Welcome
to Desert Ridge Childrens Center!
Here
at Desert Ridge Childrens Center we realize that having a new child is one of
the most exciting and daunting experiences that you can take on. There are no
words to describe the multiple emotions that are racing through a new parent.
We feel it is a privilege to be invited to share in that experience with you.
Children
at Desert Ridge Childrens Center will cared for by a team of health care
professionals that pride themselves on the superior care that they are able to
provide. We understand that there is more to healthcare than just treating
physical ailments. We will provide your
child with well rounded healthcare that also addresses the questions and
concerns that every parent will encounter.
Desert
Ridge Childrens Center is a full service Pediatrics Office located across the
street from Desert Ridge Shopping Center at the 101 and Tatum. Dr. Rajeev Agarwal MD, FAAP opened this
practice in July 2005 to serve the growing needs of the area. In 2007 the office
was privileged to be joined by Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Diane Becker MSN,
CPNP. It is this offices personal goal to involve the parents in all of the
healthcare needs of their child. We feel that input and opinion from the
parents is important in providing unsurpassed care for your child.
Again
we welcome you to our healthcare family.
We hope that you are pleased with the level of care that you and your
family will receive from our office.
Office Hours
Office hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through
Friday with Saturday hours offered in the winter season.
Appointments
Patients are seen in
the office by appointment only, except in emergencies. This system provides
adequate time for each patient and reduces waiting time as much as possible.
Please feel free to
call anytime after 8:00am to schedule a same day appointment. When you call,
please inform the receptionist as to the nature of the visit so that adequate
time can be scheduled.
Also, if you wish more
than one child to be seen, please specify this when the appointment is made so
enough time can be allotted for your family.
If you are unable to
keep an appointment, please notify the office as soon as possible so that the
time may be rescheduled for someone else.
Please call if you
will be late for your appointment. Once you arrive, we will do our best to
accommodate you in a timely fashion.
Our Services Include:
Well Child Checks
Sports Physicals
Same day Sick Appointments
Prenatal Visits/ Meet the doctor visits
All Immunizations
Pediatric Nephrology
Consultations
Circumcisions and other Procedures
After hour triage by the doctor or nurse practitioner
Hospital coverage at:
·
·
Contracted Insurance Plans:
*Accountable Health Plans
*Aetna
*AP/IPA
*AZ Foundation for Medical Care
*AZ Medical Network
*Beech Street
*BCBS
*Benefits of America
*Cigna
*Corvel
*First Health
*Great West Healthcare
*Galaxy Health
*Health Net
*Humana
*Life Wise
*Mercy Care
*Mercy Health Care Group
*Multiplans Inc.
*PacifiCare
*Phoenix Health Plan
*PHCS
*ProNet
What to Bring to
Hospital for Baby
·
An
infant car seat. You can't drive your baby
home without one! (Call the Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT for more
information on the safety rating of a particular model.)
·
A
going-home outfit (one-piece stretchy outfits are easiest)
·
A
receiving blanket
·
A
pair of socks or booties
·
A
cap (although they'll usually give you one at the hospital)
·
Baby
nail clippers or emery board
Information about Car
Seats
There
are two kinds of car seats for babies: infant-only seats (which must be
replaced when your baby weighs 20 pounds) and convertible seats that
accommodate both infants and older children.
Infant-only seats are designed for
rear-facing use only and fit infants better than convertible seats. Infants must be in rear-facing car seats until they're 1 year old
and weigh at least 20 pounds. (If
your baby exceeds that weight before his or her first birthday, you'll need to
use a convertible seat designed for bigger babies.) Some parents of newborns
find that a "travel system," which includes a stroller and an
infant-only car seat that can be attached to the stroller, make it much
smoother to transition babies - especially sleeping ones - from the car to the
stroller.
Convertible seats face toward the rear
until your baby is 20 pounds and 1 year old,
and can be turned to face forward after that. (Some convertible seats have
higher rear-facing weight limits to accommodate larger babies younger than 1
year).
Never put a rear-facing infant or convertible seat
in the front seat of your car - always use the rear seat. Passenger-side
airbags in the front seat cabin are hazardous for both rear- and forward-facing
car seats, and most accidents happen at the front passenger area of the car.
