While your baby’s safety is a top priority all year long, it can be helpful to know that September is a month dedicated to promoting child safety. Whether you are a new parent or caregiver, or an experienced one, information changes. There are many trusted resources to get the latest on infant and child safety for a variety of situations and daily routines. This can increase safety for your baby and family. Sharing the information with family only increases safety even more! Here are a few tips and resources you can follow from the crib to the water, to the car, and into playtime:

Crib Safety

• For baby’s crib, choose a firm mattress and always use a fitted sheet. Lay baby on their back and avoid using bumpers, blankets, and pillows in the crib. For colder nights, you can use a sleep sack.

• Place the crib away from windows that have blinds with strings or cords that baby could grab. Place decorations like shelves or pictures away from over the crib area to avoid items falling into the crib.

• Have a working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector installed outside the baby’s room.

Water Safety

• Before placing baby in a bath, check the water temperature with your wrist first. Immediately drain the water from the bathtub when bath time is over.

• Use a toilet lock to keep children from lifting the lid and falling in.  If you have a pool, install a fence around it that is at least 5 feet tall. Make sure everyone in the family, as well as babysitters, are aware of water safety and pool rules.

Car Safety

• Follow car seat installation instructions or check out local community resources who can assist with proper installation: https://www.pbcgov.org/PBCFR.CarSeatScheduler/#/

• While baby is in a car seat, always keep the harness buckled and place the chest clip level with your baby’s armpits.

• According to the AAP and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), children up to 3 years old should stay in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the top height or weight limit suggested by the car seat's manufacturer: https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats

Playtime Safety

• Playtime is important for baby’s development. Avoid toys with small parts and check toys for sharp parts that could cause scrapes or scratches.

• Keep toys stored in a bin or chest when they are not in use, disinfect them regularly, and occasionally check to see if any of the toys have been recalled. Keep older children’s toys separate from infant toys.

Welcoming a new baby into the home is a great time to take a closer look at your surroundings to make your environment as safe as possible. Enjoy your little one and have confidence in their play and their rest. You are a great parent!