As the title of this blog suggests, September is a very important month to all of us at RMC! It’s Baby Safety Month, sponsored every year by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. This year, JPMA is helping educate both parents and caregivers on the safe selection and use of juvenile products, while also encouraging those around them to become safety ambassadors through civic engagement.
Parents and caregivers have a lot to juggle—but their #1 priority is always the safety and health of the baby they’re looking after! Whether you’re about to have your first baby, your fourth baby, or you’re about to welcome grandchildren, now is the time to put some simple safety steps into action.
Baby Safety Month: Tips for Creating a Safe Environment
Did you know that injuries are the leading cause of death for children younger than four years old? The good news is that most of these injuries are completely preventable, and just take a little effort on your part to avoid.
While your child needs some freedom to explore their world, develop, and make important connections as they grow up, you also need to make sure that they stay safe while doing so. Unfortunately, you can’t protect them from everything, but here are a few things you can do:
One of the most effective ways to keep your baby safe is to get on their level. Get down on your hands and knees, so you can share your baby’s point of view. This is a great way to spot obvious hazards that you otherwise might not notice when you’re standing up or even sitting!
Make sure that furniture, televisions, or any heavy things that could fall over are secured. Cover up any outlets, and keep small objects out of reach. Make sure you’re always on the lookout for the not-so-obvious hazards as well—things like dangling tablecloths or poisonous plants in your yard.
Another simple thing you can do is check your baby’s surroundings every day. Your living environment is constantly changing, whether you realize it or not. Items are brought, taken out, and rearranged every day. Do a quick sweep first thing in the morning for anything that could be dangerous.
Always make sure that any gear or toys your child is using are age-appropriate; some regular things might seem like good toys, but could be dangerous. It’s also best to regularly inspect your child’s toys for missing parts, hardware, loose threads, holes, or tears. Replace things as needed.
The first few years of your child’s life are extremely important. They need to explore this big, wide world for themselves! But you can do your part in making sure they explore it safely. For more information and advice on all things babies, check out the rest of our blogs.