o long thin strips, and then cut those strips into small pieces. If pieces of hot dog are too big, they can plug your child’s airway.
- Do not give nuts, popcorn, gum, or hard candy to children under four.
- Teach your child to sit still while eating and chew his food completely.
- If you have decided to give your baby a pacifier check the pacifier regularly. Make sure the nipple part is firmly attached to the handle. If it is not, the soft part could come off, causing your baby to choke. Throw out the pacifier when the nipple part has cracks or when it becomes sticky.
- When your baby starts teething explore different comfort measure for your baby. Give your baby a teething ring instead.
- Do not attach strings or cords to a pacifier. It can result in strangulation.
- Plastic bags are a common source of danger.
- Keep plastic bags out of children’s reach.
- Tie a knot in the middle of used bags or cut into pieces to prevent choking or suffocation.
- Check toys regularly for broken or loose parts.
- If a toy is labeled as not recommended for children under three years of age, the toy contains small parts and is a choking hazard.
- Older cribs manufactured before September 1986 do not meet government safety standards and should not be used. It is illegal to sell or advertise these cribs. These cribs are often sold at garage sales and flea markets, or found in cottages or relatives homes.
- You can be confident that new cribs sold in stores meet safety regulations. The date of manufacture must appear on the crib.
- Mattresses that are too soft or worn down in any area could cause a gap or hollow where a baby’s head could become trapped causing the child to suffocate.
- Mattresses should fit snugly on all sides of the crib and should have a firm surface.
- The mattress should not be more than 15 centimetres thick. Ensure the mattress fits snugly so there are no spaces where a child’s head or limbs can get caught. The space between the mattress and the sides of the crib should not be more than 3 centimetres. Pushing the mattress into one corner will help to ensure that the mattress is sung enough.
- Babies should never be harnessed or tied in a crib, and should not be left in a crib with a necklace, elastic band, scarf, or a pacifier on a long cord that could cause strangulation.
- Keep the crib away from window curtain or blind cords. The baby’s neck could become entangled in one of the cords or strings, resulting in strangulation.
- For greater safety, do not place a baby under two years of age on an adult bed without adult supervision. Never place a baby on a waterbed.
- Avoid pillows, comforters, stuffed toys and bumper pads in the baby’s crib.
- Ensure crib slats are no wider than 6 centimetres (2 2 inches). If you can slide a pop can through the slats, the crib is unsafe. A child’s head may slip between the slats, resulting in suffocation and other possible injuries.
- If purchasing a used playpen, make sure the sides are made of mosquito-type netting. If the mesh is larger, buttons or hooks on clothing could get caught. Sides must be firm and sturdy and should be checked regularly for damage.
- Make sure side latches are in their fully closed position when setting up a playpen.
- Never leave an infant in a drop-sided playpen with the side down. The infant can roll into the space between the mattress and the mesh side and suffocate.
- Never put scarves, necklaces or cords in the playpen or around a child’s neck. These items can catch and strangle a child.
- Vinyl rails of playpens or mattress pads with tears can be dangerous. A child can bite off small pieces and choke.
Playground and Backyard Play Equipment:
- Children have died as a result of their clothing or drawstrings getting caught on playground equipment or on fences. Other children have died when they became entangled in ropes or skipping ropes attached to playground equipment.
- Never tie mittens or anything else on a cord around a child’s neck.
- Remove drawstrings on children’s clothing.
- Always remove ropes and skipping ropes tied to slides and other play