KANSAS
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT
BILL GRAVES, GOVERNOR
Gary R. Mitchell, Secretary
For Immediate Release
September 15, 1998
Contact: Jan Stegelman
785-296-1223
Rock-a Bye Baby: Safety in the Nursery
Many parents may not realize that the home is one of the most dangerous places for a child. Each year, about 2,700 children ages 14 and under die, and nearly 4.5 million are injured where they should feel safest--in the home. Most
deaths (nearly 70 percent) are among children ages 4 and under, making it crucial for parents to make safety a key issue when preparing the nursery.
"When preparing an entertaining, attractive and loving environment for a baby, parents sometimes forget to take safety into consideration," says Jan Stegelman, Coordinator of the Kansas SAFE KIDS Coalition. "Parents should be careful both in the selection of the furniture and decoration, including their arrangement and use."
In observance of Baby Safety Month in September, the Kansas SAFE KIDS Coalition offers the following suggestions to help give your baby a healthy and safe start:
WALLS
If you live in a house or apartment built before 1978, test your children for lead exposure and inspect your home for loose paint. Your child can get lead poisoning from breathing lead dust or fumes or swallowing anything with lead in it. Lead poisoning in children can cause learning disabilities, hyperactivity and other neurological problems. Frequently wash children's hands and faces as well as toys and pacifiers to reduce the risk of ingesting lead contaminated dust.
FLOORS
Smooth, washable floors are recommended in nurseries because they are easier to keep clean. If you choose to have wall-to-wall carpeting, select a flat design in a synthetic fiber, such as nylon. Thick, bushy carpets--such as shag-- can hide dirt, food and small objects that can become a choking hazard to your child. If you use area rugs, be sure they have non-skid backings.
THE CRIB
One of the most dangerous pieces of baby furniture is the crib. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 50 infants die each year from crib-related incidents. To help prevent your child from being injured in the crib, the
Kansas SAFE KIDS Coalition recommends the following:
Purchase a crib that has been certified to meet national safety standards. Be sure it has a Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification label. Handing down a crib from one generation to another may carry sentimental value, but older cribs do not always meet today's safety standards.
Choose a crib with no more than 2 3/8 inches of space between the slats or the spindles. Be sure there are no missing or loose slats or spindles-- the baby's head can get caught, presenting a strangulation hazard.
Test the drop side latches to assure the baby cannot release them. Be sure they work properly and are safe from unintentional release. Always keep the side rail locked in its top position when the baby is in the crib.
Use vinyl or cloth bumper pads to keep the baby from hitting against the side of the crib. Secure the pads with snaps or at least six straps tied securely on the outside of the crib, away from the baby. Trim the excess straps to less than seven inches so thay they are not a strangulation or choking hazard. As soon as the baby can pull up or stand, remove the bumber pads, toys and other objects that could be used to climb out of the crib.
Do not use a crib that has any cornerpost extensions or protrusions greater than 1/16 inch, including decorative knobs. Infants might catch their clothing and strangle.
Never use a pillow in the crib and make sure no soft bedding, plastic bags or other plastic materials are in or around the crib.
Do not place the crib near radiators, heating vents, windows, window blind strings, drapery cords or other hanging strings.
Always place babies on their backs when putting them to sleep.
THE MATTRESS
Matresses must fit snugly against four sides of the crib. If you can fit more than two fingers between the edge of the mattress and the crib, the mattress is too small. A baby can suffocate if his or head is trapped between the mattress and crib. Check regularly to ensure that all four mattress support hangers are securely held in hooks attached to the cornerposts.
Before placing the mattress in the crib, remove and discard all plastic wrappings. Make sure that your child is unable to climb out of the crib when the mattress is in it. The mattress should be at least 26 inches below the top rails of the drop side. If the mattress is any higher than this, an active baby might be able to climb over the rail.
DRESSERS, CHEST, AND CHANGING TABLES
Whatever type of furniture you plan to purchase or borrow for your nursery, keep the following in mind:
Do not use any furniture with sharp edges.
Use a changing table with safety straps to secure your baby. However, the straps are not a substitute for adult supervision. Never leave your child unattended on a changing table--not even for a second.
Avoid turning your back on your baby to reach for supplies. Keep all baby supplies, diapers and toiletries nearby, but not within your child's reach. Keep one hand on you child at all times.
Consider using large plastic bins or open bookshelves for storage. These pieces of
furniture are often safer than chests or dressers with large or heavy drawers without safety latches. Be sure to bolt bookshelves and heavy furniture to walls to avoid tip-overs.
Keep furniture away from windows and draperies to prevent falls.
CRIB TOYS AND MOBILES
Bright and cheerful crib toys and mobiles can provide hours of entertainment for a newborn. However, it is important to keep in mind that some of these items--including crib gyms that stretch across the crib, and suspended toys, music boxes and mirrors specifically marketed for use in the crib can be very dangerous. Hanging toys are particularly hazardous for children who can push up on their hands and knees. By using the following tips, you can provide your child with lots of safe fun.
Avoid strings on any product for your baby, including pacifiers and rattles.
Beware of toys and mobiles with small detachable parts that easily can be removed and swallowed.
Remove all toys from the crib when your child is asleep.
Remove mobiles as soon as your child can push up on his or her hands and knees
CHILDPROOF THE ROOM
When you aren't used to having little ones around, the idea of childproofing can seem a little daunting. "It's easy to miss some of the more subtle dangers in the home," Jan Stegelman said. "Move around the room on your hands and knees. Approach it from a child's perspective and you're more inclined to see potential hazards you otherwise might miss."
Following are a few guidelines for childproofing:
Pick small objects off the floor and place out of baby's reach.
Use safety covers for all electrical outlets
Remove all furniture with sharp edges. If you cannot remove the furniture, attach foam padding or corner guards to round and soften them.
Install window guards on all windows that are not designated fire escape routes--especially if you live in a high-rise apartment building.
Install window and cabinet locks.
Keep electical wire, lamps and lighting fixtures out of reach.
Do not place the crib near radiators, heating vents, windows, window blind strings, drapery cords or other hanging strings.
Always place babies on their backs when putting them to sleep.
The nursery is the beginning of your child's journey through life. With careful thought and planning, you can help reduce your newborn's risk of injury.
The Kansas SAFE KIDS Coalition, Inc. is a nonprofit group of 60 statewide organizations and businesses that have joined to protect Kansas children from unintentional injury-- the leading killer of Kansas kids. Local coalitions and chapters are located in Wichita, Lawrence, Johnson County, Salina, Barber County, Topeka, Ford County, Manhattan, Pottawatomie County, and Clay County. Kansas SAFE KIDS is part of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign.
For more information, call Jan Stegelman at (785) 296-1223.
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