When it's cold, strap your baby in snugly first, then put blankets over the
baby.
If you borrow a car seat, make sure
that it's not more than 10 years old and was never in a crash (even if it looks
OK, it could be structurally unsound). Avoid seats that are missing parts or
aren't labeled with the manufacture date and model number (you'll have no way
to know about recalls). Also, check the seat for the manufacturer's recommended
"expiration date." If you have any doubts about the seat's history,
or if it's cracked or shows signs of wear and tear, don't use it.
Also, be sure to register your new
seats, so you can be notified of any problems or recalls. Ask your child's doctor or nurse about local
resources where your car seat can be checked by someone specifically trained to
evaluate car seat installations. Many hospitals, police and fire stations, and
even car dealerships offer this type of service for free.
Information adapted from:
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_newborn/home/bringing_baby_home.html
Schedule of Well
Child Checks
The
purpose of the physical exam is to ensure that your child is healthy and
meeting anticipated developmental milestones in a timely manner. Many
examinations will include vaccinations. Sometimes, several vaccines will be
given during one exam. Plan to bring your child into our office as indicated on
the schedule below:
2-4 days
15 months
1 month
18 months
2 months 24
months
4 months 3
years old
6 months
4 years old
9 months
5 years old
12 months 6
years old
After the age of 6,
physical exams are generally recommended every two (2) years, for healthy
children. Children who have chronic problems may require yearly physical exams
after age 6. Some health plans will not cover the cost of regular physical
exams more frequently than every two (2) years. It is a good idea to check your
insurance plan's payment policies regarding physicals and immunizations.
Immunization Schedule
Immunizations
protect your child against several serious life-threatening diseases. The
immunization schedule often changes. Below is a general recommended routine
schedule.
Explanation of Abbreviations:
DtaP = diphtheria,
tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) Hep A = hepatitis A
Hep B = hepatitis B
Hib =
Haemophilus influenzae type b
IPV =
inactivated polio virus
MMR = measles, mumps,
rubella
PCV7 = pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
Td = adult tetanus and diphtheria
(needed every ten (10) years throughout life)
VZV = chicken pox (varicella)
Birth to 2 weeks
2 months
4 months
6 months
6
to 18 months
12
to 15 months
12 to 18 months
2 to 3 years
4 to 6 years
11 to 12 years
Don't Avoid Immunizations
Unnecessary
precautions have led parents to postpone or cancel scheduled immunizations.
A
child can be given his/her vaccines if one or more of the following
conditions are true:
The child had soreness, redness, or
swelling at the injection site after a previous shot.
The child had a fever of less than
105°F (40.5°C) after a previous shot.
The child has a mild illness such as
a cold, cough, or diarrhea without a fever.
The
child has recently been exposed to an infectious disease.
The
child is taking antibiotics.
The child was premature.
The child's mother is pregnant.
The child is breast-feeding.
The child has allergies (unless it is
an egg allergy).
The child's family has a history of
convulsion or sudden infant death syndrome.
Consent to Give Vaccinations
Please
note that Arizona law requires written consent from a parent or guardian for a
child to receive vaccines. If a parent or guardian allows another adult to
bring in the child, the parent or guardian is allowing this other adult to make
decisions regarding the child's medical care, including the decision to give
vaccines.
Newborn Screening Tests
What are newborn screening tests?
Newborn
screening tests are tests to check for treatable diseases that can appear early
in life. These tests can detect certain diseases before they cause serious
damage. The tests are provided by the Arizona Department of Health.
While
newborn screening tests are likely to find newborns with diseases, like all
tests, they are not perfect. Sometimes they incorrectly report a disease a
child does not actually have. Therefore, all children who test positively for a
disease should be tested again. Rarely, the tests do not identify children that
actually do have the disease.
What diseases are tested for?
Arizona tests for eight (8) diseases, including:
Biotinidase
deficiency
Congenital
adrenal hypoplasia
Galactosemia
Homocystinuria
Hypothyroidism
(low thyroid)
Maple
syrup urine disease
Phenylketonuria
(PKU)
Sickle
cell disease
If
these rare diseases are diagnosed and treated early, they can be improved or
cured. For example, if untreated, hypothyroidism and PKU cause mental
retardation.
