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June is Home Safety Month

In addition to the information posted on the main page of our website, here are some more tips to keep your baby safe in your home:

Safety Basics:

- Have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors inside all bedrooms, outside all sleeping areas and on every level of your home. Test alarms monthly and change batteries once a year.
- Install stair gates at the top and bottom of stairs. Stair gates at the top must be attached to the wall with hardware.
- Secure furniture to the wall to avoid tip overs.
- Use cordless window coverings.
- Install window guards on all windows above the first floor.
- Keep these out of reach: Electrical cords, frayed or damaged cords, uncovered outlets, plastic bags, matches, lighters, candles, fireplaces, space heaters, irons, guns, small objects (like jewelry, buttons, pins, paper clips, nails, stones, etc.)
- Keep a first aid kit on hand.
- Place emergency numbers and the poison control hotline, 1-800-222-1222, by every phone and in your cell phones.

Prevent Poisonings:

- Babies have a slow rate of digestion, so dangerous things in small amounts can be poisonous.
- Lock up medicines, vitamins, cleaning products, pet food, alcohol, poisonous plants, and chemicals (like paint, gasoline, etc.) out of your baby’s reach.
- Read labels and follow directions when giving medicine to your baby.
- Use child-resistant caps.

Prevent Falls:

- Falls from furniture (cribs, changing tables, highchairs, and strollers) are the most common type of falls in babies 3 - 11 months old.
- Don’t leave your baby unattended.
- Keep one hand on your baby while changing diapers.
- When your baby is in a carrier, place it on the floor and not on top of a table, washer, dryer or other piece of furniture.

*Information taken from the Home Safety Council

baby's dry skin

Hi MyAngel,

First, Healthy Start recommends that you take your baby to see a doctor or healthcare professional, just to be safe. Until the appointment, you can apply Vaseline to your baby's skin (you can purchase Vaseline at any drugstore). There are other creams you can use such as Eucerine and Aphaphor, but vaseline is the most affordable option. If you have any other questions or concerns, please let us know. Thank you.

Edinburgh