For many parents, babies are the most precious part of their lives. This is why Chicago Baby Safety Month is so important. It’s an excellent time to make sure that we’re doing everything possible to keep our children safe, whether it’s in the house or when we take them outside. To help you review and reinforce your practices, Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys presents these Chicago Baby Safety Month tips.
Chicago Baby Safety Month Starts at Home
While many of us think of our homes as a safe and comfortable place, every household has items that are dangerous to children. It’s important to use babyproofing precautions and keep potentially dangerous products out of harm’s way. Here are some tips to keep your children safe at home.
General Household Tips
- Use a crib, bassinet, or cradle approved by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association
- Use baby gates to keep your children in safe areas of the house
- Safety gates are vital for homes with stairs in order to avoid slip-and-fall injuries
- Make sure that outlets have tamper-resistant covers to avoid electrocution injuries
- Never use blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals for children under the age of six months, as they can cause suffocation
- Always lay your child to sleep on their back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Kitchen Safety Tips
- Never leave the range or stove unattended in order to prevent burn injuries
- Keep household cleaners and other poisonous liquids in high shelves
- Use safety latches to secure cabinets
- Keep electrical appliances unplugged when not in use and place the power cords out of a child’s reach
Bathroom Safety Tips
- Adjust your water heater so that your child can’t accidentally burn themselves with scalding water
- Use anti-skid floor mats, since bad falls on slippery surfaces can lead to brain injuries and spinal damage
- Use medicine cabinet locks and always be sure to store your medicine after use
- Lock up dangerous bathroom items and toiletries, such as razor blades, tweezers, hair scissors, and products with high alcohol content
- Never leave your child unattended in a bathtub
Following the safety tips above will help your child stay safe in your home. Chicago Baby Safety Month is a good time to make sure your house has all the required safety products and to review safety practices with everyone in your household.
Be Familiar with Illinois Car Seat Laws
Illinois car seat laws changed in 2019 and some parents might not be familiar with the new requirements. The state has adopted more stringent guidelines as part of the Child Passenger Protection Act (625 ILCS 25). The guidelines call for:
- Children under the age of two to use a rear-facing restraint system, unless they weigh more than 40 pounds or are over 40 inches tall
- Children ages 2-4 to use a rear-facing seat if height and weight requirements allow
- The use of a forward-facing safety seat if a child between the ages of two and four can no longer fit into a rear-facing seat
- Children between the ages four and eight to use a forward-facing safety seat if height and weight limits allow
- The use of a booster-style safety seat for children between the ages of four and eight if they’ve outgrown forward-facing seats
- Children between the ages of 8-12 to use a booster seat until they’ve grown tall enough for an adult seatbelt to fit properly
In general, it’s recommended to use the most protective style of seat possible for as long as height and weight limits allow. However, it’s also important that children fit comfortably in these seats. Being familiar with Illinois car safety seat guidelines is an important facet of Chicago Baby Safety Month and can make a tremendous difference in the event of a car accident.
Lerner and Rowe Is Here to Help
Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys hopes that you use the information above to keep your children safe during Chicago Baby Safety Month and beyond. Unfortunately, accidents happen, no matter what precautions you take. If your baby suffers injuries due to another party’s negligence or a defective product, our experienced legal professionals can help you.
You can contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at 708-222-2222 and online through LiveChat and secure contact form. Consultations are free and we do not charge legal fees unless your case is won. Serving you and your family is our highest priority.