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Show 0 CCXwtiT STIfNCTN TMIOUGM 10GT)CS llil! Strikers jr win first soccer mclch ef season - , r Please see story, Poge E6. "" TP April 12, 1991 Bring up baby... ..safely n ttzs n uuOlhft The long nine months of waiting are finally over, and you are ready to take that little bundle of joy home. But is your home ready for a fast-growin- g baby? This is a question all new parents should ask themselves, says a National Safety Council spokesperson, a pointing out that taking the time to baby-proo- f home can help avoid many preventable accidents. Babies learn very quickly during their first year and the council recommends that parents, grandparents and others whom the baby may frequently visit should complete a thorough home inspection for potential hazards. Suffocation, falls and burns are the leading causes of child fatalities and injuries in the home. Babies up to 4 months old squirm, try to reach objects and put them in their mouth and can pull blankets or clothing over their face. All of these make suffocation a great concern during these early months. Crib safety The safety council offers the following sug- gestions: Check the crib mattress to ensure it fits snugly next to the crib so there is no gap. The space beinches. tween the slats should be no more than like Do not use plastic packing material dry covers. mattress as or trash bags cleaning bags Also, keep all pillows and clothing out of the crib. Do not place the crib near windows with shade or drapery cords that can become wrapped around a baby's neck. 2-3- 8 GOO3 If you have installed a crib gym, it should be attached securely so it cannot be pulled down into the crib. Remove a crib gym from the crib when the baby is 5 months old or is able to push up onto his or her hands and knees. Squeeze toys, rattles and teething rings should be examined for small ends that extend into the back of the infant's mouth and may cause choking. Children from 4 to 12 months old usually CcTi crawl, stand or walk holding onto furniture and sit up alone. They like to empty cupboards and drawers, and put everything in their mouths. It is this stage of curiosity, council officials say, that can be especially hazardous for a child. Keep cabinets locked The council recommends keeping cabinets and appliance doors locked. Coins, buttons, rings, nails and screws need to be kept off counter tops where they may be picked up. At this age, even hard candy, popcorn and peanuts can become hazards and should be avoided. Falls and burns are common causes of serious injury and death to babies and toddlers. Babies learn very quickly to squirm and turn over. They should never be left alone, even for a second. The time it takes to reach for a clean diaper may be all a baby needs to fall off a changing table. Guard rails should latch securely and be up at all times when the baby is in the crib or on the changing table. As soon as a child can pull to a standing position, keep crib mattresses at the lowest position. Stop us TO ing the crib once the height of the top rails is less s of the child's height. than To prevent falls out of windows, keep beds, chairs, toy chests and other furniture away from windows. Remember: Screens only keep insects outside and won't keep children inside. three-fourth- Prevent burns Burns are one of the leading causes of death and serious injury for youngsters. For newborns, it is very important to always check the temperature of baby formula. Do not heat disposable bottles in a microwave oven and always test the temperature of any liquid given to a baby to prevent throat and mouth burns. Also, test bath water for children of all ages. Other tips: Give your home a safety tour and place safety covers over any unused electrical outlets. When preparing a meal on the stove, always turn the pot handles inward. Other appliances that produce heat, such as space heaters, radiators and fireplaces, should be to babies and toddlers. If it seems like there's a lot to do before and after that new bundle of joy comes home you are right. But a few simple safety checks can help ensure that you and that baby will have many happy and off-limi- ts healthy years together. Editor's note: Article courtesy of the National Safety Council E Service pins Workers achieve federal milestones Military education Sergeants graduate from course S4 7 Hockey Hill wins again in playoffs |