Ensuring Your Child's Safety

They crawl. They run around. And they often have no idea where they are going. Infants are often as reckless as they are adorable, but follow these tips and you'll enjoy your child's youthful exuberance without worrying about life-altering accidents.

For cribs:

• Check the crib slats to make sure they are not loose, cracked or missing.
• Check to see if you can fit more than two fingers between the edge of the mattress and the side of the crib. You should not be able to do so.
• The mattress support should be firmly attached to the headboard and the footboard of the crib.
• Make sure that all bolts, screws, and other hardware are present and tightly attached to the crib.

High chairs:

• A strap is necessary to restrain your child.
• The chair should have restraining straps that are independent from the tray.
• In order to remain stable, the high chair should have a wide base.
• Caps or plugs on ends of tubing should be firmly attached to the chair so that the child cannot pull them off and choke.
• Make sure that the locking device on a folding chair is secure so that the chair does not collapse.

Toys:

• Small handles are recommended so the child cannot choke on them.
• The squeaker on any squeeze toy must be on tightly to avoid chocking, as well.
• Any teething devises should be molded securely and made of hard rubber of medium plastic.
• Check teething toys regularly; replace if they show signs of disintegration, or if children are able to bite pieces out of them.

Pacifiers:

• Avoid items with a yarn or ribbon any string that could be wound tightly around the baby's beck.
• The shield of the pacifier should be large enough that it cannot fit into the baby's mouth.
• If the shield goes into the baby's mouth, you are in trouble. Make sure the shield has ventilation holes in case this occurs.

Strollers and carriages:

• A wide base is needed for stability.
• Make sure that the stroller has a seat belt strap secured to the frame.
• The brakes should firmly lock the wheels.