How are the tests
done?
The
tests are run on small amounts of blood taken from the baby's heel. Infants are
tested in the hospital and then again after 72 hours of age.
If
a test does suggest your child has a disease, the health department will
contact you and your baby's doctor. If the tests do not show any diseases, you
will generally not be contacted. We receive copies of the newborn screening
test results and we will discuss the negative results with you at the 1 month
well child check.
Feeding
Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding provides the best source of nutrition
for your baby.
Breastmilk helps protect your baby from infection.
In general, breast babies have less colds, diarrhea
and other infections than formula fed babies.
Breastmilk is always clean and just the right
temperature.
Breastfeeding
is convenient. The breastfeeding mother just snuggles her infant to her breast
and relaxes. No bothersome duties with bottles, nipples, sterilizers or cans of
formula.
Breastfeeding is
economical. The most inexpensive methods of formula feeding are more costly
than breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding
is good for you too. During your pregnancy you gained about 5-9 pounds of fat.
This extra weight provides a source of energy for nursing your baby. With
nursing, this extra weight is lost. Nursing helps you return to normal size.
The
most important part of successful breastfeeding is the mother's desire to do
so. If you work or go to school and it is not possible to breastfeed all the
time, you can still pump milk from your breasts and feed the baby with a bottle
of breastmilk.
Each mother and baby
is different and will have a somewhat different nursing experience. Be sure to
ask for help and advice.
Your milk may not come in for up to 8 days, but your
infant will receive colostrum, which is a nutritious fluid.
During the first few days of life, most babies will
lose weight, but by the fourth or fifth day your baby will begin to gain weight.
Breastmilk normally
looks thin and watery when compared to whole cow's milk. Do not be alarmed by
this appearance. It is just right for your baby.
Take
time to arrange yourself and baby. Some mothers/babies prefer sitting, others
prefer lying down. You probably will want to vary positions at different
nursing times to find what is most comfortable for you and your baby.
Baby's
appetite will vary sometimes, just as your appetite does. Don't be alarmed if
the baby occasionally doesn't eat as much as at one nursing, and then acts very
hungry at another feeding.
In
caring for your breasts, avoid using soap. Nipples do not need to be washed
with feedings--plain water during a daily bath is sufficient cleaning. Allow
the nipples to be exposed to air after feedings, for a few minutes, as often as
possible.
When
breastfeeding, let the baby take as much of the breast in his mouth as
possible. Be sure that the breast does not cover the baby's nose and block the
baby's breathing. You may use your finger to break the suction when taking baby
off of the breast.
The
mother's body responds to the demand made by the baby for milk, and
automatically produces the right amount of milk for each feeding. Allow the
baby to work up to nursing for 10 minutes on each breast. If he is satisfied
with one side only, then offer the other side at the next feeding, but always
try offering both breasts.
Breastmilk
is easily and quickly digested, so newborns may need to nurse every 2-3 hours.
An average of 8-10 feedings in 24 hours is normal. Babies drink more breast
milk and wait longer between feedings as they grow older. Call your doctor if
you have any concerns about your breastfeeding.
Sometimes breasts get
swollen 2-4 days after birth. You should breast feed often to relieve this
swelling. If your breasts are very hard before feeding, make sure to express
some milk before starting to feed.
Pumped breast milk can be stored for 5-7 days in a
refrigerator and up to 6 months in a freezer. To thaw breast milk, place
container in warm water. Do not microwave breast milk.
Other cautions when breastfeeding:
Do
not add other foods such as cereals, fruits or vegetables. As long as the baby
is nursing exclusively, extra water is not needed. Your baby generally should
not begin solid foods before 5 months of age.
With
regard to any medication, be sure your doctor knows that you are nursing your
baby. This will help the doctor select the correct medication that you need. It
is best to avoid sleeping pills. They may decrease milk production, make it
difficult for you to awaken to feed your baby, and leave you feeling groggy.
Your diet while breastfeeding:
You
do not have to drink a lot of extra milk yourself. However, if you drink some milk, it is an excellent source
of calcium, protein and calories. If you don't like milk, you may wish to eat
cottage cheese, regular cheese, meat, eggs, and dark green vegetables.
