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Other safety issues

Carrier Seats
Many infant and child injuries are a direct result of falls associated with carrier seats:

Infants fall out of the carrier seat, or the carrier seat falls while the infant is still in it. It is very important to remember that deaths can result from negligence of a child around or in a carrier seat. Therefore, it is important to remember these carrier seat tips:

  • Always use the safety belts and keep them snug.
  • The carrier should have a wide base that is sturdy enough to stable a baby.
  • Stay within arm’s reach of the child when they are sitting in the seat especially if the baby is on tables, counters or furniture. Never turn your back on the child.
  • Never place the carrier seat on soft surfaces such as beds or sofas as the seat could easily slip and fall or tip over, and the baby could suffocate.
  • If the carrier does not already have non-slip feet, place adhesive tape over the underside of the carrier.
  • Remember—a carrier seat is not always an infant car seat and should never be used in a car unless it is labeled specifically for that purpose.

Back Carriers
Back carriers can make it much easier to make shopping trips, run errands, take walks and even do mild exercise with your baby. But even as you are longing to be closer to your baby, there are still a number of hazards that are associated with back carriers. Back carriers should not be used until children are at a specific age (4-5 months for framed carriers, 12 months or more for a bicycle carrier), because the baby needs to withstand jolts and bumps that happen while in carriers. Some safety tips:

  • Make sure the child cannot stand up or try to get out of the carrier by securing all of the safety straps.
  • Buy a carrier that has enough depth to support your baby’s back and leg openings big enough to be comfortable for the baby, but small enough to prevent the baby from slipping out.
  • Check the carrier for ripped seams, missing parts or sharp objects. Replace them or repair them immediately.
  • If you lean, bend at the knees rather than at the waist, as it prevents the baby from falling out of the carrier.

Changing Tables

  • Make sure the table has safety straps and you always use them when changing your baby. Many injuries result from babies falling off the changing tables onto the floor.
  • Never leave your baby unattended on a changing table.

Pacifiers

  • To prevent strangulation, never hang anything around your baby’s neck.
  • Inspect the pacifiers for tears, holes, rips and small changes in texture. Discard immediately if any are found.

Strollers and Carriages

  • Never leave a child alone in a stroller. They could slip, become caught in the leg opening and die.
  • Make sure the brake is easy to get to and easy to operate.
  • Never use a blanket or pillow as a cushion in a stroller. Again, it becomes a major hazard for suffocation.
  • Always secure the seat belt.
  • Check to make sure the seat is snug and comfortable, yet strong and durable.
  • Never allow children to play with or around the stroller. It is not a toy.

Bassinets and Cradles

  • If you are buying a bassinet or cradle, make sure it has a sturdy, wide base, and ensure the spaces between spindles are small.
  • Check screws and bolts to make sure they are tight.
  • Never use pillows for padding. Instead, try a firm mattress pad that fits smooth and snug.
  • If you have a swinging cradle, make sure there is a way to stop swinging once the baby is asleep.
  • Follow the manufacturer guidelines to make sure the cradle can be used for your baby’s correct height and weight specifications.

This page last updated on 3/06/08.