TOPEKA, Kan. - September is Baby Safety Month and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Safe Kids Kansas are offering several baby-safety reminders for parents.
In the kitchen, parents are reminded never to leave a hot stove unattended; and always cook with pots and pans on the back burners.
Turn pot handles to the back of the stove, and keep poisons, lighters, matches and electrical cords out of reach.
KDHE and Safe Kids Kansas both advise parents not to let children under age 3 eat small round or hard foods such as hot dogs, grapes, hard candy nuts or popcorn.
In the bathroom, parents are asked to mix hot and cold water together and test the bath-water temperature before putting the baby in the water.
Try setting your hot water heater to 120 degrees and never let your child alone in the bath.
Playrooms also pose plenty of dangers for baby.
KDHE and Safe Kids Kansas do not recommend using baby walkers; instead, they suggest stationary play centers.
Always make sure toys are age-appropriate and avoid purchasing toys with sharp edges, small parts and other chocking hazards.
Toys with strings, straps or cords longer than 7 inches can accidentally strangle children.
Some electrical toys are potential burn hazards.
Finally, make sure toy chests have ventilation holes to prevent suffocation in case a child becomes trapped inside.
For more ideas, visit
http://www.jpma.org or
http://www.safekidskanss.org.
