114 HAWAII PARENT NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 kitchen to find her in the refrigerator taking the eggs out and dropping them on the floor. She was having a blast! To avoid scrambled eggs on the floor, or worse yet, an injury, there are many gadgets now that parents can install in the home to make it safer for baby. William Sears, M.D., and Martha Sears, R.N, authors of numerous parenting books, suggest parents get down on their hands and knees and crawl from room to room looking at things from baby’s vantage point and for things within a toddler’s reach. If there are older children in the house, invite them to join you on the safety tour. This teaches them to be safety conscious for their younger siblings. Once a baby is mobile, home safety should become a daily chore. Baby-Proofing for the First Few Months The following suggestions are from Parenthood.com • If you use a crib, make sure it is manufactured since 1992 as it meets safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM). • The crib mattress should fit snugly, so your child cannot slip between the mattress and crib. • Avoid cribs that have elevated corner posts or decorative cutouts in the headboard as a baby’s head could become trapped, or loose clothing could become snagged causing strangulation. • Be sure crib slats are 2 3/8 inches apart or less, so baby’s head does not get trapped between them. • Make sure the crib is assembled securely to prevent it from collapsing. • Stuffed animals, soft bedding, pillows, electric blankets and heating pads should never be placed in cribs. • Always have a hand on baby when using an infant changing table. • Always strap baby in when using a bouncy seat or swing. • To prevent fire, nightlights should be at least three feet away from the crib, bedding, and draperies. • Water heaters should be set to 120 degrees F or below. Four Months to One Year • Any item that can fit through in a cardboard toilet paper roll should be kept out of a baby’s reach. • As soon as your child can touch the “Before baby arrives would be the best time to begin child proofing your home.” Cover electrical outlets with child-resistant outlet covers.
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