LASD Palmdale Station Child Safety Month: Babyproofing

Palmdale, California - October 16, 2013

Having a new baby is an exciting time for a family. It is easy to look at a newborn baby and think it is safe to wait to baby proof your home. As most parents know, your little bundle of joy will be a wandering toddler before you know it. When baby proofing your home start with the basic precautions and continually modify according to your baby's development. Below is a list of baby proof safety tips which can help prevent injuries in your home.

• A crib made before 1992 should not be used due to the fact it does not meet the safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM). 
• Make sure the crib mattress fits securely so your child cannot slip between the mattress and crib. You should only be able to stick one finger between the mattress, side rails and headboard. The slats on the crib should 2 3/8 inches apart or less so the baby’s head does not get trapped. 
• Do not put pillows, blankets, electric blankets, heating pads or stuffed animals in your baby’s crib, this could cause suffocation. 
• Never leave your baby unattended on a changing table. Always use the safety straps on changing tables, bouncy seats and swings. 
• Remove hanging cords from window blinds and treatments. Make sure all windows have proper screens that will prevent children from window falls. 
• Place safety door knobs on all doors to rooms and closets. Install toilet lid locks. Toilet lid locks prevents a baby from playing in the toilet, getting hurt or drowning. Drawer clasps should be considered on the refrigerator, dresser drawers, cabinets under sinks, etc. 
• Poisons and medications should be stored up high where a toddler cannot see or reach. Make sure all bottles have child safety lids in case your little one outsmarts you. 
• Throughout the day parents and caretakers should check the floor for small objects. Babies love to stick small objects in their mouths, which could result in choking. 
• Nightlights should be at least three feet away from the crib, bedding or draperies. Install fire extinguishers within in the home.

Working together as a community, we can educate ourselves on how to baby proof our homes to reduce the risk of injury. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.

- Deputy Jodi Wolfe