You wouldn't think that seven-week-olds would be at risk for getting a burn. After all, they can't reach out and touch the curling iron yet, right? But there are still plenty of things that put your baby at risk for getting burned. And that curling iron might not be that far out of reach if you have your baby in a carrier while you are curling your hair.
Home Fire Escape Plans
One of the most obvious things that can burn a baby is
fire. While most parents have smoke detectors to alert them to fires in their homes, they often overlook the need for a fire escape plan when they have younger kids. However, a
home fire escape plan isn't just for older kids who need to learn that they should meet you outside at the mailbox, for example. It can be an important safety tool for parents, too, so that they are prepared and know which parent will get the kids out of the house when there is a fire.
Baby Carrier Safety
The very common practice of using a
baby wrap or carrier to hold your baby can also put him at risk for getting burned. While putting your baby in a wrap or carrier can give you the ability to get things done while you are holding your baby close to your body, you do have to be careful that your baby doesn't get burned. That means not carrying hot liquids while your baby is in a baby wrap or sling, and staying away from the stove and other hot appliances.
Preventing Burns
Other safety tips to help avoid fires and burns include:
- setting the temperature of your hot water heater to 120 degrees
- not leaving candles or a fireplace burning unsupervised
- dressing your baby in fire-retardant or flame-resistant sleepwear (check the label)
- testing your smoke alarms each month and replacing the batteries each year
- keeping matches and lighters away from children
