Baby Safety Month: Safety Tips for Parents

Sep 13,2017

Every good parent wants to keep their children safe, but ensuring baby safety is no easy task. Babies are constantly learning new skills and discovering new things that could be harmful to them. However, with a little help from the experts, parents can keep their children safe and help prevent injuries. Check out our tips for keeping babies safe in the house, on the go, and while they sleep.

Preventing Falls

Falls are the No. 1 cause of non-fatal injuries to infants and children. As babies grow and learn new skills, such as rolling over, crawling and eventually walking, parents must do their best to ensure a safe environment and prevent injuries.

You can help prevent fall-related injuries by following these tips:

Always use the straps and safety belts on your baby gear, as these devices greatly reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
Never leave your baby unattended in high places, such as high chairs and beds.
Never leave your baby unattended in an infant seat, swing or jumper.
Install gates at both ends of stairways.
Keep your baby away from outdoor areas where they could fall, such as porches and balconies.
Remove any hazards in your home that might cause your baby to fall.
Secure any rugs to the floor to prevent slips.
Keep stairways clean and free from clutter.
Make sure your child sits down to eat or drink. Falling with objects in their mouths can result in more injuries.
Don’t allow your child to climb on high furniture.

Sleeping Safely

Safe sleeping is one of the most important safety considerations for parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that 3,500 infants die every year in the U.S. from sleep-related deaths, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. Parents can greatly reduce the risk of SIDS by ensuring a safe sleep environment for their infants.

Here are 4 ways to keep infants safe while sleeping:

Have your baby sleep alone in a crib or bassinet.
Swaddle a baby with a sleep sack instead of a blanket. The velcro and zipper keep the fabric away from the baby’s face, making it safer.
Keep pillows, blankets and stuffed animals out of the crib. The only thing that should be in the crib is a firm mattress and a tight fitting sheet.
Always lay your baby on their back to sleep.

Car Safety

Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death for children in the U.S. According to the CDC, 663 children ages 12 and under died in auto accidents in 2015. Another CDC study found that more than 618,000 children ages 12 and under rode in vehicles without using a seat belt or car seat at least some of the time.

Most of us rely on vehicles daily for transportation, so your child will likely spend a significant amount of time in the car. Fortunately, you can greatly reduce their risk of injury by following safe vehicle practices every time you get in the car.

Follow these 5 tips for baby safety in the car:

Always make sure your child is riding in the car seat appropriate for their age and size. Check out safercar.gov if you are unsure which car seat your child should be using.
Be sure to install and use car seats appropriately. Check the owner’s manual to learn how to correctly use the car seat. To be extra safe, have your car seat checked by a certified child passenger safety technician.
Make sure children ages 12 and under alway rides in the back seat. Never let children sit in the front seat, even on short trips.
Whenever possible, restrain children in the middle of the back seat. That is the safest spot in the vehicle.
Keep your infant in a rear-facing seat until they are at least 2 years old. Doctors and researchers are now recommending that children remain rear-facing until age 2, and some states including California have responded with laws making this a requirement. As of January 2017, children under 2 who weigh less than 40 pounds and are less than 40 inches are required to sit in a rear-facing car seat in California.

“We cannot protect our children from every possible scenario where they could be injured. We can, however, mitigate the risk by doing our part to ensure a safe environment for them,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.