Creating a safety timeline for your house and family
By Lambeth Hochwald
During kitchen baths, keep your baby’s hands away from the faucet handles; he’ll easily move them into the hot zone. Never, ever leave your baby alone in the tub. A child can drown in less than an inch of water.
Create a safe zone around the crib by moving it away from furniture or windows, outlets, drapery, electrical cords or hanging wall decorations, says Holtzman.
If you’re able to pass a soda can between crib slats, they’re too far apart.
If your crib is older, check its safety rating with the Consumer Products Safety Commission (cpsc.gov).
Be sure the crib mattress fits snugly so there’s no room between it and the crib.
Keep bumpers, blankets and stuffed animals out of the crib for at least one year. “Kids can wrap a blanket around their neck and suffocate,” Holtzman says.
GOOD IDEA Once your baby starts teething—on everything—consider the Prince Lionheart Crib Rail Teether. It slides right on the crib rail and is made of a non-toxic soft plastic that protects your baby’s teeth and soothes gums. $9.99; 800.544.1132; princelionheart.com
4 problem-solver monitors
1 The Summer Infant Secure Sounds can be used at a range of up to 600 feet. It auto-selects a static-free channel, which means you’ll hear your baby, not the football game blaring in your living room. $49.99; 800.268.6237; summerinfant.com
2 The Safety 1st In Sight Baby Video Monitor has an extended range of up to 300 feet. Pick whatever view you want, since the monitor comes with a pivoting camera. It also has an auto night
sensor to view your baby after lights-out.
$130; 800.544.1108; safety1st.com
3 The streamlined Graco iMonitor is the first 100 percent digital baby monitor that promises a hearing range of up to 2,000 feet—perfect when you’re upstairs writing thank-yous and your baby is napping downstairs. $59.99 and up; 800.345.4109; gracobaby.com
4 The compact new First Years Digital Monitor includes a screen for parents designed to help them better interpret baby’s cries. $59.99; 800.225.0382; firstyears.com
