Falls
Falls are among the leading causes of accidents in the home for infants, toddlers, and adults. Taking some simple precautions can reduce the risk of falling for your child.

STAIRS: Make sure you use gates at the top and bottoms of stairs. Use gates that actually mount to the walls with screws rather than pressure gates. Pressure gates can become dislodged if a child pushes hard enough. Do not place items on steps where someone can trip on them (that someone includes you). It is difficult to watch your steps while carrying a baby, so keeping stairs free of clutter is especially important. Do not allow children to play on stairs. Eventually, most children will have to learn to climb and descend steps. A few months before you give your child free access to the steps, spend some supervised time teaching your child to climb up and down safely.

RAILINGS: Evaluate railings (including those on any decks) and balcony railings. Some are spaced so that a small child can push their head or body through. This is especially a problem in older homes. Also watch out for railings that are horizontal - these can act as ladders for small children to climb up and over! There are a number of commercial products that can be attached to railings to remedy these problems. None of these products will help if the railings themselves are not sound. Make sure to have loose or shaky railings repaired or replaced.

WINDOWS: : Windows can present a serious fall hazard. Screens used in windows are intended to keep bugs out - not to keep your toddler in. Identify all windows that are low to the floor and take measures to secure the window. There are special window security devices you can attach to keep your child in. Move any furniture that is positioned to allow your child to climb up and gain access to a higher window. A child can escape through a window opened only a few inches. Even a short fall can result in severe injury so take these precautions on ground floor windows and all upper-story windows. In securing windows be aware of keeping emergency exits clear. Also be careful of windows that fall shut by themselves. This is again especially true of older homes.

CLUTTER: Keeping a house neat and uncluttered goes a long way to reducing the risk of falls and other hazards. There is less chance of tripping and of giving a child access to dangerous materials. Admittedly a neat uncluttered house is sometimes difficult to achieve with a young child - but a worthy goal nonetheless.

CLIMBABLE FURNITURE: Young children can use many types of things as a "Jungle Gym". Watch your child carefully. Also look out for items that can tip as a child tries to climb. Bookshelves are particularly dangerous. Likewise leaving drawers open on dressers and other similar items can allow a child to climb, thus tipping the item over on themselves. You can purchase anchors that tether bookshelves or other tippable objects to the wall. This is a must with bookshelves and other heavy items that can tip.

USE SAFETY RESTRAINTS: Most baby furniture such as high chairs and swings etc.. come with built in seat belts - USE THEM. A toddler can climb out of a high chair in just about the time it takes you to open the fridge door. A fall from a high chair can result in serious injury. And as always watch your child - that is always the best way to prevent injury.

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER LEAVE YOUR BABY UNATTENDED: It is not safe to leave your baby lying on a bed, couch, counter or elevated surface while you go get something. Don't even turn your back for a second. Babies have been know to pick inconvenient opportunities to roll or crawl for the first time.

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Disclaimer: Note, these lists are provided to start you thinking about safety. We guarantee that these lists ARE NOT COMPLETE! You will have to evaluate your own home. No list can anticipate every circumstance. The personal health of yourself , your spouse, children or other factors may dictate that you take precautions not listed here, or that you ignore suggestions made here. Ultimately, you are responsible for your child's safety. When you are unsure or have questions always consult an appropriate professional. We have made every effort to check the accuracy of our information, but we do not guarantee it to be accurate or complete. Use your own judgments and always seek the advice of a physician when appropriate. These lists are intended only to help you identify potential problems. Read our TERMS OF SERVICE for additional information about the conditions and terms under which this list is supplied.