They crawl and creep, touch and taste– this is how babies connect and
explore the outside world in their own unique way. As new parents, your
apprehension about how to ensure a safe environment for your baby is
quite inevitable. But you needn’t panic over the thought.
| You could begin venturing in to the process, when your baby is young
enough to be bound in the close confines of her bassinet. Utilize this
time viewing objects from the perspective of your growing baby who will
eventually start moving about speedily and then take up to walking.
After having figured out objects that can act as an obstacle and prove
dangerous for your baby’s health, begin baby proofing the house. As this
cannot remain a constant process, you would have to keep making desired
modifications as per your baby’s increasing height, growth and reaching
capabilities.
| Building in a Safe Environment
- Baby crib:- While buying a
baby crib, make sure that the crib bars are
no more than two 3/8 inches apart to prevent the infant from getting
their heads stuck between them. As babies begin rolling on to their
sides, their body parts can get wedged between the sides of the mattress
and the crib. So look for a well fitted mattress that tucks in tightly
against the sides of the crib. When your baby gradually begins to push
herself to a standing position, check out for the following:-
- Soft toys and pillows, toys that hung across the crib should be
removed.
This is because; your baby can use them as a support to climb, lean
over and eventually fall.
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| - Baby’s room:- Distant the crib from curtain cords and electric cords.
Tie them up if they are less than six inches long or simply remove them,
as this would prevent it getting entangled around your baby’s neck.
Cover electrical outlets. Get installed appropriate baby proofing clasps
on fridge and cupboard doors so that your baby doesn’t hurt her
fingers. Similarly, avoid placing bowl of hot foods along the edge of a
low lying table that your baby could easily reach for.
- Objects lying on floors:- Mechanical suffocation and choking are one of
the leading causes of increased home fatalities to babies under one year
of age.
Make sure that the following foods and objects are never found lying on
the floor:-
- Popcorn, grapes, raisins &nuts.
- Sharp objects like knives, scissors and razors.
- Hard candies.
- Pieces of raw vegetables e.g. a small piece of lady finger can choke
your baby’s throat.
- Plastic bags, deflated balloons, unattented burning cigarettes.
- Coins, button sized batteries, rings & nails.
- Bath time:- It’s very important to check the level of water in the
bathtub as babies can drown even if the water level is very low. Don’t
leave your baby unattended, while you are multitasking other household
chores. Check the temperature of water in the bathtub with your whole
arm and not just finger tips. If the water feels warm on your hand, it
may be too hot for your baby’s skin. When you place your arms in baby’s
bathtub, consider for a temperature that is ideally lukewarm to your
hands.
- A baby bath thermometer if available can also be used to adjust the
temperature to less than 37 degree celcius.Gently place your baby in
bathtub, supporting her head and neck with your hand all along while you
bathe her. Electrical gadgets should be unplugged and kept away from
baby’s bathtub.
- Toys:- An inseparable buddy for your baby, be very careful when it
comes to selecting and buying them. Your baby can easily chew, twist and
prod. So strictly keep away from playful marbles, toys with sharp
edges. Objects smaller than one ¾ inches in diameter are small enough
for your baby to easily gulp, thereby suffocating her. This holds true
even for colourful ball games. If any strip of the board breaks, your
baby gains easy access to the small plastic balls that can be swallowed.
Purchase toys that are meant for your baby’s age. It should also
display safety information that reads ‘’recommended for babies under so
and so age only or non toxic’’. Opt for washable and hygienic soft toys
and dolls.
- Medicines and House plants:- Keep all sorts of medications and
cleaning agents locked in secured cabinets. Even small heighted
houseplants should be kept away from your baby’s approach. This should
not be overlooked from the time your baby begins to crawl. But if
accidently she happens to ingest a small portion of it or has swallowed a
tablet, then refer her to an immediate medical help.
- Windows and stairs:- Guard the top and bottom of the stairs with
toddler gates. The slats should not be wide enough for her to get easily
trapped in them. Windows in your baby’s room should have bug protective
screen and should not be fitted with any kind of pulling cords. A small
table or a chair should not be kept close to the window for your baby
to easily climb up. But even if he does so and leans over, the
intricately designed protective grills for the windows should save him
from doing further harm to himself.
| However besides keeping in mind the above mentioned considerations, it’s
always wise on your part to keep a strict vigil on your baby’s
movements and let them know- you are their best guard.
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