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SAFETY ISSUES
Continue safe car seat use. Read instructions for proper installation. Here are some general guidelines:
Place seat in the middle of the back seat. Plan to keep your todler rear-facing until they are either 40 lbs OR at least 2 years of age.
Use the "H" or "I" clip if you have a retractable shoulder harness.
Never put a child under 12 years of age in the front seat of a car with a passenger side airbag.
Turn the hot water heater in your home down so the hottest water you can get from the faucet is 120 degrees.
Install and test your smoke detector in or near your baby’s room.
Childproof your home (poisons, medicines, guns, plastic bags, sharp objects, cords, outlets, cigarettes, hot liquids, latches on cabinets). Visit our poison safety tips page at www.YourPediatrician.com.
If you haven’t yet, purchase a bottle of Activated Charcoal to have on hand in case of ingestion of a poison.
Obtain your local Poison Control Center’s phone number and keep it on hand (you can obtain this from our Web site, www.YourPediatrician.com).
Do not keep 5 gallon buckets in your home (to prevent drowning).
Avoid choke hazards (peanuts, popcorn, hard candy, whole grapes, raisins, carrot sticks, small toy pieces).
Use a bike helmet for your toddler (and yourself) if riding on the back of a bike.
Supervise activities, especially around lawnmowers, large dogs, cars.
Place crib mattress on lowest setting.
Place gates on stairways.
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YOU SHOULD…
Praise your child at every opportunity.
Talk (in adult manner) and sing regularly to your child.
Listen to music together with your child.
Continue to read books to your child.
Encourage opportunities for safely exploring his or her environment .
Limit the number of rules, but be consistent with them.
Not allow hitting, biting or mean behavior.
Have a bedtime routine and put your child to bed in his or her own room.
Keep a family picture near your child’s bed so it can be seen at night.
Eat meals as a family.
Offer comfort objects (stuffed animals, blanket).
Do not push for early toilet training.
Expect self-exploration of genitalia.
Be an example of the type of person you want your child to grow up to be - they are like sponges and absorb everything around them !
Spend time alone with your partner - one of the best thing you can do for your child is to maintain a quality relationship with your partner.
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