Basic Safety Do's and Don'ts

BABY WALKERS
This item is not recommended. Walkers are very dangerous and delay infant development. Infants have received severe head injuries caused by walkers tipping over or falling down stairs.

PACIFIERS

Examples of Safe Behavior:

The pacifier is checked regularly and discarded if there is any sign of deterioration, e.g. discoloration or hardening and cracking of the nipple.
If children develop a yeast infection in the mouth, the pacifier is discarded and a new one used only after the infection has cleared.

Safe Surroundings – Check it out!

At time of purchase, the pacifier is packaged to ensure sterility.
Before using, the pacifier is cleaned according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
The pacifier's guard or shield is large and rigid to prevent the baby from sucking in and choking on the nipple.
The pacifier does not have a cord.

CHILD CARRIERS FOR A BICYCLE

Examples of Safe Behavior

As the added weight of children in a carrier affects steering, parents practice riding with a similar weight load before riding with a child.
The child's weight does not exceed the manufacturer's recommended load.
The safety strap is installed so that the child cannot release it.
The child wears an approved, impact-absorbent helmet that fits properly.
The seal is checked regularly for wear and tear and repaired immediately.

Safe Surroundings – Check it out!

The carrier seat has adequate foot protection.
High back and side supports prevent children from swinging.
The seat is well fastened to the frame of the bicycle.

SAFETY GATES

Examples of Safe Behavior

Even when a safety gate is in place, children are not left unattended.
Placing a footstool or other home-made barrier in front of the stairs is not used as an alternative to a gate

Safe Surroundings – Check it out!

Child gates, properly fitted, are installed wherever stairs are exposed.
Gates are installed in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
The gate is anchored securely in the doorway or passage, models held in place by a pressure bar are installed with the bar located on the side away from the children.

BABYSITTERS
Since more injuries occur in the home than in any other location, babysitters should have first aid training and the maturity to handle an emergency.
The following are tips on choosing and orienting a babysitter:

Choose babysitters who demonstrate knowledge of how to prevent injuries. They should have taken first aid training or a babysitting course that includes first aid. The Canadian Red Cross Society offers these types of courses.
Orient a new babysitter to your home. Show the sitter the first aid supplies, the emergency telephone numbers, the escape plan in case of fire and how to control hear, stove, lights and fuse box.
Be clear about activities and areas that are off limits to children.
Leave the telephone number where you will be and the number of a neighbor who could be of assistance in an emergency.
After the children are put to bed, the sitter should check each of them once an hour. Make it clear that the babysitter should not sleep.
The sitter should not be allowed to entertain friends. He or she is hired to do a job and should not be distracted.
The telephone should not be used for personal calls. It is for emergency use only.
The sitter should know what the child is doing at all times.
If possible, avoid asking babysitters to give medicine. If you must, give them careful instructions.
Babysitters should not smoke. Smoking is a fire and health hazard. Smoke may cause or worsen children's colds, flu, asthma and bronchitis.
Babysitters should not be expected to do chores. Their concern is for the safety of the child.
Check out your babysitters thoroughly. Make unscheduled visits home until you are sure you can trust them.

BICYCLE SAFETY

Choosing a Safe Bike
Examples of Safe Behavior:

A bike that the child will "grow into" is not recommended. It won't be well suited to present needs and can result in loss of control and falls.
The child has an opportunity to test drive a potential purchase for fit and comfort.

Safe Surroundings – Check it out!

A safe bike is the proper size. The child is able to stand over the frame while standing flat footed with both feet on the ground.
A child is able to use the brakes on the bike safely. If the child's hands are too small to use hand brakes, coaster brakes (foot brakes) are recommended.
Tires are fully inflated. Check tires for proper pressure.
The brakes work properly and the child is able to operate them safely.
The wheels are tightly secured and true (round). Shake the wheels to check that they are secure at the hubs.
The chain is oiled and tight.
Spokes are not loose, bent or broken.
The "bounce test": The bike is bounce on the road while the adult listens for shakes and rattles. A safe bike is a quiet bike.
The seat post and handlebars are securely attached.