LITTLE SHOP

Changing Table

. Make sure the changing table is sturdy and has two-inch guardrails all around.

. The top of the changing table should curve in, with the sides slightly higher than the center.

. Don't leave your child alone on a changing table, strapped in or not.

. Keep all baby supplies within reach so you don't have to leave the table to get them.

. Make sure your baby can't get to your supply of disposable diapers (if you use them). Pieces of the plastic can be dangerous if he teals them off and swallows them.

Car seat safety

. An infant MUST ride in a car seat at ALL times. It is also the best way to keep your child safe in the car.

. It's best not to use a car seat manufactured before 1981.

. Get a baby seat and learn how to use it before your baby is born. You'll need one to bring your baby home from the hospital.

. The most effective seat has a five-point harness, with two shoulder straps, a lap belt and a strap that goes through your baby's legs. These harness straps should fit snugly against your baby's body. Make sure the restraints are easy to fasten and unfasten.

. The safest place to install the infant seat is the center of your vehicle's back seat. Your infant's seat should be installed facing backward. Eventually, when your baby gets older, you'll be able to move up to a forward-facing toddler or convertible seat.

. Never place a rear-facing infant car seat in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag. Even if the vehicle has an air bag cutoff switch that allows you to turn off the air bag, the back seat is still the safest place for your baby.

. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions about threading seat belts through the correct slots. Your car's seat belt may require a special locking clip to hold it tight. Just remember, if you try to rock the seat back and forth, there should be no movement at all.

Baby carriers, back packs and front packs

. When shopping for the perfect carrier, take your baby along. He'll help you make sure it's a good fit.

. Look for a carrier made of sturdy materials that offers full back support. Make sure the leg holes are a good fit so there's no chance your baby will slip through.

. Many backpacks have aluminum frames. Make sure it's well padded to protect your baby if he slumps or bumps into it.

.Inspect the carrier's seams, straps and fasteners frequently to make sure they're still in top condition.

. Using a back carrier can be hard on your back and your baby if you don't use it properly. Never bend at the waist. You'll risk back injury and your baby could topple out. Always bend at the knees.

.Use the restraining straps at all times, but especially once baby is about five months old. Babies that age start getting restless.

Strollers and Baby Carriages

If you're using a stroller:
. Always secure your baby with the seat belt and harness.

. When you're opening or closing a collapsible stroller, it's best to keep your baby away from it so his fingers don't get caught in the hinges.

. If you use a collapsible stroller, be sure your baby can't reach the release lever when you're stopped.

. Us the carrying basket instead of hanging diaper or shopping bags on the handles. That could make the stroller tip over.

If you're using a baby carriage:
. Make sure any toys strung across the carriage are well fastened. You wouldn't want them to fall on top of your baby. Take toys away soon as your baby can sit up or get on all fours.

. As soon as your baby can sit up alone, it's time to stop using a carriage.

	Safety Gates
	Safety gates are used to block off stairs or other dangerous areas from babies who can roll, crawl or walk into danger. Always make sure that your safety gates have: . Openings' that are too small to entrap a child's head. . A pressure bar or other fasteners that will resist forces exerted by a child.

	High Chairs
	Most high-chair injuries result when babies are not strapped into the chair properly. Make sure that your baby's high chair has: . two restraining straps to secure the child - one at the waist and one at the crotch. . a clamp that locks onto the table for added security. . caps or plugs on tubing that firmly attach and cannot be pulled off by a child.

	Cribs
	Do not place the crib near draperies or blinds where a child can become entangled in the cords. When a child reaches 35 inches in height or can climb and/or fall over the sides, replace the crib with a bed.