JEWELRY

1. Infants and toddlers should not wear jewelry of any kind.

2. Necklaces, baby rings, bracelets, religious pins, and pacifiers on strings are not safe and can cause death if they get into the baby's airway.

3. Pierced ears are not recommended until children are at least 4 years old because they can cause infections, sores and scarring.

CRIBS

1. The baby crib and furniture should meet the standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

2. Cribs should have:

* A firm mattress the same size as the crib so there are no gaps to catch arms or legs

* Slats not more than 2 inches apart.

* No crossbars on the sides.

* Corner posts less than 5/8 inches high. (Higher corner posts can catch the baby's clothing.)

* No cutouts in the head or footboards where the baby could trap his/her head.

* Rail height at least 22 inches from top of railing to mattress at its lowest level.

* A locking, hand-operated latch on sides that is secure from accidental release.

* Wood surfaces free of splinters, cracks, and paint with lead.

3. Never leave the crib rails down when the baby is in the crib.

4. Bumper pads are used around the entire crib until the baby begins to stand; then remove the pads.

5. Begin to lower the crib mattress before the baby can sit alone. Have it at its lowest point before the baby can stand.

6. Move blankets and soft toys away from the baby's face.

7. Sleeping babies should be on their back; babies sleep safest on their back and alone.

CAR SEATS

1. All infants should ride in approved car seats when traveling (American Academy of Pediatrics Car Safety Seats Guidelines for Families, 2007.)

2. Infants should ride in the back seat of the care, facing the rear of the car, until they weigh at least 20 pounds and are 1 year old.

TOYS

1. Toy size should be at least 11/4 inches by 21/4 inches round.

2. Toys should not have buttons, beads, or objects on them that can be pulled off and swallowed.

BATHING

1. Do not shake powder on the baby because it can easily get into the baby's airway.

2. Never leave the baby alone in the bathtub or around water. Keep the water level in the tub less than 3 inches.

3. Always check the temperature of the bath water before placing the baby in the tub. Turn cold water on first, then the hot water. Turn the hot water off first.

4. Set the water heater thermostat at less than 120[degrees]F to prevent accidental burns.

5. Never let go of the baby; hold the baby with one hand and wash with the other.

KITCHEN

1. Do not hold baby when cooking at the stove or when pouring hot liquids.

2. Do not heat bottles in the microwave. The formula may become too hot and burn the baby, even when the bottle feels cool to touch. Also, steam may form inside the bottle and cause it to explode.

3. Cook using the back burners on the stove.

4. Pot and pan handles should be turned toward back of the stove.

5. Cover the burner controls if they are on the front of the stove.

6. Do not use tablecloths as they can be pulled off with the table contents.

7. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.

8. Until the baby is at least 4 years old, do not feed the following foods:

* peanuts or popcorn

* round pieces of hot dog

* hard candy, gum, or whole grapes

GENERAL SAFETY

1. Keep toilet seats and tops of aquariums securely closed.

2. Keep infants away from buckets of water.

3. NEVER leave the baby in the direct sun or in a parked car.

4. Wash flame-retardant clothing according to the label directions.

5. Only use store-bought pacifiers to prevent choking.

6. Always use the safety straps on infant seats, high chairs, strollers, and carriers.

7. Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.

8. Cover all unused electrical outlets.

9. NEVER let the baby chew on electrical cords. Check and repair cords regularly.

10. Keep all medicine and cleaning supplies locked in original containers and out of baby's reach.

11. Do not leave children younger than 6 years alone with the baby.

12. Be careful when walking with the baby in your arms. Avoid rugs, mats, and slippery floors.

13. Use safety catches on cabinet doors when the baby begins to crawl.

14. Store plastic bags away from the baby; do not use on the baby's mattress or pillows.

15. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home. Test batteries monthly; replace yearly.

16. In the case of fire or emergency, plan an escape route and decide on a place to meet.

17. Keep the telephone number for the Poison Control Center near the telephone.