Baby Safety and Childproofing your home

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Baby Safety and Childproofing your home
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About 2-1/2 million children are injured or
killed each year, due to hazards in the home.
Many of these incidents can be prevented by
taking steps to make sure that your home is safe
and that you follow age appropriate
recommendations for each stage of your child's
young life.
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There are many devices available to help prevent
injury, along with using common sense. Remember,
nothing is completely safe and eyes must be on
the children at all times. It only takes a blink
of an eye, a turn of the head, for an incident to
occur.
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Bringing Home Baby

• Most important, ALWAYS put your baby on his/her
  back, on a firm, flat, tight-fitting mattress, to
  sleep.
• More infants die or are injured in crib accidents
  than any other nursery item.
• Remove all pillows and soft, loose bedding from
  the crib. These items can cause suffocation.

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The Crib

• Never use a crib that has missing slats or loose
  hardware.
• If you repaint the crib use only high quality
  lead-free paint.
• Use a mattress that fits tightly If you can fit
  more than 2 fingers between the edge of the
  mattress and the crib side, the mattress is too
  small.

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Never use strings to hang objects, such as
mobiles, toys, or a diaper bag in or near the
crib. Never place the crib, or any childrens
furniture near window blinds or drapes.
Always lock the side rail when you put your
child in the crib. Never put your baby in a
crib filled with stuffed animals, pillows or
heavy blankets. Remove all such items to prevent
suffocation.
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CRIB TOYS

• Crib gyms and other toys that stretch across the
  crib with strings, cords or ribbons can be
  hazards for older or active babies.
• Make sure crib gyms are installed securely at
  both ends and cannot be pulled down.
• Remove crib gyms and mobiles when your baby is 5
  mos. old, or before, if the baby begins to push
  up on hands and knees.

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Hanging toys and mobiles should be out of the
child's reach. Dont use toys that have points
that can hook on clothing.
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Co-Sleeping

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns
  parents not to place their infants to sleep in
  adult beds, stating that the practice puts babies
  at risk of suffocation and strangulation.

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The Deadly Couch

• Infants can suffocate when they get trapped or
  wedged between the cushions and the back of the
  couch.

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Swaddling Your Baby

• Once your baby is one month old you should stop
  swaddling your baby when sleeping, as it hinders
  mobility.
• The baby is also at risk for overheating.

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In Home Drowning

• ABOUT 2/3 OF ALL DROWNING DEATHS INSIDE THE HOME
  OCCUR IN THE BATHTUB.
• NEVER LEAVE A BABY ALONE IN WATER.
• NEVER LEAVE YOUNG CHILDREN ALONE OR WITH YOUNGER
  SIBLINGS IN A BATHTUB.

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• TOILETS ARE DROWNING HAZARDS. KEEP THE LID
  DOWN AND KEEP YOUNG CHILDREN OUT OF THE BATHROOM
  WHEN UNSUPERVISED.
• BUCKETS POSE A SERIOUS THREAT TO TODDLERS. MAKE
  SURE ALL CONTAINERS THAT HAVE LIQUID IN THEM ARE
  EMPTIED IMMEDIATELY AFTER USE.

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DO NOT LEAVE EMPTY CONTAINERS IN YARDS OR
AROUND THE HOUSE WHERE THEY CAN FILL
WITH WATER. LEARN CPR---- IT CAN BE A
LIFESAVER.
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Quick Facts

• Drowning is the second leading cause of
  accidental death among children ages 1 to 14.
• Drowning can occur in as little as 1 inch of
  water.
• Drowning is usually quick and silent.
• A child will lose consciousness two minutes after
  submersion.

Data Source Safe Kids, USA
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Home Water Safety

• Most children who drown in swimming pools were in
  the care of one or both parents and missing from
  sight for less than 5 minutes!
• Two-thirds of parents are unaware of the risk of
  swimming pool drain entrapment.

Data Source Safe Kids, USA
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Drowning Deaths 2000-2004 Ages 1-4
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Types of Drowning in Manatee County 1991-2004
24 Total Deaths Due to Drowning
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What is happening in Florida?

• Review of toddler pool drownings

• DOH reviewed 58 cases of toddler pool drowning
  deaths in Florida between 2003-2006 investigated
  by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
• 71 of cases accessed the pool through a door
  leading from the home to the pool area.
• The majority of drownings occurred while
  caregiver was engaged in routine household
  activity (using the bathroom, cooking/eating,
  talking, watching TV, reading, etc.) that allowed
  a lapse in supervision of the toddler to occur.

Data Source Office of Injury Prevention Florida
Department of Health
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Florida Overall

• An average of 465 drowning deaths occur annually
  among Florida residents and non-residents.
• There is an average of 566 hospitalizations for
  near drownings in Florida every year.
• Floridas overall drowning death rate was twice
  the national rate in 2001-2004.
• Over a quarter of all drowning deaths in
  2001-2005 occurred in swimming pools.
• Children ages 1- 4 made up the largest of
  drowning deaths and near drownings.

