Baby's Safety Two to Six Months

Preventing Baby from Falling

• Lower crib mattress to keep baby from falling out over sides and keep crib free of stuffed animals or toys so baby will not stand up on them
• Support baby when sitting up because the head or neck could be hurt
• Always keep one hand on baby when the baby is on high places (changing tables, beds, sofas)
• When using carrier in shopping carts, hold baby in with belt and secure carrier to cart or else both carrier and baby could fall out
• Be sure a child is seated and watched carefully if allowed to hold baby
• If you use a swing, be sure it is stable and baby is belted in so as not to fall

Vehicle Safety

• Continue using rear-facing safety seat properly secured in back seat of car – never in front seat
• Never leave baby alone in a car
• While baby is in car, do not prop a bottle and keep small objects, cords, and plastic bags out of reach
• Keep siblings from giving baby their toys

Playpen – A Safe Place for Baby

• Baby can be placed in playpen in an emergency, if you have to talk on the phone or complete tasks
• If playpen has slats, be sure they are less than 2 3/8 inches apart; if it has net sides, holds must be less than 1/4 inch
• Do not have stuffed animals, bumper pads, plastic bags or pillows in playpen
• Be sure playpen floor is secure and strong with firm padding

Keeping Baby Safe Around Water

• Test bath water on your wrist to make sure it is not too hot for baby
• Do not leave baby alone or with siblings in tub or bathing area, even when baby is able to sit
• Remember, babies can drown in less than an inch of water in a few seconds
• Keep pails, cups and other containers with liquid away from baby
• Do not give baby water-filled plastic bags, gloves or balloons

Keeping Environment Safe for Baby

• Check smoke alarm every month
• Make a plan for family to escape home in case of smoke or fire
• If baby is burned with hot solid or liquid, apply cool water and call doctor
• If baby falls or head is bumped, observe if baby passes out, vomits or acts different. If so, call doctor or take to emergency room
• Never shake a baby because the brain can be injured
• Baby proof home with outlet plugs, door locks
• Call poison control (1-800-222-1222) or bring to emergency room if baby swallows poisonous material and tell what poison is suspected