Women's Health

Maternity

Post-Natal Care

Keeping Your Baby Safe

In a poisoning emergency… Call the Finger Lakes Regional Poison & Drug Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. .

You will be looking after the safety of your child for years to come. Here is a checklist of things you can do to get off to a great - and safe - start:

Car Safety

• Beginning with the trip home, every newborn must have a safety-approved car seat. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for correct installation.
• Newborns need to ride in the rear-facing position in the car, and never in the front seat.
• Never leave your baby alone in the car.

General Safety

• Never leave your baby alone on a couch, bed, changing table, or other high place.
• Be careful to watch other young children around your baby. They may become too excited or play too rough and accidentally hurt the baby.
• Do not prop bottles - this poses a choking hazard.
• Do not tie pacifiers around your baby's neck
• Do not give your baby any toys that have small pieces that can come off and cause choking.
• Do not carry hot food or drink and your baby at the same time.
• Do not hold your baby while cooking at the stove or a grill.

Nursery Safety

• Make sure your baby's crib meets current safety standards (most cribs made after 1974 are safe). Slats should be no further than 2 3/8 inches apart. Do not use a crib with old or peeling paint on it.
• The mattress should be firm and fit snugly (less than two fingers' width between mattress and side).
• Do not use pillows, comforters or fluffy blankets in the crib.
• Do not place the crib next to a window, heater, lamp, cords, or climbable furniture.
• Always place baby to sleep on his/her back.
• Changing table should have a safety strap.

Household Safety

• Install Carbon Monoxide detectors if you use gas or oil heat, or if you have an attached garage.
• Install and maintain working smoke detectors.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
• Set your water heater at no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Keep a list of Emergency Numbers near your telephone. Some numbers you will want to list here are:
  • Lifeline: 275-5151 or TDD 275-2700
  • 9-1-1
  • Poison Control Center
  • Your baby's doctors office and after hours numbers