release lever on your collapsible stroller when you're stopped.
  • Do not hang your diaper or shopping bags on the handles as it could make the stroller tip over. Use the carrying basket instead.
  • Never leave your baby unattended.

Baby-proofing your home

  • Make sure smoke detectors are installed and working properly.
  • Put safety plugs into all electrical outlets.
  • Don't leave electrical cords dangling where your baby can reach them.
  • Unplug all appliances, like hair dryers or electric razors, in the bathroom.
  • Install baby-proof latches on all drawers and cabinets.
  • Keep toilet lids closed or use latches.
  • Install safety gates at both the top and the bottom of stairs.
  • Avoid using accordion-style gates for doorways or stairs (a baby's arm or neck can get trapped). Opt for horizontal gates with slats that are 2 3/8 inches apart.
  • Remove poisonous plants or ones with sharp thistles.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen.
  • Turn your water heater down to below 120° to prevent scalding.
  • Place a non-slip mat or strips on the bottom of your bathtub.

All information on Enfamil, including but not limited to information about health, medical conditions, and nutrition, is intended for your general knowledge and is not a substitute for a healthcare professional's medical identification, advice, or management for specific medical conditions. You should seek medical care and consult your doctor or pediatrician for any specific health or nutrition issues. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment, care, or help because of information you have read on Enfamil.