A
well-balanced diet will usually supply all of the vitamins and iron that you
need. However, to be safe, it is frequently recommended that you continue to
take your prenatal vitamins and iron pills. This is especially important to do
if you were at all anemic during your pregnancy or had any excessive bleeding
at delivery.
Bottle Feeding:
If
you decide not to breastfeed, prepared formulas provide good nutrition for your
baby.
Formula
with iron is recommended.
They
are available both as a concentrate (which must be diluted with water);
"Ready to Feed" and powder. The differences are: 1)
Price--concentrated formula is cheaper; and 2) Convenience--"Ready to
Feed" does not have to be diluted and is more convenient.
To
prepare concentrated formula: put the contents of one can (13 ounces) in a
clean mixing bowl, and add an equal amount (13 ounces) of water. For powdered
formula follow the instructions on the can.
Formulas
may be fed at room temperature, or if you wish you may warm the bottle by
letting the bottle stand in hot water. NEVER warm bottles in a microwave
oven. The temperature is correct when a few drops on the inside of your wrist
feels warm (not hot).
As
you feed the baby, be sure the nipple is filled with milk so he/she won't
swallow too much air. NEVER prop the bottle and leave the baby alone.
Babies
usually take the amount of formula they need. Don't try to force him/her to
take more than he/she wants. During the first week of life a baby may take 2 to
3 ounces of formula at a feeding, while a 3 month old may take 6 to 7 ounces at
a feeding.
When
the baby drains the bottle regularly and wants more, it is time to increase his
feedings. You will notice that sometimes he/she is more hungry than at other
times. If there is formula left in the bottle after the feeding, throw it away.
More
Tips on Feeding
Water
Extra water is
usually not needed since there is sufficient water in the milk. However, in hot
weather there are times when a baby might be thirsty. We recommend offering no
more than 2 oz. of water per day.
Juices
Non-citrus
juices (apple, grape, pear, etc.) may be started at nine (9) months of age. Either
baby-food juices or regular juice diluted half-strength with tap water may be
offered once a day. Citrus juice may be given after twelve (12) months of age.
Solid Food
Milk
is the natural food for an infant and is a complete food containing all the nutrients
a baby needs for the first several months. We recommend starting infants on
solid food no earlier than four (4) months of age. The ideal time to start
solids is four (4) to six (6) months of age, when your baby can sit with some
support.
Rice cereal is
usually the first solid food given. Cereals should be given on a small spoon
and NOT added to your baby's bottle. Oatmeal cereal can be added 2-3 weeks
after rice cereal. Oatmeal cereal is also good for constipation (hard stools in
the shape of balls).
Once your child can
eat cereals, vegetables can be added. The vegetables can be pureed or strained.
Offer one new food every three (3) to five (5) days. Fruit can be started after
vegetables have been established. Strained or pureed meats can be added around
eight (8) or nine (9) months of age, as well as cottage cheese, yogurt, cheese,
etc. Jarred foods are easy to use, but fresh foods that are mashed or pureed
are just as good. Finger foods, such as Cheerios, cheese slices, slices of
fruit, breads, cookies and crackers can be started between nine (9) and ten
(10) months of age. Finger foods are a good way for your baby to feed himself.
Foods to introduce
after age one (1) are egg whites, citrus juice, shellfish and foods containing
peanuts. Also, after one year of age, most children will be eating the same
meals you are eating. No vitamins are needs if your child's diet is balanced.
Teething
Teething usually
starts between six (6) and nine (9) months of age. Sometimes, teeth come in as
early as four (4) months.
Often times, the
first tooth may not come in until 18 months of age.
Teething may cause
some mild fussiness and drooling, but it usually requires very little
treatment. A cold teething ring, a topical application of a teething gel, or a
dose of Tylenol may help.
Teething is not the
cause for fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, or rashes.
Bowel Movements:
The first stools your
baby passes are black, gummy, and thick. These are called meconium stools and
are normal for a newborn infant. In a baby that is breastfeeding, the stools
gradually become yellowish-golden in color, have watery to pasty like
consistency and may contain seed like particles. They are relatively odorless.
