Home Safety for Infants and Toddlers, Essay Example

All parents desire to have healthy and happy children. To achieve this, daily dedication is needed. When a new child is born into the family, the caretakers or parents need to protect the kid from any harm that may come along. There are several ways parents need to do to make the home safe for the baby.

Furniture and equipment

The cribs and playpen should be appropriate for the baby. If it is raised, the parents should check to ensure the drop side rails are locked securely in place. It is not good to put a pillow in the crib as it is not needed and can smother the baby. Ensure the crib is not painted because the infant can chew the rails leading to harm. When a baby is about 5 to 6 months old, he/she can sit up without support. This is the time they need high chairs. Parents should ensure the chair is safe so that it does not topple over. If the child sits on a high chair, safety straps should be used (Allen and Ilene, 176).

Image 1: High chair child straps. Source: www.cuddlekarrier.com

Car seat

Parents should use approved car seat. A car seat is an important piece of equipment when it comes to safety of the baby. There are special seats made for kids. They are the best for kids and toddlers (Meyerholf, 34).

Image 2: Car seat for toddlers. Source: www.tmcaz.com

Toys and pets

According to Holtzman (78), it is not advisable to leave the baby alone with pets like cats and dogs. The pets may look gentle, but they can take advantage of the kid’s innocence to cause harm. Toys like balloons, plastic papers, and small-sized toys are some of the things that can harm the child.

Food and clothing

It is good for parents to remove strings on sleepers as they may be wrapped on the baby’s toes or neck. All loose buttons and strings on the baby’s clothes should be removed as the child can easily swallow them. Other consideration for parents is to look at water safety and keeping all harmful accessories far from the reach of children (Meyerholf, 56).

References

Allen, K. Eileen, and Ilene S. Schwartz. The exceptional child: inclusion in early childhood education. 3rd ed. Albany, N.Y.: Delmar Publishers, 1996. Print. 176

Holtzman, Debra Smiley. The safe baby: a do-it-yourself guide to home safety. Boulder, CO: Sentient Publications, 2005. Print. 78

Meyerholf, Michael. A parents’ guide to making a home safe and suitable for an infant or toddler. York, PA: William Gladden Foundation, 1992. Print. 34-56