When preparing your home for your baby, don't forget basic safety measures, including installing smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every sleeping area. Here are a few other ideas. 

Top Safety Tips

• Create and practice a home fire escape plan with two escape routes out of each room of the house. Here's a handy worksheet to help get you started.


• Designate one person to get infants and small children out safely. Have a backup plan for young children just in case the primary person is overcome by smoke.


• Remember to keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn, and always closely supervise children and pets when a heater is turned on. Make sure you turn heaters off when you leave the room.


• It's tempting to carry your baby in your arms or in a baby sling, but don't hold a baby while carrying anything hot or when cooking on the stove.


• To prevent possible fires, avoid plugging several appliance cords into the same electrical socket.


• If using gasoline-powered devices, store gasoline in a locked location where children cannot access it. Keep only small quantities in an approved container that has child safety features.

What You Need to Know