There is a great
variation in the number of bowel movements babies have. Some babies only have a
bowel movement every other day or so, while others have one every time they
eat. Bowel movements can normally be green, yellow, or brown.
Generally, in the
beginning, breastfed babies have more frequent, looser bowel movements than
formula fed babies. The number of bowel movements the baby has is not as
important as what they look like. Bowel movements should be pasty and soft, not
watery, and not hard. Watery stools indicate diarrhea, and hard stools indicate
constipation.
It is NORMAL for
babies to grunt and turn red when moving their bowels, and, as long as the
stool is soft, the baby is not constipated.
Care of the Diaper Area:
No baby likes to be
wet, so change the diapers as soon as possible. After each bowel movement, clean
the diaper area with a clean cloth, soap, and water. Using a mild soap and
water is better than using "diaper wipes," because often the baby's
skin will be sensitive to these Wipes. If you choose to use a Wipe, be sure to
check it's content and select a wipe that has no alcohol in it.
If the baby gets a
diaper rash, you should use an ointment such as A & D or Desitin or Balmex
every time you change the diaper. If there is a rash, you should also let the
diaper area open to air as much as possible. For example, when the baby is
asleep leave the diaper off, but have a diaper opened flat underneath the baby.
Safety:
Protect from
accidents. NEVER leave the baby alone on a table, bed, or chair; do not even
turn your back.
The only safe places
for the baby to be alone are: the baby's crib 0r bassinet, or playpen. Be
certain that the spaces between the crib are 2 3/8 inches or less, and the crib
sides are secure.
Check bath water with your arm to be sure it is not
too hot for the baby. Do not drink hot liquids or smoke with your baby in your
lap--the baby can stir and cause contact with the hot liquid or cigarette and
get burned.
Smoke alarms are important in providing safety in the
home.
Toys should be too large to swallow and should have no
sharp points or edges.
Keep pins and buttons and other small or sharp objects
out of baby's reach.
Plastic bags and pillows can smother.
A firm crib mattress without a pillow is the best.
Safe restraint in the car is a must. Use an approved
car seat, according to the manufacturer's instructions. NEVER hold the baby on
your lap in the car. You may pad the car seat with rolled up baby blankets (put
on either side of baby's body) to keep your newborn from slumping or falling
over.
After feeding, your baby should be kept upright for 15
to 30 minutes then he/she can be placed on his/her back.
Make your house a NO SMOKING area. Babies who live in
households with smoking parents, or siblings have an increased risk of
breathing problems and infections.
Most gas hot water
heaters are pre-set around 140 degrees, and electric water heaters at 150
degrees. With exposure to water at this temperature, it takes only 2 to 6
seconds for an adult to be burned badly. It takes even less time for a
baby or child to be severely burned. A temperature of 120 to 125
degrees, although still hot enough to severely scald a child, does give· a
safety margin. Of course, you must still be very careful, and the
temperature of the water must be lowered before you use it for bathing a baby.
Gas heaters have a thermostat outside the tank. The lowest setting
should be equal to 120 degrees. If you have questions, call your gas company.
Electric water heaters have a panel on the tank under which would be the
thermostat or 2 thermostats where there are 2 panels. The lowest setting(s)
should be 125 degrees or "low". Be careful before you adjust
anything, be sure and know what you are doing. If you are not sure then consult
with someone knowledgeable with the gas or electric company
SIGNS OF ILLNESS
Call your doctor immediately, if your baby has any of
these signs:
1. Fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, taken
rectally for babies under 3 months of age.
2. Persistent vomiting (more than 2 times). This
means a large amount of fluid, not just spitting.
3. Excessive crying, more than 2 hours.
4. Drowsiness (hard to wake up).
5. Rash (other than diaper rash), or diaper
rashes that do not improve.
6. Loose bowel movements, watery, containing
mucus, or blood.
7. Refusing feedings.
You may reach the person on call through the office.
Always feel free to call, when you have concerns about
the baby. We encourage you to call during regular office hours for concerns,
problems or questions that are not emergent.
Poison Control
1-(800) 222-1222 or
(602) 253-3334
E-mail: poisoncenter@BannerHealth.com
Call the Poison
Center IMMEDIATELY any time you think your child has swallowed a poison. Do not
make your child vomit until you are sure it is necessary and safe. Vomiting of
certain poisons (such as acids) is harmful. Vomiting more than one (1) hour
after swallowing most poisonous substances is not helpful.
