Baby Equipment
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-644 -- More Projects »
Family expert Dr. Bra Vada Garrett-Akinsanya offers safety tips for baby equipment.
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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
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- Keep bedding simple. Use a sheet, one blanket and bumper pads (figure A). Remove the bumper pads from the bed once the baby is able to pull itself up.
- Cribs should have slats that are no less than two inches apart. You shouldn't be able to put your fist through the slats (figure B).
- Never hang bags or purses from a stroller handle (figure C). The weight of the purse may tip the stroller on its back, and baby could fall out.
- Do not put plastic covers over a baby's mattress.
- The mattress should fit snugly in the crib. Also, make sure that the baby can't pull off the sheets.
- Don't use pillows until the child is at least 3 because younger infants can suffocate on pillows.
- Baby cribs are built to certain safety regulations, therefore you should avoid using an antique or homebuilt crib.
- A mobile above the crib should be removed once the baby is old enough to stand.
- Do not place toys in the crib with the baby.
- Make sure that toys are appropriate for baby's age.
- Do not allow babies to play with toys that have missing parts.
- Be sure the car seat you're using is right for your child's age and weight. Read all instructions that come with the car seat before using. Also, make sure that the car seat is appropriate for your car and is installed correctly.
- Keep a towel under the baby's car seat to protect the car upholstery from spills.
- When purchasing a backpack carrier, be sure there aren't any pinch points when folding, that there is a restraining strap and leg holes that are small enough to keep baby's legs in, yet large enough to prevent any chafing.
- If the nipple on a pacifier is cracked, throw it away. Also, do not use pacifiers that have a string or ribbon attached.
- Be sure that changing tables come complete with safety straps.
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