Safety Tips

Accidental Poisoning

If your child has ingested any poison, please call the Poison Control Center at 404-616-9000 immediately!

All households should have Ipecac syrup readily available, but it should only be administered on the advice of your pediatrician or the Poison Control Center. Vigilance is your greatest safeguard against accidental poisonings. Please keep all household cleaning agents, medications, and other toxic substances safely out of reach of your children.

For tips on how best to safeguard your home against accidental poisionings, visit the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

Breast feeding mommies, if you have questions whether you can take a certain medication while nursing, call Poision Control. They are the best resource!

Baby-proofing Your Home

Placement of cabinet locks are extremely beneficial, but should not be a substitute for close supervision. You can also install electrical outlet covers and purchase locks for your oven and toilets. Gates to protect stairways (even when there is a door) are a must. There are additional steps for baby proofing your home listed on the FIXR website.

Automobile Safety

Car Seats

Georgia law mandates that an appropriate car seat should be used when your child rides in a car. There are different sizes of car seats based on your child's age, height and weight. All children should be rear-facing until they are at least 12 months old and weigh 40 pounds. Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible until he or she reaches the maximum height or weight limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer.

Booster Seats

Georgia law requires that all children under the age of 8 whose height is less than or 57 inches sit in a car seat or booster seat suitable for their age, height and weight and must ride in the backseat of a vehicle. The National Child Passenger Safety Board recommends keeping your child in a booster seat until the vehicle safety belt fits your child properly.

Visit HealthyChildren.org for more Car Seat information.

Walkers

Walkers should not be used under any circumstances. Do not purchase one. If you have one, do not use it. A significant number of children who use walkers have sustained injuries requiring medical attention. Some injuries have resulted in brain damage and even death.

Sun Protection

The sun is the main cause of skin cancer, and skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Research has shown that only two or more blistering sunburns as a child or teen increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

Babies six months or younger should be kept out of direct sunlight. Damaging UV rays can bounce off sand, concrete, water and snow. UV rays can penetrate through clouds on an overcast day.

Keep your children protected by dressing them in lightweight long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and a hat with a brim that covers the ears. Sunglasses with UV protection are also a good idea.

Reapply sunscreen every 80 minutes or after swimming or sweating. Sunscreen can be used on a child 6 months or older. Children 4 or 5 months old can only have sunscreen on their arms and legs. Sunscreen should be used for sun protection, and not as a reason to stay in the sun longer. Look for a sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or greater, preferably waterproof and PABA free. Choosing a "broad Spectrum" sunscreen will protect your children from UVA and UVB rays. Always test the sunscreen on your child's back for a reaction before applying to the entire body.

Stay in the shade whenever possible and avoid sun exposure during the peak hours of 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Insect Repellant

Insect repellent can be applied on children 6 months and older. Make sure the repellent contains no more than 10% DEET. Apply sparingly on exposed skin and clothing. Do not use under clothing. Avoid applying to areas around the eyes and mouth, and do not use on the hands of young children as they tend to put them in their mouths. When using sprays, do not spray directly on the face - spray on your hands first and then apply to your child's face. Do not use a sunscreen containing DEET. However, it is okay to use sunscreen and a bug repellent containing DEET at the same time. The sunscreen will wash off, where as DEET is not water soluble and can last up to 8 hours. A single application of bug repellent should cover your child for the entire day. Do not use DEET over cuts, wounds or irritated skin. Wash treated skin with soap and water after returning indoors. Wash treated clothing as well.

Product Recalls

For a complete listing of product recalls by the United States Consumer and Product Safety Commission, including products and toys for children, visit The Consumer Product Safety Commission.