Be prepared to answer the following questions:
What was swallowed?
How much was swallowed? Estimate the maximum
amount.
When was it swallowed?
How does your child look? (for example, awake
or sleepy)
If products such as
toilet bowl cleaners, drain cleaners, lye, dishwasher detergent, ammonia,
bleaches, kerosene, gasoline, furniture polish or lighter fluid are swallowed,
vomiting can damage the throat and/or lungs. Do not make your child vomit! Give
your child 1-2 glasses of milk or water to drink to wash out the throat. Keep
your child sitting or standing to protect the throat. Do not let him lie down.
Go to the nearest Emergency Room. Bring the container the poison was in with
you.
Most prescription drugs,
chemicals, and many plants are poisonous substances. Some dangerous
non-prescription medicines are vitamins, Tylenol, Motrin and aspirin. If these
are swallowed, call the Poison Center.
Fortunately, most
children will swallow non-edible substances that do not produce any serious
symptoms. In these cases, it is not necessary to induce vomiting.
Remember to do the following:
Keep all poisonous household products and
medications up, out of sight and locked.
Put all poisonous household products and medications
away
immediately after use.
Watch carefully for scorpions and black widow
spiders.
Keep all purses out of your child's reach.
Keep poisonous materials in original
containers.
Use child-resistant tops on household products
and medications.
Poison-proof ahead of your child's growth.
Remember, rapid growth and development bring new poison-proofing challenges.
Safety Check List
Avoid Falls
Do not leave your baby alone on a changing
table, countertop, bed, etc.
Keep crib and playpen sides up.
Do not put your baby in a walker. Walkers can
often times lead to accidents.
Get down on the ground (your baby's view) and
remove all items that may be dangerous.
Don't underestimate your child's ability to
climb.
Install safety gates to guard stairways.
Lock doors to dangerous areas like the
basement or garage.
Remove things that can fall on a toddler and
secure things to the wall (dressers, book shelves, etc.).
Check the stability of drawers, furniture, and
lamps. Teach your child not to climb on furniture or cabinets. Avoid placing
furniture (on which children may climb) near windows or on balconies.
Do not allow your child to climb on ladders,
chairs or cabinets.
Make sure windows are closed or have screens
that cannot be pushed out.
Lock second story windows.
Poison Prevention
The poison control telephone number is 1-800-222-1222.
Keep all medicines, vitamins, cleaning
supplies, and gardening chemicals locked away or disposed of safely. Remember
to check medicine cabinets, under sinks, the garage and laundry room.
Install safety latches on cabinets.
Vomiting is not usually recommended. Call
poison control with any question.
Keep the poison center number on all phones.
The poison control number is 1-800-222-1222.
Make sure any home your child visits is
baby-proofed.
Purchase all medicines in containers with
safety caps.
Do not store poisons in drink bottles,
glasses, or jars.
Teach your child to never take medicines
without supervision and not to eat unknown substances.
Fire Prevention, Prevent Fires,
Burns, Scalds
Turn your water heater down to 120°F (50°C).
Install smoke detectors. Check them
periodically to make sure they work.
Keep a fire extinguisher in or near the
kitchen.
Develop and practice a fire escape plan.
Never eat, drink, or carry anything hot near
your child or while you are holding your child.
Don't smoke inside the house or near your
child.
Check formula temperature carefully. Formula
should be warm or cool to the touch.
Check food temperatures carefully, especially
if foods have been heated in a microwave oven.
Keep hot foods and liquids out of reach.
Put plastic covers in unused electrical
outlets.
Throwaway cracked or frayed old electrical
cords. Watch for electrical cords your baby can reach.
Keep all electrical appliances out of the
bathroom.
Don't cook when your child is at your feet.
Use the back burners on the stove with the pan
handles out of reach.
Keep lighters and matches out of reach. Teach
your child to never play with matches or lighters
Don't let your child play near the stove.
Don't allow your child to use the stove,
microwave oven, hot curlers, or iron.
Teach your child emergency phone numbers and
to leave the house if fire breaks out.
