Your home has always seemed fairly hazard-free to you. But add a baby and suddenly there are little accidents waiting to happen all over the place! Start with these 7 golden rules and you’re home will be well on the way to becoming a baby haven…
- The biggest danger to him when he’s small is you or your partner tripping and dropping him. Keep floors and staircases clear of clutter and get in the habit of putting toys and equipment away when they’re not being used. Loose mats or frayed carpeting are tripping hazards so do something about them as soon as you spot a problem.
- Keep one hand free when carrying your baby – don’t load yourself up with toys or a pile washing as well – and always take him out of his car seat or carrycot when walking up or down stairs, even if it does risk waking him. If you do trip, you’re more likely to be able to hold your baby tight than the handle of the seat or cot.
- When you’re getting on with jobs around the house its nice to have your baby nearby to chat to. If he’s in a car seat or bouncy chair, always place on the floor rather than resting on a table or chair where it could be knocked over, and away from anything dangerous he can swipe out at or pull over. Strap him in securely and never leave him unattended or propped up on cushions on the sofa.
- Take great care near anything hot. Babies’ and young children’s skin is extremely delicate, and can be badly scalded or burnt by just a few drops of hot water, even up to 30 minutes after it’s been boiled and at a temperature that would have no ill-effect on an adult. Never make, carry or drink hot tea, coffee or food while you’re holding your baby, and keep them out of his reach.
- Always stay with him while he’s in the bath. Don’t be tempted to leave the room – even for a second - if he’s in a bath support. A baby or child can drown in seconds in just a few centimetres of water. Use a non-slip safety mat in the bottom of the bath and always run the cold water first.
- Never take your child out in the car unless he is strapped into the correct car seat for his height and weight, and one that is appropriate for the model of car. Car seats, once fitted or strapped in, should be pretty near rigid. If they wobble at all when you pull at them, they’re not fitted correctly. If you have problems with your car seat, go back to the shop where you bought it and ask for advice. Rear-facing baby or child car seats must never be put in the front passenger seat if the car is fitted with air bags.
- At around three months your baby will – with some extra kicking and wriggling – gain momentum and learn the rolling trick. And chances are he may want to show off his new moves while lying on the bed or changing table. So never leave him alone on any raised surface – a few seconds is all it takes for him to roll off the edge.
TIP: It’s a good idea to keep a first-aid kit somewhere accessible. You might also want to buy a first-aid book or go on a first-aid course. You’ll feel better knowing what to do in case of an accident, and if the worst happens, your prompt and correct action will be invaluable.
For more information and a range of free leaflets from the Child Accident Prevention Trust log on to www.capt.org.uk or call their information line on 020 7608 7364.
