Baby Safety Month: Keeping Your Little One Safe with Primary Care Associates of Appleton
September is Baby Safety Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of keeping our little ones safe. As parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers, we all play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of infants. At Primary Care Associates of Appleton, we are committed to supporting families with the guidance and resources needed to keep their babies safe and healthy.
Here are some essential baby safety tips to help you protect your child at every stage of their early development:

1. Safe Sleep Practices
Creating a safe sleep environment is one of the most critical steps you can take to protect your baby. Follow these safe sleep guidelines:

• Always place your baby on their back to sleep, for naps and nighttime.
• Use a firm, flat sleep surface like a crib, bassinet, or play yard with a fitted sheet.
• Keep the sleep area free of soft bedding, pillows, toys, and bumper pads.
• Share a room with your baby, but not the same bed, to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

2. Car Seat Safety
Proper car seat use can prevent injuries in the event of an accident. Ensure that your car seat is installed correctly and used appropriately for your child's age, weight, and height:

• Use a rear-facing car seat until at least age 2 or until your child reaches the maximum height and weight limit of the car seat.
• Ensure the car seat is installed tightly and securely in the back seat, away from airbags.
• Check the harness fit; it should be snug with the chest clip at armpit level.

3. Preventing Falls
Falls are a common cause of injury in infants. Here’s how to minimize risks:

• Never leave your baby unattended on a changing table, bed, or other elevated surface.
• Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
• Keep floors clear of tripping hazards and use non-slip rugs.

4. Poison Prevention
Keep all potential poisons, including medications, cleaning supplies, and small objects, out of reach:

• Store chemicals and medications in locked cabinets.
• Ensure that houseplants and certain foods are not toxic to children.
• Keep the Poison Control Center number (1-800-222-1222) handy in case of an emergency.

5. Water Safety
Even small amounts of water can pose a drowning risk to infants:

• Never leave your baby unattended near water, including bathtubs, buckets, or pools.
• Always keep one hand on your baby during bath time.
• Empty buckets and tubs immediately after use.

6. Burn Prevention
Protect your baby from burns by being mindful of hot surfaces and liquids:

• Set your water heater temperature to below 120°F to prevent scalding.
• Keep hot drinks, stoves, and curling irons out of reach.
• Use stove guards and cook on back burners when possible.

7. Choking Hazards
Infants explore the world with their mouths, so it’s essential to keep small items out of reach:

• Avoid small toys, coins, and other choking hazards.
• Cut food into small, manageable pieces and avoid offering round, hard foods like whole grapes or nuts.
• Ensure toys are age-appropriate and free of small parts.

8. Safe Baby Gear
From cribs to high chairs, use baby gear that meets current safety standards:

• Register your baby products to receive recall notifications.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for weight and height limits.
• Regularly inspect gear for wear and tear, and replace any damaged items.

Partnering with Primary Care Associates of Appleton
Your baby’s health and safety are our top priorities. At Primary Care Associates of Appleton, we offer comprehensive pediatric care, including well-child visits, vaccinations, and personalized guidance to help you keep your baby safe. Our team is here to answer your questions and support you every step of the way. If you have any concerns about your baby’s safety or health, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can create a safe environment that nurtures your baby’s growth and development.

For more tips and resources, schedule an appointment with one of our providers today. Let’s work together to keep your little one safe, happy, and healthy! Contact Us:
Primary Care Associates of Appleton
Phone: (920) 996-1000
Celebrate Baby Safety Month by sharing these tips with friends and family, because every baby deserves a safe start in life!