One of the challenges every new parent faces is how to keep the baby safe. The risk of babies injuring themselves rises as they learn new gross motor skills like crawling. Childproofing your house is a never-ending routine which begins prenatally.
Cots are probably the first items you’re going to buy from the baby depot. Given that your baby will be spending a lot of his time in one, it is imperative that you pick out one that’s follows current safety standards. The crib must comply with recommended measurements and construction. For instance, you shouldn’t buy cribs which have gaps along the sides should be around 2-4 inches in width so that the baby’s arms, legs, and head won’t get caught in them. Manufacturers are required to furnish baby depots with a certificate proving that their products have passed current safety standards. It is essential that you request the seller for these certifications prior to purchasing.
Old cribs sold at flea markets and hand-me-down cribs may be very enticing considering they are either for free or are sold at dirt cheap prices. When you do prefer these cribs just make sure that they are durable enough and that they aren’t covered with lead paint. The harmful effects of lead are well-documented, and children who have ingested lead-containing paint chips have developed permanent learning, behavioral, and motor disorders and at times even died prematurely. Older cribs often aren’t made according to existing product safety specifications and in some countries, like the United States, it is against the law to put them for auction or sale.
Another hazard that parents should watch out for is accidental ingestion. You should be conscientious when buying toys for your child. For starters, you need to check if the product is suitable for your child’s age. Avoid buying toys which are too small or have detachable parts. Furthermore, never provide your babies with magnet-containing products. If the baby accidentally ingests more than one magnet, it can be fatal as these will be attracted to each other and cause his intestines to twist. In addition, put away medicines and cleaning solutions behind lock and key.
It is likewise smart to invest in baby monitors. You can find a lot of these in your baby depot as well as online. Baby monitors can either be simple radio receivers or have cameras built into them. Nowadays, you can also get monitors that come loaded with extra capabilities like music players, and snapshot recording.