In the nursery: To prevent possible suffocation and reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), your baby should always sleep on his or her back, for naps and at night. Place your baby on a firm surface, such as a safety approved crib mattress. Never put your baby on a water bed, bean bag, or anything that is soft enough to cover the face and block air to the nose and mouth. Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area. Place your baby's crib away from windows. Cords from window blinds and draperies can strangle your child. Tie cords high and out of reach.
In the bath: Mix hot and cold water together, and test the temperature before putting the baby in. Set your hot water heater to 120 degrees to help prevent scalding. Never leave a child alone in a bathtub or in the care of another child, even for a moment. Drowning can happen in less than 2 inches of water. Stay within an arm's length of your child around water.
In the home: Use gates on stairways and close doors to keep your baby out of rooms where he or she might get hurt. Do not leave your baby alone on changing tables, beds, sofas, or chairs. Never leave small objects in your baby's reach, even for a moment. Be sure to keep household products such as cleaners, chemicals, and medicines up, up, and away, completely out of sight and reach. Cover all unused electrical outlets. Make sure that your home has working smoke alarms in every sleeping area and on every level. Install carbon monoxide detectors in every sleeping area. Post emergency numbers by telephones. Keep first aid supplies on hand.
In the car: Children under 13 should always ride in the back seat in proper restraints. All infants should ride rear-facing until they have reached at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds. Make certain that your baby's car seat is installed correctly. Read and follow the instructions that come with the car safety seat. Use the car safety seat every time your child is in a car. Please feel free to contact Bayfield County Health Department and set up an appointment to meet with one of the car seat technicians to look over your car seat and help with any questions. (715) 373-6109
For more information about baby safety topics visit: http://www.usa.safekids.org/