Safety Tips! The Kitchen

 

  • High chairs should have a waist strap and crotch strap.
  • Some high chairs recline for use with younger infants or are height adjustable.
  • Use waist and crotch restraint every time you place a child in the high chair to prevent falls from standing up or sliding out.
  • Never depend on the feeding tray to restrain or protect baby. Instead, secure restraint straps.
  • Prevent 'tip over'. Keep high chair far enough from the table, counter or wall so the baby can't push off from it.
  • Secure the safety latch on a folding high chair each time you unfold it for use.
  • NEVER leave a baby unattended.
  • Never use a bouncer seat on an elevated surface like countertops.
  • Portable hook-on chairs should have a strong clamp-on device, which keeps the seat level, making it impossible for a baby to kick off.
  • Do not use on portable hook-on chairs on glass or loose tabletop, or on a table with a single pedestal, leaf, tablecloth or placemat.
  • Check stability and sturdiness of table before seating a child.
  • Do not place an ordinary chair under the portable hook-on chair.
  • Always secure the waist and crotch straps around baby.
  • Before removing baby from chair, make sure baby's legs are free from chair straps.
  • When feeding baby, first test all warmed foods for a comfortable eating temperature before serving.
  • Heating baby food in a microwave is convenient, but be sure to check the temperature very carefully. Use microwave-safe dishes and stir food from the center out after heating to ensure the temperature is even.
  • When baby begins to eat solid foods, do not give the child small, hard foods. Check with your pediatrician for a list of appropriate foods.
  • Baby should always eat and drink in an upright position.
  • Bleaches, oven and drain cleaners should always be kept out of baby's reach. Childproof safety locks for cabinets can be helpful.
  • Keep the number of the poison control center near your phone so you can call for emergency first-aid advice.

This article was written by JPMA and can be viewed in its original format here.