Keeping your baby safe in everyday situations
As a new parent, your baby’s safety is your top priority, and at St. Joseph’s/Candler, it’s ours too. We understand the instinct to protect your child. With decades of experience in pediatric care, we’ve helped tens of thousands of babies, children, and generations of families from our community. Our expertise and commitment to the highest standards of care mean you can trust us to guide you every step of the way. We want the best for our families and are proud to offer research-backed recommendations to help keep your little one safe and thriving. Explore these vital guidelines for everyday safety, knowing you’re in the best hands.
Car seats – Ensure your baby's safe travel
Car safety is one of the most critical ways to protect your child whenever you travel. Whether it’s a quick trip to the store or a longer journey, ensuring your baby is secure in the car should always be a priority.
In Georgia, state law requires that children aged eight and younger be secured in a federally-approved child safety seat in the vehicle's backseat. After being discharged from the hospital, your infant must ride home in a rear-facing infant safety seat
No matter how short the trip is, using the safety seat every time is crucial, as simply holding your baby while driving is not enough.
In the event of a sudden stop or collision, the baby could be thrown forward at high speed, risking severe injury or even death. Trust your loved one’s safety to expert guidelines, and always ensure your baby is correctly secured for every ride.
The dangers of summer heat and cars
Sizzling summer days can pose a severe risk to your child's safety, especially in and around vehicles. Temperatures can rise rapidly inside a car, turning a routine trip into a dangerous situation in minutes. Understanding the dangers of summer heat is essential for protecting your little one from preventable harm.
During the summer, temperatures inside a car can rise quickly, even with the windows slightly open. In a matter of minutes, the temperature can reach dangerous levels—between 120 and 140°F. This heat can cause heatstroke in children, which may lead to dehydration, seizures, and even death. Never leave your child unattended in a car; always check the back seat before locking the doors to protect your child.
Everyday safety around the house
Your home should be a safe haven for your baby, but everyday objects and environments can pose hidden dangers if not responsibly managed. By taking a few simple precautions, you can create a secure space where your baby can thrive. From ensuring strollers are stable to preventing falls and burns, it’s important to be mindful of potential hazards and use safety measures to protect your little one in every room of your home.
Here are some essential tips to keep your baby safe around the house.
- Strollers: Always check stroller wheels for stability and ensure folding parts are locked before placing your baby inside.
- Changing Tables: Never leave your baby unattended on a changing table and use safety straps if available. Keep sharp objects and items like lotions or powders out of reach.
- High Chairs: Secure your baby in the high chair using the harness and keep the chair away from stoves or electrical cords to prevent burns and injuries.
- Falls: Never leave your baby alone on high surfaces like sofas or changing tables to reduce the risk of falls. Use approved safety gates and cover the playground surfaces with soft material to cushion any falls.
- Fire Safety: Always supervise children in the kitchen, test water temperatures before bath time, and keep hot liquids out of reach. Install smoke detectors in every bedroom and learn about fire safety practices to prevent accidents.
Advanced safety tips – Poisoning, water and fire prevention
At St. Joseph’s/Candler, we don’t just care for your child during hospital visits—we’re also dedicated to supporting your family’s health and safety at home. Our decades of experience and deep commitment to your child's well-being extend to every aspect of their care, including safeguarding against common household risks, including risks of accidental poisoning and danger in water or fire hazards. You can minimize these dangers and protect your little one with the proper precautions.
Here are some key tips to keep your home safe:
- Keep cleaning supplies and medications locked away and out of your child’s reach to prevent poisoning.
- Testing your home for lead is another crucial step in ensuring long-term safety.
- Always keep the Poison Control Center’s number (1-800-222-1222) nearby in emergencies.
- Never leave your child unattended near water, whether in a bathtub, pool, or bucket.
- Ensure pools are fenced and locked, and permanently remove toys from the water to prevent children from trying to retrieve them.
- Wading pools should be emptied after each use and kept free from rainwater for added safety.
By following these essential safety tips, you can confidently protect your baby in everyday situations, knowing that you are doing everything possible to keep them safe and thriving. Trust our team to be your partner in parenting, ensuring that your family receives the best care and attention both inside and outside the hospital.