Lesia Oesterreich, M.S.
Family Life Extension Specialist
Human Development and Family Studies
Iowa State University
Copyright/Access Information
Babies are curious about everything. They explore by climbing,
touching, and pulling things down that they are not tall enough
to see. They see you turn on lights and plug in appliances, and
they try it, too. They don't know there is danger all around them.
Keep these items out of reach or otherwise safely protected.
COVER electrical outlets with inexpensive outlet caps
and covers or place furniture in front of outlets used infrequently.
Babies can poke metal objects into uncovered outlets. Buy inexpensive
outlet caps at the hardware store.
DISCARD electrical cords with worn covers or uncovered
wires. Babies can get a shock.
SECURE lamp cords so they can't be pulled down or tripped
over.
NEVER leave your child alone with a holiday tree. Those
bright lights can burn.
KEEP space heaters out of your child's reach.
KEEP appliances such as radios and hairdryers away from
bathroom sinks and tubs. Be a role model for safe behavior - do
not turn on appliances or lights while bathing in the tub, standing
on a damp floor, or before drying wet hands.
REMEMBER to put hot irons in a safe place so they cannot
be touched or pulled down.
USE the back burners on the stove for cooking. Turn handles
of cooking pots away from the stove front so they cannot be reached
by a child.
KEEP matches or lighters out of reach.
KEEP filled hot beverage mugs out of reach. Place a hot
cup you are holding in a safe place before picking up your child.
CHECK water temperature before placing your child in the
tub. Baby's skin burns more easily than an adult's. For safe bathing,
set water heater thermostats to low, warm, or 120 F.
EQUIP your home with at least one smoke detector on each
floor.
Content used with permission from the University of Vermont.