My Precious Kid

Your child’s room is the one place they are left unsupervised so make sure it is safe for them. Here is a check list to get you started.

FIRST – Lets start with their crib/bed. The AAP says now says no bumper pads or quilts/bedding until age 12 months, after more than 30 deaths from these items. So your child’s crib only needs a sheet. Breathable Bumpers are a safe alternative. And then dress your child in pajama’s and then either a swaddle blanket that velcros closed, or sleep sack, or guardian sleeper. Also no toys in the crib in the first 6 months. A small taggie or lovie can be added at age 6 month.

SECOND – Your child’s furniture should be safely attached to the wall. Every year many children are killed by faling dressers, bookshelves, entertainment centers, and TV’s. Secure them to the wall with some sort of furniture bracket. Attach the bracket to a sold wood piece on the back of the furniture and then the other portion to the wall at the stud. Dresser drawers may need a drawer latch so your child can not pull them out to become steps to climb on

THIRD – Out lets are a danger source for children. Cover each empty outlet with an outlet cover. I prefer the sliding type rather than the small plug in ones, as those can be a choking hazard if placed in their mouth. And any outlets that have something plugged in should also have a outlet plug cover on it.

FOURTH – Windows need to be secured in a way that your child can not open if unsupervised. This is even more important if on a 2nd story. Even if your child has never messed with the

windows in the past there is always a first time. So either add a window latch that the child can not open or window mesh guard that cover the lower part of the window.

FIFTH – Any electronics in the room need to be placed out of

reach from your child in a safe location. And lamps should have the light bulb area covered so they can not get burned or break the bulb. There are many toddler safe lamps on the market now.

SIXTH – I have read that the following things greatly reduce SIDS risk for your child. Please read through the check list and see if you have them all covered. I read this week that the greatest SIDS age risk is 2-4 months, and diminishes at age 12 months.

1. Sleep on back on firm mattress in crib/playpen

2. No bumpers/bedding in the crib

3. Breastfeeding

4. No smoking in the house

5. Fan going in child’s room on low

6. Use a binky when sleeping

And if you are co-sleeping the child must not be under your blankets or near your pillow or other bedding, and also sleeping on their back only.

SEVENTH – Using a  SNUZA motion monitor will help to alert you if your baby should not breathe in 20 seconds or more. These monitors give parents peace of mind. They will not prevent SIDS. However they can alert you to an issue earlier. And they have a vibrate option that has been shown to startle a baby with apnea to breathe. These do not make it safe to put your child on the tummy to sleep.

EIGHTH – Doors need special attention. Fire marshals say that all of us should sleep with our bedroom door closed. I place a child safety gate at my child’s door on the hall side so if they get the door open at night they can not get out of the room unnoticed. Carefully check the door stop. Many have small rubber tips that can be a choking hazard. Look for a child safe version. When the door is open I use a finger guard to protect from smashed fingers. And place a door knob guard on the wall behind at door knob level to protect your wall. I also like a door knob cover and closet door guard.

I hope this list will give you a place to start your child proofing plan!

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