Baby Safety Awareness

Nothing compares to the excitement of preparing your home to welcome the newest member of the family. However, preparation must always be done carefully to ensure that babies are kept safe in their environment and from the dangers of baby products such as car seats, cribs and even bassinets.

For instance, a baby’s bassinet is the last thing a parent would expect to cause harm. However, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission issued a press release warning parents to stop the use of certain bassinets after two babies we strangled to death by bassinets this year. The closed sleeper bassinets entrapped the babies with their metal rods, ultimately leading to their death. As delicate as babies are, even the smallest object is likely to cause injuries.

Although Baby Safety Month occurs every year in September, it’s never enough to continue educating parents on ways to prepare for a safe environment.  

The American Academy of Physicians has taken the task of assisting parents with their baby’s first years. First, the cribs bards should not be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby from slipping through the cracks or from being strangled. The mattress should be snuggled to the side of the crib because open space can cause the baby to suffocate if the head is able to fit through. The space between the mattress and the crib should be no more than two inches.

Once the baby begins to push up from the crib, make sure to remove any toys or objects inside the crib to prevent any falls. Other crib safety tips include:

·         Removing any cords or hanging object s such as curtains or electrical cords.

·         Hanging toys away from the crib or at least 6 inches out of reach.

·         Crib strings and toy strings should also be removed.

·         Don’t allow babies to sleep on pillows, water beds, bean bags, cushions, or any other sleeping items.  

·         While asleep always place babies on their back.

·         Use a thin blanket or a baby-designed blanket as cover while sleeping, and tuck the ends of the blanket to the side of the mattress.

According to Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, the sagest and surest way to keep your baby away from danger is through direct supervision. This is especially important during bath time. Since babies can drown in even the smallest amount of water, never and for no reason leave a baby alone or with an older child. If you feel the need to answer the phone or the door bell, take the baby with you. But not even for a second, should babies be left alone during bath time.

Due to a baby’s delicate skin, measure the water temperature before every bath to prevent burns.

·         Water temperature should be 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less.

·         Measure the water temperature by placing a meat thermometer in the water for 3 minutes.

·         Place the bath seat in the tub so the baby is unable to reach the faucet.

·         If the seat moves or tips, discontinue use.

When determining the safety of a baby product, make sure to always read and follow the user’s manual and the warning statement. Second-hand products are not recommended for any reason for babies.

Car seats are mandatory in all 50 states, so learning to select and position it properly is the next big step.

·         Ensure the car seat is appropriate for the child’s height and weight.

·         Place it in the back seat for safety.

·         Babies one year and younger must ride in a rear-facing position and NEVER placed in position of a frontal air bag.

·         Make sure it’s securely installed through a locking clip or locking belt.

Since babies can’t tell the difference between candy and medication pills, all medications, detergents and other poisonous items should remain in a locked cabinet at all times. Poison Control Centers in Texas:

·         Central Texas Poison Center

       Scott and White Hospital

       2401 S. 31^st St.

       Temple, TX  76508

·         North Texas Poison Center

      Parkland Memorial Hospital

      5201 Harry Hines Blvd.

      Dallas, TX  75235

·         South Texas Poison Center

       The University of Texas Health Science Center

       San Antonio Department of Surgery

       7703 Floyd Curl Dr.

       San Antonio, TX  78229

·         Southeast Texas Poison Center

       The University of Texas Medical Branch

       3112 Trauma Building

       Galveston, TX  77555

·         Texas Panhandle Poison Control

       1501 S. Coulter

       Amarillo, TX  79106

·         West Texas Regional Poison Control

       Thomason Hospital

       4815 Alameda Avenue

       El Paso, TX  79905

The poison centers can be reached by calling 1 (800) 222-1222.                              

Detecting symptoms of an illness is sometimes hard to tell in babies, but if you have suspicions do not hesitate to call your physician. According to Medline Plus, a baby is required to visit their doctor every couple of months for check-ups and immunizations. After their first year, doctor visits aren’t so frequent.

There aren’t any small tasks nor is it too early to begin preparing for a baby to grow in a safe environment. Becoming educated and aware of the different and sometimes mandatory approaches to baby safety is the first step for parents.

Article written by: Belinda Colunga, Community Health Corps Member