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Fall Prevention for Babies
When babies first learn to walk, stumbles and falling on their bottoms is inevitable, which is completely fine. With active supervision and by following a few tips, we’ll help you make sure all the falls are harmless.
Top Safety Tips
- Keep babies and young kids strapped in when using high chairs, infant carriers, swings and strollers. When placing your baby into a carrier, remember to place the carrier on the floor, not on top of a table or other furniture.
- For your crawlers and climbers, move chairs, cribs and other furniture away from windows to help prevent window falls.
- Baby walkers can be dangerous, so try using a stationary activity center. These items give your baby a chance to practice standing and moving more safely. Look for one that is on a stable, non-moveable base and place it away from stairs, hot appliances or window cords.
- If a baby is in a walker at home, the baby must be actively supervised at all times. Walkers can easily fall down stairs, tip over or help your child gain access to hazards in the home.
- Secure TVs and furniture to the wall using mounts, brackets, braces, anchors or wall straps to prevent tip-overs.
- Screens are meant to keep bugs out, not children in. Properly install window guards to prevent unintentional window falls. For windows above the first floor, include an emergency release device in case of fire.
- Use approved safety gates at the tops and bottoms of stairs and attach them to the wall, if possible. Remember to read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels to make sure you have the right gate for your needs. Not all gates are safe for use at the top of the stairs.
- If you are placing your child in a shopping cart seat, use a harness or safety belt. If the belt is missing or broken, select another cart.