Safety Checklist Infants & Toddlers

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cartoon-style graphic of a baby holding a compact disc like it was a toy

SAFETY CHECKLIST

for Infants and Toddlers

Crib
	Bars should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart
	Railing should be at least 26 inches higher than the lowest level of the mattress support
	Mattress should fit snugly into crib
	All surfaces should be smooth
	A bumper guard should be installed to protect infant from the hard railing
	Do not place the crib near a hot radiator or cold draft
	No pillow should be used in the crib

Change Table
	The table should be sturdy
	It should have a strap to secure infant
	Never turn your back on the baby while changing a diaper, even if using the strap

Car Safety
	Children under forty pounds should be placed in a car seat
	Infants ride facing the rear of the vehicle
	Everyone over forty pounds should wear a seat belt with shoulder harness or use a booster sear with a seat belt

Toys
	Toys should always be appropriate for age
	Avoid toys that have buttons or small objects that can easily be pulled off and swallowed
	Don't give any child a toy with a sharp edge
	Avoid toys that are breakable

Bathing
	Water should be tepid. Check temperature carefully using your elbow or a bath thermometer
	Never leave an infant or toddler alone in a tub.
	Keep room draft-freer

Feeding
	Keep infant in upright position to prevent choking
	Check temperature of formula or baby food carefully before feeding.
	Never prop an infant's bottle

Environment
	Remove poisonous houseplants (e.g. philodendron, poinsettia leaves, caladium, narcissus, daffodils)
	Electrical outlets should be in good repair.
	Install protective electric outlet covers to guard child if he/she is drawn to poking items into outlets
	Instruct child never to play with matches. Keep matches and cigarette lighters well out of reach
	Don't expose child to second-hand smoke. This can contribute to serious respiratory problems
	Toddlers should be instructed about an emergency fire escape plan. Plan two escape routes
	Every home should have smoke alarms
	Every home should have a fire extinguisher
	Never leave a baby unattended on a bed or sofa, even if the baby is strapped into a carrier
	Never leave a child alone near a pool, pond or water source of any kind
	Pets should be supervised closely around children
	Handles on pots should be turned to the back of the stove to prevent a child from pulling on it
	All low cupboards should be emptied of any solvents or detergents that are harmful if swallowed. Use lock-latches, if necessary
	Keep vertical blind cords out of reach of children
	Keep all cords, ropes and scarves away from children. Don't allow child to tie a cape of other costume garment around neck
	Know the Heimlich maneuver
	Keep all medicines out of reach of children
	Use safety gates to protect child from stairs
	Use a playpen or crib to protect the baby or toddler if distracted with a phone call or some other distraction
Babysitter
	Take special precautions when selecting a babysitter. Is the sitter qualified? Does the sitter have experience? References?
	Have the sitter visit beforehand to spend some time with you to become familiar with baby's routine
	Prominently post the phone number of the place where you will be
	Keep emergency numbers for fire, police, poison control center and doctor posted next to the phone
	Always have a telephone that is in good working order
	Check if the sitter knows the Heimlich maneuver for choking emergencies. Review this with sitter, if necessary

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©1999-2000; updates: 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007 Women's Heart Foundation, Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited. The information contained in this Women's Heart Foundation (WHF) Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and WHF recommends consultation with your doctor or health care professional.