Main Page Blog Getting Pregnant Articles Pregnancy Articles Parenting Articles TLOL Article Directory Chinese Gender Chart Pregnancy and Parenting Journals	Babyproofing Your Home The first twelve months of a baby's life is an exciting time for parents who will witness their baby's first smile, first laugh and even its first steps. The next twelve months can be equally exciting, but also dangerous if safety isn't foremost in the parent's minds. The national S.A.F.E. (Smoke Alarms For Every) Home Foundation, Inc. offers the following checklist to help "baby proof" your home. Are matches and cigarette lighters kept out of children's reach or in a childproof container? Do family members have a rule never to hold a small child while handling hot liquids, such as a cup of coffee or a pot of hot water? Are hot liquids placed out of child's reach? Remember that young children will pull a tablecloth off a table. Are small children not allowed to play in the kitchen? Not only could they burn themselves on a hot stove, but also an adult could fall over them while removing a pan, and carrying hot food from the stove. Are electrical outlet covers on all unused outlets? Are electric cords in good condition and out of reach of children, especially in the teething stage? Do family members know never to leave a small child unattended in the bathtub. Not only could this create a drowning problem, but a potential scald burn also. Have you installed door stops and safety knobs to prevent children from opening forbidden doors? Remember to also use adaptable latches and locks for medicine cabinets and cabinets containing cleaners or other poisonous substances. Additionally, consider the following: Every baby should be strapped in an approved infant seat when being transported in a vehicle. Children should also be strapped in when riding in a stroller. Dangerous tools should be kept out of children's reach. Wells, pools, and cisterns should be well protected. Plastic bags should be discarded or inaccessible to small children. Firearms should be locked up, and ammunition should be locked away in a different location. More than 700 varieties of household plants and flowers are poisonous when eaten. Keep plants out of children's reach. Your local poison control center can tell you whether a plant in your house is poisonous if eaten. Installing smoke alarms in your child's bedroom alerts you to any fire that can start due to electronics equipment or playing with matches in the bedroom. The National S.A.F.E. Home Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity, dedicated to reducing the number of preventable deaths and injuries due to residential fires. The Foundation provides managerial support, guidance in developing and implementing smoke alarm giveaway programs, assistance in acquiring corporate contributions, networking and fundraising ideas, and discounted smoke alarms. We can help do everything possible to establish a successful smoke alarm giveaway program for families and children in urban and rural communities in your area. You can join us in a community partnership to prevent unnecessary tragedy and suffering. E-mail us at: safehome@buffnet.net Call us at 1-800-877-1250 Or send us a letter with your questions, suggestions and comments to: 1333 Strad Avenue, North Tonawanda, NY 14120