Lil' Things Accident Prevention Hints

compiled by

Thomas B. Golden, R.N., B.S.N.

Dr. Baby Proofer, Inc.

 

1. Evaluate each room of your home using the hands-and-knees position. Hidden dangers within the fabric of the carpet, under the couch or its cushions will frequently be discovered.

2. Use cord shorteners, long electrical cords pose strangulation, tripping and electrocution hazards.

3. Bowls containing nuts, hard candies, popcorn or potpourri should be placed well out of baby's reach, to prevent a choking risk. Note: Most potpourri contents are also poisonous.

4. Glass top tables pose a threat for cuts, bruises or worse. Purchase a cushioning device for your child's safety.

5. Keep purses out of reach, many hazards are contained there-in, such as choking or poisoning agents.

6. Remove tipsy floor lamps, etc., which could fall and harm your child or be pulled over and through a window.

7. Place nightlights strategically to minimize the potential for falls during your night time trips into the nursery. Do not use "pretty" nightlights which stimulate your child to play with an electrical device.

8. One, two or more fire ladders on the 2nd floor provide another means to escape from a burning home. Practice fire drills!

9. Fire extinguishers should, at least, be placed in the kitchen, nursery and master bedroom.

10. Gates on top and bottom of staircases are a must. Never use a pressure gate at stairways.

11. We do not recommend electrical plug inserts for use in the home. Use them for your child's safety only when you travel and/or visit friends or relatives for very short periods.

12. Use child safety outlet plate covers of good design and quality construction to prevent burns and electrocution to your child.

13. The kitchen is the most dangerous room in your home:

A. Lock every cabinet and drawer to prevent access to contents, climbing and finger pinching hazards.

B. Cover all electrical outlets! Your child will eventually climb onto the counter tops.

C. Lock all appliances and refrigerator doors to guard against your child touching hot surfaces, cutting agents, poisons, suffocating hazards, etc.

D. Turn your hot water heater down to 120 degrees to help prevent scold type burns.

14. Your bathroom is the homes second most dangerous room to your child. Prepare for your child's explorations by:

A. Lock your toilet to prevent loss of valuables, flushing of stuffed animals and drowning of your young child.

B. Never leave your child unattended in the bathtub. Drowning only takes a second.

C. Lock all cabinets and drawers.

D. Cover all electrical outlets with outlet covers.

15. Nurseries require special attention to maintain your child's well being.

A. A smoke detector is highly recommended especially if you will ever close the door to this room.

B. Nightlights keep Mom and Dad safe from falls.

C. Recent research has determined that certain sleeping positions are safer for your baby, thus positioning props are recommended.

D. Mitts on baby's hands prevent scratches by sharp fingernails.

E. Monitoring equipment should be used throughout your child's pre-school years and can provide extra safety from abduction of an older child.

F. Window locks keep the bad guys out, your child in!

16. Bifold doors pose a very dangerous finger crushing hazard to little fingers. Bifold door locks are very helpful at preventing this type of injury.

17. Trigger locks should be placed on every gun in your home.

18. Doorknob covers provide excellent protection for short periods of time such as when you travel.

19. VCR locks prevent damage to this expensive appliance, but more importantly they help prevent amputation of little fingers.

20. A fall onto a raised hearth is a major cause for severe head injuries. Raised hearth cushions can eliminate or, at least, minimize this injury.

21. Fireplace tools are heavy and tipsy. Please place them in a closet out of your child's reach.

22. Secure bookshelves to the wall to prevent them from being pulled over by your climbing toddler.

23. Syrup of Ipecac is mandatory in the home of a young child. Never administer this medication without consulting your pediatrician or Poison Center.

24. Emergency telephone numbers should be placed by every phone in the home.

25. First Aid kits are essential for use at home and you should also carry one in each of your cars, for use while visiting playgrounds, etc.

26. Classes in C.P.R. and First Aid save lives. Please schedule yourself and all other care providers of your child into classes which end in certification.

27. Visitors to your home will not understand your safety precautions, therefore be more alert at those times when visitors enter your home.

28. Accidents are most likely to occur at specific times:

A. During preparation of morning meals.

B. During preparation of evening meals.

C. On weekends when the daily routine is changed.

D. During periods of care providers illness.

E. Anytime your back is turned.

29. An improperly used or secured car seat is not going to provide your child with protection in an auto accident. Please follow the instructions which came with your seat very carefully.

30. A baby view mirror keeps baby in view without the driver having to turn around.

31. A sun shade keeps the sun out of your baby's eyes and keeps the seat cooler. Either way, the journey is made safer.

32. And most importantly of all, NEVER LEAVE YOUR "LIL' THING" UNATTENDED. THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR CLOSE, CONSTANT ADULT SUPERVISION!