From the moment you bring your baby into this world, you play an important role in keeping them safe. As a parent, whether you're new to the journey or have been down this path before, ensuring your baby's safety is paramount. This can be a challenging time, filled with questions and concerns about how to provide the best care and protection for your little one.
This Baby Safety Month, and every day of the year, prioritize your baby's safety with these essential tips:
Baby-Proof Your Home: Before bringing your baby home, take the time to baby-proof your living spaces. To ensure their safety, envision the world from their perspective. Get down on your hands and knees and scrutinize every room for potential hazards. Address any electrical issues, secure wobbly furniture, eliminate hanging tablecloths and dangling cords, and remove potential choking hazards. Remember, if an object can fit through an empty toilet paper roll, it poses a choking risk.
Ensure Car Safety: Properly installed and appropriately sized car seats are vital for your baby's safety during travel. All 50 states have laws mandating the use of car seats. In New Jersey, you can find car seat inspection stations by visiting this link, and for those outside the state. For those residing outside of the state, visit Safe Kids to locate child passenger safety (CPS) technicians near you who can check your car seat's installation and teach you how to use it correctly.
For additional resources on car seat safety and finding certified child passenger safety technicians near you, consider the following options:
Attend a safety event sponsored by a Safe Kids Coalition in your area.
Find child passenger safety technicians in your locality through the National CPS Certification Program.
Refer to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's directory of inspection stations to locate additional resources.
Prioritize Sleep Safety: Create a safe sleep environment for your baby. Ensure the crib is sturdy with no cutouts, the mattress is firm, flat, and fits snugly, and always place your baby on their back for every sleep. Never use blankets, pillows, bumpers, or toys in the crib. Utilize a baby monitor when your baby is sleeping or napping to keep a close watch over them.
Smoke and Fire Safety: Protect your baby from the dangers of smoke and fire by never smoking around them. Ensure your smoke detectors are in working order, and keep at least one fire extinguisher in your home.
Remember, you can empower yourself to navigate the challenges of parenthood and provide the best care for your baby by seeking support. Acenda's teams are dedicated to assisting new and expectant parents on their unique journey.