Safe & SoundCreating a safe environment for baby is the best thing you can do to ensure the first years are happy and healthy.
Adult Supervision – The only sure-fire way to keep your baby safe is direct supervision when juvenile products are in use.
Read Instructions and Warnings – For the safest product use, be sure to always read and follow all manufacturers' instructions and warning labels.
Second-Hand Products – It is recommended second-hand products should not be used for baby. However, if it is necessary to use older products, make sure they have all of the safety features outlined in this booklet, all parts are available, the product is fully functional, not broken, and has not been recalled.
Safest Option – Keep in mind that new products meeting current safety standards are the safest option.
Inspection During Use – Don't forget to frequently inspect products for missing hardware, loose threads and strings, holes, and tears.
Before leaving home, check your tub for smooth, textured or non-skid surfaces as this can affect your purchase selection.
Bath seats and bath rings should be used with children who are capable of sitting upright unassisted. Discontinue use when a child can pull to a standing position.
NEVER leave baby unattended. If you need to leave the bathroom, take the baby with you. Do not rely on older children to watch the baby for you.
Collect all bathing materials before bringing baby into the bathroom.
Never use a bath seat on textured or non-skid tub surfaces unless the manufacturer's instructions specifically state the seat is intended for such surfaces.
Place the bath seat in the tub so baby cannot reach the faucet or spout.
After running a minimum amount of warm water in the tub, carefully place baby into the bath seat.
If bath seat moves or tips while your child is in it, discontinue use.
Mobiles and any other toys that hang over the crib should be out of reach.
Never leave your baby alone in the activity center.
Heating baby food in a microwave is convenient, but be sure to check the temperature very carefully. Use microwave-safe dishes and stir food from the center out after heating to ensure the temperature is even.
NEVER leave a baby in a mesh play yard if its drop side is in the down position. The baby could roll into the space between the pad and loose mesh, causing suffocation.
ALWAYS secure the restraining straps and never leave a baby in the seat when straps are loose or undone.
When baby can crawl, it's time to block doorways and stairways with gates. Be sure to ALWAYS follow all manufacturers' instructions for installation and use.
Some gates are not appropriate for use at the top of a stairway. Check the product use recommendations.
High chairs should have a waist strap and crotch strap.
Some high chairs recline for use with younger infants or are height adjustable.
Use waist and crotch restraint every time you place a child in the high chair to prevent falls from standing up or sliding out.
Never depend on the feeding tray to restrain or protect baby. Instead, secure restraint straps.
NEVER leave a baby unattended.
Choose a play yard with mesh holes no larger than 1/4".Slats on a wooden play yard should be no more.
Don't tie items across the top of the play yard as they can entangle a baby and cause strangulation.