The gentlebirth.org website is provided courtesy of
Ronnie Falcao, LM MS, a homebirth midwife in Mountain View, CA

Baby safety tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission

         *IN THE BEDROOM        
        --Put babies to sleep on their backs or sides in a crib on a firm 
mattress with no soft bedding beneath them, to reduce risk of 
suffocation.  
        --Make sure crib is sturdy and has no loose or missing hardware.  
        --Never place crib or other baby furniture near window blind 
cords, to keep babies from strangling on the loop of the cord.  

         *IN THE BATHROOM       
        --To prevent poisonings, keep medicines and cleaning products in 
containers with safety caps, locked away from children.  
        --To prevent burns, always use the wrist or elbow to check water 
temperature before putting baby into the bath.  
        --To prevent drownings, never leave child alone in the bathtub or 
near any water, including toilets, 5-gallon buckets and swimming 
pools.  

         *IN THE KITCHEN        
        --Do not leave baby alone in a high chair. Always use safety 
straps.  
        --Use back burners of stove. Keep pot handles turned to the back.  
        --Lock household cleaners, knives, matches and plastic bags away 
from children.  

         *IN LIVING AREAS       
        --Install smoke detectors on each floor of the home, especially 
near sleeping areas. Change batteries yearly.  
        --Use safety gates to block stairways, and use plugs in 
electrical outlets.  
        --Keep all small objects, including tiny toys and balloons, away 
from young children to prevent choking.