PROTECT
YOUR BABY
Birth to 6
months
The baby needs
full-time protection. Injuries tend to occur more often as the ability to roll over,
crawl, and grasp increases with age.
BURNS
Check the bath
water with your elbow to prevent scalding. Hot water heaters should be set no higher than
120° F. Eating, drinking or carrying anything hot near your baby or while you are holding
your baby can cause serious bums. Never hold a child while you are smoking. For any burn,
rinse with cold water immediately and cover the burn loosely with a bandage or clean
cloth. Call your doctor or emergency room for all bums.
FALLS
The baby's crib
and playpen are the only safe places for the baby to be left alone. Be certain that the
spaces between the crib bars are 2 3/8 inches or less and the crib sides are secure.
Leaving your baby unattended on high places, such as a changing table, bed, sofa or chair,
is dangerous. Use a safety strap on changing table. Always have a diaper in hand before
changing the baby. Use gates on stairways and keep your baby out of rooms where he might
get hurt.
TOYS
Toys should be
too large to swallow and too tough to break. They should have no sharp points or edges.
Rounded toys of smooth wood or plastic are usually safe.
CHOKING
Never prop the
baby's bottle. Keep small or sharp objects out of the baby's reach. Use diaper safety pins
with plastic shields. Keep baby's crib away from curtain or shade pulls or any dangling
cords.
SMOTHERING
Plastic bags.
long toy telephone cords, harnesses, and soft pillows can smother or strangle your child.
A firm crib mattress and loose warm covering for a sleeping baby are the safest. Keep the
crib and playpen away from venetian blinds. Balloons are not good toys for a baby to chew
or suck on.
AUTO TRAVEL - SAFE
RESTRAINT IS A MUST
Use an approved infant car
restraint according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is not safe to hold your baby
on your lap, and it's against the law. If you cannot afford an infant restraint, contact
your local police or sheriffs department, hospital or health department for information on
"seat loaner" programs.
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Bureau of Perinatal and Child Health
P.O. Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570