With a little forethought, you can easily eliminate several hazards that may cause your child to fall.
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How You Can Help
* Strollers, baby carriers, highchairs, changing tables, and many other items for babies and small children come with safety straps, which prevent falls when used properly (Fig. 1). Using a safety strap will also prevent a child from slipping into a stroller or highchair leg opening where they can become trapped.
* Although it is no substitute for supervision, you can use safety gates (Fig. 2) to block stairs and other areas of your home that pose a danger to your exploring baby. When buying a safety gate, keep in mind that the accordion-type with diamond or v-shaped openings can pinch fingers and trap heads.
* If your baby uses a walker, be sure to remove throw rugs and other uneven surfaces that may cause the walker to topple over. Also, prevent access to stairs.
* Don't place furniture below windows, as a child could climb up to the window and fall out. If possible, open windows from the top, not the bottom. For added security, install childproof latches or locks so windows open only partially.
* Don't trust that a window screen will keep even a small child safely inside.
* Place skidproof rugs or mats near shower and other glass doors. Put decals or tape on hard-to-see glass doors to caution both adults and children. Install child- and adult-height handrails in the bathroom.
* Staircase balusters, porch and deck railings, and fence pickets should be spaced no more than 4 inches apart so that a child's head cannot become trapped.