Avoid Suffocation and Choking
Use a crib with slats not more than 2 and 3/8
inches apart.
Place your baby in bed on his back.
Use a mattress that fits the crib snugly.
Keep plastic bags, balloons, and baby powder
out of reach.
Remove hanging mobiles or toys before the baby
can reach them.
Keep cords, ropes, or strings away from your
baby, especially near the crib.
Use only unbreakable toys without sharp edges
or small parts that can come loose.
Keep all small, hard objects out of reach. If
the object can fit inside a roll of toilet paper, it's too small for your baby
and can get stuck in his throat.
Avoid foods on which a child might choke (such
as candy, hot dogs, grapes (unless cut in half), popcom, peanuts). These foods
can be given after the age of 4.
Cut food into small pieces - about half the
width of a pencil.
Store toys in a chest without a dropping lid.
All toy chests should have holes in them, so if a child gets stuck, he can
still get air.
Do not let your infant play with balloons.
Avoid Cuts and Injuries
Remove or pad furniture with sharp corners,
especially coffee tables and fireplaces.
Do not allow your child to be near knives,
power tools, or mowers.
Keep sharp objects out of reach.
Drowning Prevention
Never leave a child alone in water. Turn off
the phone. Don't answer the door. NEVER LEAVE A CHILD IN WATER!
Make sure pool gates are used properly and
locked. Never prop open a pool gate. Also watch that doggy doors are latched.
All caretakers should know CPR.
Always watch your child around any water,
including toilets and buckets. Infants can drown in a bucket that has water in
it. Empty all water and store buckets turned over.
Enroll your child in swimming lessons; keep in
mind that swimming lessons DO NOT lower the risk of drowning.
Pedestrian and Bike Safety
Hold onto your child when you are around
traffic.
Supervise outside play areas.
Provide a play area where balls and riding
toys cannot roll into the street.
Teach your child to never ride a tricycle or
bicycle in the street.
All family members should use a bicycle
helmet.
Watch all street crossing.
Do not allow your child to ride a bicycle near
busy streets.
Don't buy a bicycle that is too big for your
child. Children who ride bicycles that are too big for them are more likely to
be in bicycle accidents. Make sure the size of the bicycle your child rides is
appropriate. Your child's feet should both touch the ground when your child
stands over the bicycle. The top tube of the bicycle should be at least two (2)
inches below your child's pelvis.
Sun Safety
It is best to keep your child out of the sun
as much as possible.
Early mornings and late afternoons are the
best times to be out with your child.
If your child is in the sun, use a hat. If
your child is over 6mo you can also apply sunscreen. Use waterproof sunscreens
with UVB and UVA protection.
Safety Around Strangers
Teach your child the first and last names of
family members.
Teach your child never to go anywhere with
someone they don't know.
Safety outside the home is very important to
discuss with your child.
Teach your child her full name, address, and
phone number. She should know how to contact you at work.
Remind your child that no adult needs help
from a child and to never go with an adult who is asking for help (as in
finding a cat, etc.)
Gun Safety
If you keep a gun, empty it out, lock it up!
Always keep your gun unloaded and locked up.
Lock and store bullets in a separate location.
Make sure children don't have access to the
keys.
Ask police for advice on safe storage and gun
locks.
The best way to reduce gun risks is to remove
the gun from your home.
Even if you don't own a gun ...
Talk with your children about the risk of gun
injury outside the home in places where they may visit and play.
Tell your children to steer clear of guns when
they are in the homes of their friends. Explain that if they do encounter a gun
in someone's home they are to NOT touch the gun and to immediately find an
adult.
Speak with the parents of your children's
friends to find out if they keep a gun at home.
If they do, urge them to empty it out and lock
it up.
Toddlers and Young
Children
Because even the most well-behaved children
are curious by nature and will eagerly explore their environment, the safest
thing is to not keep a gun a home.
Explain to your children that guns are
dangerous and that children should never touch guns. Tell your child if he sees
a gun to go get an adult.
Tell your children that gun violence on TV and
in the movies is not real.
Explain that in real life children are hurt with guns.
Children learn gradually and often forget and
test the rules, so periodically, repeat the message to stay away from guns.