Remove Drawstring Hazards

Drawstrings in children's clothing can be dangerous. These drawstrings can get caught on such things as playground equipment, an escalator, and a fence. If this happens, there is a risk of a child being strangled by the drawstring.

If your child has clothing with drawstrings, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that you completely remove those at the hood and neck, including from jackets and sweatshirts. The CPSC technical staff has concluded that shortened drawstrings at the neck may still present a strangulation hazard. Therefore, CPSC recommends that consumers purchase children’s upper outerwear that has alternative closures, such as snaps, buttons, Velcro, and elastic.

For more information visit: Consumer Product Safety Commission Clothing Safety Publications.

Water Safety

Water play in the bathtub and pool or at the beach can be a lot of fun for your baby. But water can be dangerous. Here are some tips to make water time safe and fun:

• Doctors now advise against swimming lessons for infants and toddlers. Their bodies are not yet good at fighting some diseases that are easily passed in water, according to this policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

• Don’t let your baby swallow lots of water at the pool or beach; it could make her sick.

• Floating toys are fun, but they don’t substitute for a watchful parent and they don't prevent drowning.

• NEVER leave a young child alone near water, not even for a minute. Teach your child to wait for an adult before getting into water.

• If you have or use a pool, teach proper poolside behavior. Don’t allow running or rough play around the pool. Never leave a pool halfway covered. A child could get trapped under the cover.

• To prevent sunburn, use a waterproof sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15; a higher SPF of 30 is best for those with fair or sensitive skin. Reapply it at least every two hours or sooner if water washes the sunscreen off. However, it’s not a good idea to keep your baby in the sun for that long. Use an umbrella or tent when you’re outside for the day. For more information see the Academy of Pediatrics policy statement on sunscreens.

• Babies have drowned in buckets and open toilet bowls because their heavy heads became trapped when they fell in. It's possible for a baby to drown in less than 2 inches of water.

• Learn infant CPR so you are prepared in case of an accident. Ask your doctor, clinic, or local American Red Cross about CPR classes.

Ear Infections

Watch for signs of an ear infection. If your baby tugs at his ears or has a cold that lasts several days, it may be an ear infection. Ear infections can affect a child’s hearing.

Being sick a lot affects your baby’s growth and learning. If your baby acts, looks, or feels like he is sick, please call the doctor or nurse right away.

Smoking Is Bad for Babies and You

Children should not be around smokers or in smoke-filled houses. Cigarette and cigar smoke can make it more difficult for children to breathe, especially children with allergies and breathing problems.

Children of parents who smoke show cancer-causing compounds in their blood.

Crib Safety: Beware of Escape Artists

Some clever 11-month-olds have figured out how to climb out of their playpens and cribs. When your child can climb out, put a mattress or a big pillow on the floor beside the crib, just in case she falls.

Avoid placing a crib next to a window that cannot be locked safely. If your baby can climb out of the crib, she can climb out a window.

Be sure cords for blinds, shades, and lamps are out of reach from your baby's crib.