Expecting a Baby? Make Sure Your Home is Prepared

Many soon-to-be parents are concerned with how to feed or bathe their newborn. It’s important to think about how to keep the baby safe, as well. Baby safety isn’t only for small children when they start crawling. The baby should be kept safe from the very first day in the home and beyond.

Cords
When you are sleep deprived and walking around with a crying infant, there are many things that can trip you like cords and wires from lamps and appliances. Remove plugs and wires from busy traffic areas. Plugs and wires should be moved to where they can’t be touched by a crawling baby too.

Water Temperature
Instead of worrying about scalding your new baby, you could turn down the temperature of the water heater to avoid any problems. Keep the temperature at 110 degrees. That temperature is hot enough for adults but not enough to burn a child.

Windows
Blinds should not have cords that could potentially strangle a child. They could get tangled in the cord. The crib shouldn’t be near the window either. Window guards are important for the baby’s room and anywhere else that the ledges are low.

Stairs
A gate at the very top of the stairs can be extremely dangerous. You could trip while carrying the baby and climbing over the gate. Set the gate back from the top of the stairs. Make sure the stairs are clear of debris too. A tumble down the stairs can cause damage to you or the baby.

Medication
Remove all medication from areas where the baby could possibly reach it. Move it from areas where the baby’s bottles are kept or prepared too. Accidents happen because they are unexpected, so it’s better to avoid the potential for problems ahead of time.

Blankets and Toys
Every parent sets up the nursery in anticipation of bringing home a baby. While it’s fun to be decorative and have blankets and stuffed animals in the crib, that should all be removed when baby comes home. Newborns should not have pillows in the crib either.

*