Baby Things

4. What are some things I should look for in a bike helmet?

Make sure the bike helmet meets safety standards. Look for an ASTM, Snell or ANSI sticker or the new federal standard certification sticker inside the helmet and on the box. The bike helmet should sit squarely on your child's head, cover his forehead and not rock side to side or forward to back. It is best to take your child to a store to try on helmets before you purchase one. Make sure the helmet fits snugly and comfortably when the helmet straps are buckled.While shopping for a helment, you will want to know that the "L.A. Crusin" helment was recalled in Februauy 2000 for failing impact tests.

For more information on bicycle helmets click Here. According to this organization, bike helmets should be tried on and properly fitted. Therefore, we do not recommend purchasing them online.

5. We want to build a pool in our yard. How can we make sure it's safe?

The pool should be surrounded by four-sided isolation fencing, at least five feet high, equipped with self-closing and self-latching gates. Adults should be on hand at all times to supervise and should know CPR. Keep rescue equipment, a telephone and emergency number poolside.

It's also important to remember that pool covers are not designed to prevent children from drowning, so watch children carefully even around a pool that's covered. Keep water from collecting on the pool cover surface. Most importantly, NEVER leave a child unsupervised in or around a swimming pool, even for a second.Click HERE for a more detailed write up.

6. What makes some playgrounds safer than others?

The safest playgrounds are those that are well maintained (no broken, protruding or loose parts) and have ample soft surfacing. Recommended surface materials include hardwood fiber, mulch chips, pea gravel, fine sand and shredded rubber. Surfacing should be kept at least 12 inches deep and should extend a minimum of 6 feet in all directions around stationary equipment. Avoid playgrounds with asphalt, concrete, grass and soil surfaces under the equipment. Make sure that children are supervised at all times and that they play on age-appropriate equipment.

7. How can I keep my child safe from lead poisoning?

Protect your children from lead poisoning by encouraging them to wash their hands frequently. Contact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission with concerns about any consumer product that may contain lead. If your home was built prior to 1979, you may want to have the paint tested by lead-abatement professionals. If you believe your child may have been exposed to lead, ask your pediatrician to test his or her blood lead levels.

8. I own a gun and have children in my home. What safety precautions should I take?

You should always store firearms unloaded and locked up, with ammunition locked in a separate location that is up and out of reach of children. Use gun locks, load indicators and other safety devices on all firearms. You should also teach your children never to touch a gun and to tell an adult immediately if they ever find a gun.
Read about gun locks here.

9. At what age can my child cross the street alone?

In general, children 10 and over are able to cross the street safely by themselves. Children under the age of 10 should only cross the street under the supervision of an adult. Children ages 5 to 9 are at greatest risk for pedestrian death and injury. These children tend to think they are more independent than they are. Developmentally, they do not have the skills to make decisions about traffic patterns and do not clearly perceive danger.
 
 

10. What should I look for when buying a crib?

A safe crib will be certified to meet national safety standards and will have no more than 2 3/8 inches of space between slats or spindles and a mattress that fits snugly. The drop-side latches must work properly and be safe from unintentional release or release by a baby inside the crib. Crib cornerpost extensions or protrusions should not exceed 1/16 inch, including decorative knobs. Always keep the side rail locked in its up position when the baby is in the crib. Never use a pillow in the crib and remove all crib toys when your child is asleep. Do not place cribs near radiators, heating vents, windows, venetian blind strings, drapery cords or other hanging strings.For a longer explanation click Here.
Shop for cribs, high chairs, bassinets, etc. at these sites:
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BabySuperCenter.com
No cribs, but some great youth beds from Create your dream home! Great prices, fabulous selection, Red Carpet delivery - satisfaction guaranteed. Furniture.com!
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Buy strollers at BabyUniverse.com

11. Are baby walkers really dangerous?

Yes. Each year, more than 16,000 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms for baby walker-related injuries. DO NOT USE BABY WALKERS WITH WHEELS. There are several alternatives on the market that are stationary. Look for one that is on a stable, non-moveable base and place it away from stairs, hot appliances and window blind or drapery cords. Remember that children should never be left unattended — whether using a walker alternative or not.

12. What temperature should I set my hot water heater at to protect my child from scalding?

Hot water heaters should be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below in order to avoid scald burns to children.

13. Where in my home should I put the smoke alarm?

Install smoke alarms in every sleeping area and on every level of your home. Central locations such as the living room, the top of the stairwell and outside bedroom doors are good places.

14. How often should I replace my smoke alarm?

Test smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least once a year. The alarm itself should be replaced every 10 years.

15. Where should I put a carbon monoxide (CO) detector in my home and what do I do if it goes off?

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a poisonous gas that kills many people in the United States each year. In 1997, more than 3,000 children ages 5 and under were poisoned by CO. You can't hear, see, taste or smell the CO, but a CO detector can sense if it's in the air and alert you immediately.

Place CO detectors outside of sleeping areas and at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, wood stoves and fuel-burning kitchen stoves.

If your CO detector goes off, ventilate the home immediately by opening windows and outside doors. If anyone starts to experience flu-like symptoms, evacuate the house and call the fire department. After ventilating the home, you should turn off all fuel-burning appliances and call a qualified technician to inspect for sources of CO.

16. What is a small parts tester and where can I buy one?

Small Parts Testers, also known as “choke tubes,” are designed for testing which objects are small enough to pose a choking hazard to kids age 3 and under. If the item fits in the tester, it is too small for children this age.

Many discount stores, toy stores, hardware stores and safety device catalogs offer Small Parts Testers, which cost around $1.00- $2.00.

17. Where can I get childproofing devices?

Childproofing devices, such as electric socket covers, safety gates and window guards, can be purchased at hardware stores, baby supply stores, some discount stores and through baby supply catalogs.
 
 

18. Who do I contact if I have safety concerns about a consumer product?

Report any product-related injury or safety concern about consumer products, including toys, to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Call their hotline at (800) 638-CPSC or visit their web site at http://www.cpsc.gov. For questions about car seats, call the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration's auto safety hotline at (800) 424-9393.

19. What should I have in my first aid kit?