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Baby-Proofing Your Home
Before you baby-proof your home, try crawling around on all fours and "thinking" like your baby, advises Flaura Koplin Winston, MD, PhD, director of TraumaLink at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. To save wear and tear on your knees, here's a room-by-room guide to get you started.
Nursery
1. Bedding: Put baby on his back to sleep; avoid soft bedding that might suffocate him. Crib slats should be 2-3/8 inches apart or less so head can't get trapped.
2. Changing Table: Use a sturdy table with 2-inch guardrails on all sides. Always use a safety strap; keep supplies within reach.
3. Crib toys: Remove mobiles and gyms when baby is 5 months old or can push up on hands and knees.
4. Window cords: Never place a crib near windows; cut looped chains or blind cords in half to avoid strangulation.
5. Toy chests: Use chests without lids or with supports that hold a lid open in any position.
6. Balls, balloons, other small toys: Keep away from crib to avoid choking risk.
Reviewed by Matthew Hoffman, MD on October 28, 2008
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information: 
© 2008 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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