As you hold your new bundle of joy in the hospital, you promise to always love and keep your baby safe. You know he/she depends on you for everything, and you want to give your baby your best. Besides following general home safety tips especially for baby:

Bathing

• Bathe baby in a specially designed, slip-resistant infant bathtub.
• Fill tub with 2-3 inches of warm—not hot—water (check temperature with your wrist or tub thermometer. The water should be between 96-100 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Stay within arm’s reach of your baby while he or she is in the tub.

Nursery

• Bassinet and/or crib should meet current safety standards.
• Keep items such as pillows, comforters, quilts, and stuffed toys out of the bed.
• Mattress should be firm and fit snugly within the bassinet/crib.
• Remove mobiles when baby can sit on his or her own.
• Remove bumper pads and shift crib mattress to lowest position when baby can pull to a standing position.
• Keep bassinet/crib positioned away from windows, heaters, lamps, and other furniture.
• Do not leave baby unattended on a changing table, and be sure to use the safety strap.
• Avoid walking away from baby by keeping all changing supplies within arm’s reach of changing table.
• Always put your baby to sleep on his or her back.

Feeding

During the first year of life, eating is constantly an adventure. Baby can rapidly move from breast milk/formula to trying his/her first table foods. Plus, babies use their mouths to learn about their world, so many non-food items also find their way into little mouths. Due to all of the action these mouths see, choking is an inherent danger. Following are a few tips for keeping your baby safe:

• Until age 4, avoid foods that can block the airways such as: peanut butter, hot dogs, popcorn, whole grapes, raw carrots, raisins, nuts, hard candies or toffees and chewing gum.
• Provide safe finger foods such as bananas, well-cooked pasta and vegetables, o-shaped low-sugar cereals (such as Cheerios).
• Keep items such as coins, buttons, balloons, safety pins, barrettes, and rocks out of your child’s reach.
• Follow age recommendations on toys, especially those with small parts, and make sure toys are in good repair.
• Be vigilant. Small children put many things in their mouths. A watchful adult is often the best defense.

Other

• Purchase and correctly install an infant car safety seat.
• Avoid burns by not holding your baby while cooking or holding hot food or beverages.
• Never leave baby unattended on beds, sofas, chairs, or any place where he or she may fall.
• Install baby gates at the top and bottom of stairways.
• Never leave baby alone with other young children or with pets.
• Before baby begins crawling childproof your home.