Data Source Office of Injury Prevention Florida
Department of Health
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One of the most tragic aspects of drowning deaths
is that they are preventable, but there is no
foolproof method of prevention. Make layers of
protection a way of life. This would include
constant supervision, placing barriers and being
prepared in case of emergency.
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SUPERVISION
SUPERVISION IS THE MOST POWERFUL TOOL, BUT IS
OFTEN THE FIRST TO FAIL. NEVER LEAVE A CHILD
UNATTENDED BY A POOL, SPA, BATHTUB OR ANY BODY OF
WATER. DROWNING OCCURS WHILE AN ADULT IS AWAY
FROM THE AREA FOR JUST A MINUTE. DROWNING CAN
BE SILENT. WATCH CHILDREN IN THE WATER AT ALL
TIMES. CHILDREN WHO CANNOT SWIM SHOULD WEAR A
LIFE JACKET AT ALL TIMES AROUND THE WATER.
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ALWAYS DESIGNATE AN ADULT AS A WATER WATCHER
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SAFETY BARRIERS
Pools should be surrounded on all four sides by a
wall or fence barrier that is at least 5 high.
The bars or slats should be less than 5 apart.
Pool and spa areas should be locked or latched
when not in use. Keep doors leading to the water
shut and locked. All protective barriers must be
maintained. Spas should have a properly secured
safety cover.
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Tips to Prevent Drowning

• Actively supervise children around water.
• Appoint a designated child watcher.
• Those who are watching the children should not
  engage in distracting behaviors or use
  drugs/alcohol!
• Multiple layers of barriers must be used and they
  must be in proper working condition.

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More Drowning Prevention Tips

• Four-sided fencing, at least 5 high and equipped
  with self-closing and self-latching gates, should
  be installed around all pools and spas.
• Install door and/or window alarms to alert you if
  a child wanders into the pool area.
• Teaching a child to swim is not enough! Most
  children who drown are 4 and under.

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More Tips

• Know where the manual cut-off switch is for the
  pool pump.
• Regularly check drain covers to ensure they are
  secure and in proper working order.
• Install multiple drains in all pools, spas, and
  hot tubs.
• Teach children never to go near pool drains.

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And More Tips

• Empty all buckets and store them upside down when
  not in use.
• Keep all doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms
  closed.
• Limit access to all water in the home by
  installing and using appropriate safety devices
  (door locks and toilet latches)
• Empty wading pools immediately after use.

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PLAYPENS

• Deaths have occurred when the drop-sides of
  playpens and cribs were left in the down
  position.
• When a mesh side is let down it forms a pocket.
  Young infants, even just a few weeks old, can
  move into the pocket, become trapped and
  suffocate.

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Deaths have also occurred when the playpen was
not securely locked into position, causing it to
collapse, entrapping the childs neck.
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SO NEVER LEAVE AN INFANT IN A
PLAYPEN WITH THE SIDE DOWN. REMOVE ALL LARGE
TOYS, BOXES BUMPER PADS. THEY CAN BE USED TO
CLIMB OUT. AVOID TYING ANY ITEMS ACROSS THE TOP
OR CORNER OF THE PLAYPEN THEY CAN CAUSE
STRANGULATION.
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BABY GATES

• Some gates are dangerous
• A childs head can get trapped in the openings of
  baby gates with accordion-style or large V- or
  diamond-shaped openings, and can get strangled.
• Expandable enclosures can be equally dangerous.

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Be sure the gate is securely anchored in the
doorway it is blocking. Children have pushed
gates over. Pressure gates are not recommended
at the top of a stairway. They can pop out of
the opening.
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HIGH CHAIRS

• Thousands of children are injured each year
  because of improper high chair use.
• The majority of injuries occur because restraint
  straps are not used and children are not properly
  supervised.

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To prevent injury, high chairs should have a
waist strap and one that runs between the legs.
Children should always be restrained by both
straps.
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NEVER ALLOW A CHILD TO STAND UP IN A HIGH
CHAIR. KEEP THE HIGH CHAIR FAR ENOUGH FROM THE
TABLE, COUNTER, WALL OR OTHER SURFACE THAT A
CHILD CANT USE IT TO PUSH OFF FROM . DONT LET
CHILDREN PLAY AROUND THE CHAIR UNATTENDED. DONT
LET OLDER CHILDREN HANG ONTO THE CHAIR WHEN A
BABY IS IN IT, TO AVOID IT TIPPING OVER.
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STROLLERS CARRIAGESSafety Tips

• If your stroller has a hand rest at the front of
  the seat, make sure the opening between the hand
  rest (grab bar) and seat is closed when using the
  stroller in a reclined position.
• When folding or unfolding a stroller keep your
  child away from it. Fingers have been amputated
  by parts of the folding mechanism.
• Always secure the seat belt.

