How do I make my home safer for my baby?

Every year, more children under the age of five die from unintentional injury than all other causes combined. Accidents are also the leading cause of permanent or temporary disability in those over the age of one year. In the United States, 12 to 14 million children (one in four children under the age of 15) require medical attention due to accidental injury. The majority of these accidents occur in and around the home. To help create a safer home for your baby here are the top 10 baby proofing tips. Make sure the baby's crib is safe. Slats should be no more than 2 3/8" apart and bumpers should be removed by the age of five months or when your baby begins pulling herself up -- whichever comes first. Never keep stuffed animals or loose bedding in the crib. Rather, use a wearable blanket. Never leave a child unattended in a bathtub. Keep a cordless phone with you in the bathroom or let the answering machine pick it up. Children have drowned in less than 2 inches of water. Babies can begin pulling themselves up on furniture prior to walking. Be sure to have all heavy furniture, including the changing table, secured to the wall so it can not fall down on them. Caps on medicine and household cleaners are child resistant not child proof. Toddlers have been known to be able to open a child resistant cap in 10 minutes. All medicines and toxic substances should be kept in cabinets that have locks properly installed on them. This includes hairsprays, gels, mouthwash, powder and other toiletries. Never hold your baby in your arms when cooking. Hot oils and boiling water can splash onto them. Be sure to use the back burners when cooking and turn handles away from the front of the stove. Be mindful of the placement of furniture. Objects that can be climbed on such as beds, cribs, chairs, chests and desks should not be placed near windows. Replace all electrical outlets with sliding outlet covers. The small, individual outlet covers come out easily and are a choking hazard. Check baby's clothing regularly for loose buttons, snaps, etc. Never use strings to attach the pacifier to baby's crib or clothes and check that it is not getting old. When your baby is in a carrier, never place it on a counter or high surface. She could easily wiggle and topple over. Have a car seat inspection done by a member of the police department or someone certified in installing car seats. In a study completed by National Safe Kids Council, over 87 percent of car seats were installed improperly. Your child should always be in the back seat and rear-facing for an infant under one year and less than 20 pounds. Toys R Us often has free baby seat checking stations set up in their parking lots call for a schedule in your area. Many hospitals also provide this service at no cost. Car Safety Seats     Online Games Free Powerpoints