Baby's Safety Two to Six Months
Your baby is growing. From two to six months, baby begins moving more, pushing, pulling, rolling over, getting caught in things nearby or falling off high places. Baby is also putting hands and things in mouth. It is time to begin child-proofing your home. Here are tips to help ensure baby’s safety from 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