SAFETY CHECKLIST for Infants and Toddlers
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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 not be installed as this may contribute to a danger of suffocation.1 | ||
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 carefullybefore feeding. | ||
Never prop an infant's bottle |
Environment | |
Don't expose child to cleaning chemicals. This can contribute to serious neurological problems. Choose toxic-free cleaners instead, such as white vinegar in water to clean mirrors and floors; baking soda to clean sink and tub. | |
Don't expose child to second-hand smoke. This can contribute to serious respiratory problems. | |
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. | |
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 |
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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. |
Facts
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Shortcut to Healthy Hearts
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Annual Physical
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Blood Pressure
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Blood Pressure Log
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Blood Pressure Monitoring
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Taking Medicines Safely
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Medicines Record
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Menopause
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Caregiver Support
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Care Plan
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Child Development Checklist
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Safety Checklist for
Infants and Toddlers
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Improve Doctor–Patient Communication
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Path for a Healthy Heart
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Taking Coumadin
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Get Smart About Smoking
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How to Quit Smoking
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Heart Wellness
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