Testing the temperature of baby's bath water prevents burns.When was the last time you crawled around your home on your hands and knees? As crazy as it sounds, give it a go. That’s how your child explores the world every day. Look high and low. You might be amazed by all the temptations! Take our child safety quiz and see how much you know about a few common hazards.
Decide if the following statements are true or false.
- Keep the TV or entertainment center up high and your baby will be safe. True or False?
- A lock on the toy chest is a good idea to protect children. True or False?
- Garbage bags and sandwich bags need to be stored out of a child’s reach. True of False?
- Putting baby in a walker will keep her safe and strengthen her leg muscles. True or False?
- The family dog can keep an eye on your baby while you are busy. True or False?
- The thermostat on the hot water heater should be set below 120 degrees F. True or False?
- An antique crib is extra safe because it is so sturdy. True of False?
- Pressure mounted safety gates at the top of the stairs are the best protection. True or False?
- It is OK to use a down comforter in baby’s crib as long as he sleeps on this back. True or False?
- Our house was built in the early 70s so there is no risk from lead-based paint. True or False?
- 8-10 - You know your stuff! Congratulations, you’ve done your research. You probably also know, however, that despite all the precautions, there is no substitute for adult supervision.
- 6-7 - Not bad! Things change as child safety experts discover better ways to keep kids safe. Take some time to review the childproofing resources at childrensdayton.org; enter “childproofing” in the search box.
- 5 or less - Room to improve. It’s hard to know everything when it comes to keeping babies and toddlers safe. Fortunately, there are lots of places to get tips. Visit childrensdayton.org; enter “childproofing” Review these tips today, so you know you’re doing your best to keep your child health and safe.
Answers
- False. Putting TVs or entertainment centers up high is not enough to protect a child. Flat screen TVs, computer monitors and any top-heavy furniture need to be attached to a stud the wall using brackets, braces, anchors or wall straps. Manufacturers’ instructions have additional tips and warnings about placement of your TVs or furniture.
- False. A lock on a toy chest can trap a curious child who may not be able to lift the lid to get out. Use toy chests without lids to keep your child safe.
- True. Plastic sandwich bags and garbage bags pose a suffocation and or choking risk to curious children.
- False. Walkers have been discouraged for several years because their mobility put curious infants and toddlers in unsafe situations. Research shows that walkers provide no advantage to babies’ development and may deny them the advantage of learning to creep, crawl and pull themselves up.
- False. Children—especially infants and toddlers—should never be left alone with the family pet. Even the friendliest dogs with no history of biting may bite an infant or child if they feel threatened. Always supervise children around pets.
- True. It is easy for a child’s sensitive skin to be damaged by water heated higher than 120 degrees F. The experts at Dayton Children’s recommend 90 to 102 degrees F to keep children safe.
- False. Although an antique crib—especially a family heirloom—may have sentimental value and be built to last for years, these cribs may not comply with current safety standards for crib slats (less than 2-3/8” apart), headboard and footboard cut-outs, lead-based paint as well as other safety standards. More recently, newer drop-side cribs have been related to infant deaths.
- False. Pressure-mounted gates are easy to move easily, but this also makes them less safe for baby. A wall-mounted safety gate at the top of stairs or in doorways is the safest.
- False. Baby’s crib should be free of soft pillows, large stuffed animals and soft bedding. Remember the ABCs of safe sleep for babies: Alone, on my Back, in a Crib.
- False. Houses, painted cribs, bassinets and high chairs made before 1978 may contain lead-based paint.
Dayton Children's
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