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Never leave a child unattended, especially when
asleep. A stroller is not a toy. Never allow
children to use one as a plaything. Never use
a pillow, folded quilt, or blanket as a mattress
in a stroller or carriage.
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GENERAL HOUSEHOLDTIPS

• YOUNG CHILDREN CAN BE KILLED WHEN FURNITURE TIPS
  OVER
• Place TVs on lower furniture and as far back as
  possible.
• Use angle braces to secure furniture to the wall.
• Children will climb on a lower drawer that has
  been pulled out, using it as a step.
• Use latches on lower drawers to ensure they
  cannot be opened by young children.

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• Drawstrings on childrens clothing and nightwear
  can cause strangulation.
• Drawstrings can get caught on playground
  equipment or cribs.
• Remove drawstrings from hood and neck areas of
  outerwear such as sweatshirts and jackets.

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POISONINGS Keep all medicines, vitamins and
household cleaning products locked away from
children. Child resistant packaging is not
child proof. Keep poisonous plants out of
childrens reach. If you need assistance call
Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
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MORE TIPS

• Babies use their mouths to learn about the world
• Keep tiny objects, such as small balls, marbles
  and balloons, out of reach of your baby.
• Smooth, round objects present the highest risk
  for choking.
• Uninflated balloons and balloon pieces can easily
  be inhaled and block the windpipe.
• When buying a toys, check the label to make sure
  it is appropriate for your childs age.

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Burns Injuries

• Use your stoves back burners.
• Keep pot handles turned to the back of the stove.
  
• Lock up knives, matches, lighters and plastic
  bags.
• KEEP THEM OUT OF A CHILDS REACH !

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• Dont place plastic climbing equipment indoors on
  hard surfaces.
• Falls on cement, tile and other hard floors can
  cause serious head injuries and even death.
• Use only outdoors on surfaces such as mulch or
  sand. Grass is not a shock-absorbing material.

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• FIRE HAZARDS
• Install smoke alarms on each floor of your home,
  especially near sleeping areas.
• Test them regularly and change the batteries
  every year, or when indicated.
• After 10 years throw away the smoke detector and
  buy a new one.
• Call your local fire department for any questions
  about your smoke alarm.

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CHILDPROOFING YOUR HOME

• Door Knob Covers and Door Locks
• Can help keep children away from places with
  hazards, including swimming pools.
• Make sure the knob cover allows the door to be
  opened quickly by an adult in case of emergency.
  
• Door locks should be placed high, out of reach of
  young children.
• Locks should be used in addition to fences and
  alarms.

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• Window Guards and Safety Netting for balconies
  and decks can help prevent serious falls.
• Window Blind Cord Safety Tassels on vertical
  blinds and drapery cords can help prevent deaths
  and injuries from strangulation in the cord
  loops.
• For older blinds, cut the cord loop, remove the
  buckle and put safety tassels on each cord. Be
  sure older blinds and drapery cords have
  tie-down devices to hold the cords tight.

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Outlet Covers and Outlet Plates can help
protect children from electrical shock and
possible electrocution. Make sure that they
cannot be easily removed by children and are
large enough so that children cannot choke on
them. Corner and Edge Bumpers can be used
with furniture to prevent injuries from falls by
softening sharp edges. Door Stops and Door
Holders can help prevent small fingers and hands
from being pinched or crushed in doors and door
hinges.
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In the event of an emergency a cordless phone
will allow you to watch your child continuously,
without leaving the area to answer or make a
phone call.
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What is happening in Manatee County?

Statistics and Programs
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Causes of Death For Children 5 and Under in
Manatee County1991-2004
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In Manatee County Onesies in Spanish and English
are given to new and expectant mothers. This
reminds parents to put babies on their backs to
sleep.
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• The Moses Project
• A Partnership with Healthy Start, Kiwanis,
  Manatee Sheriffs Office
• Baskets bought with donations
• Liners made by volunteers
• Mattresses and mattress liners made my Manatee
  County Inmates

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• Some Law Enforcement Agencies in cooperation
  with the Medical Examiner are using Doll
  Re-enactments to show the dangers of falling
  asleep on the couch with your baby.

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• So the following were formed
• Child Death Review Team
• Child Death Prevention Taskforce
• Partnerships with Manatee County Sheriffs
  Office, Kiwanis Club of Bradenton, Health Dept.,
  Healthy Start Coalition, Manatee Lakewood Ranch
  Hospitals, Rural Health, METV, All Childrens
  Hospital Safe Kids and others, working to educate
  our community on the dangers of unsafe sleep
  environments that are contributing to the deaths
  of our infants.
• Together we can make a difference!!

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REMEMBER ALWAYS KEEP YOUR EYES ON
THE KIDS
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For More Information

• If you need additional information or assistance
  you can call
• Safe Kids SunCoast 727-767-8581
• Florida Poison Information Center 1-800-222-1222
• Department of Children Families 1-800-96-ABUSE
• Manatee County Health Department 941-748-0747
• Manatee County Community Services 941-749-3030

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This Presentation Created By

• Sharon Carlson, BSW Injury Prevention
  Specialist,
• Manatee County Health Department Kimberly
  Kutch, Ed.S.Operations Manager Circuit
  20Department of Children and Families