PROOF YOUR HOME...
The CPSC recommends gates that children
cannot dislodge easily, but that adults can
open and close without difficulty.
Outlets, Lights and Electronics
• Check that you have a working smoke
detector with new batteries installed. You
should also have a carbon-monoxide
detector outside every bedroom.
• Install a thermostat to track the nursery’s
temperature. Sleeping in an overheated
room can increase the risk of sudden infant
death syndrome (SIDS), so it’s suggested
that you keep the temperature between 68
and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cover all outlets with plug protectors. If
it is an outlet you are not using, consider
purchasing the plug that covers the entire
outlet—they are much harder for an infant
or toddler to get out.
• When your baby begins to crawl and walk,
get rid of standing floor lamps. Babies will
grab at anything to help pull themselves up,
and a lamp can easily fall and injure them.
• Tuck away cords to lamps, monitors,
and other electronics. Not only are these
a tripping hazard for adults, but they could
lead to infant strangulation, head injuries, or
electrocution.
• If cords can’t be tucked behind a
dresser, install a cord track to keep them
out of reach.