WHAT&
WHERE |
DO |
DON'T |
| Rooms |
-
Use carpets or rugs with padding to cushion falls.
-
Use low-pile carpets that are easy to clean (preferably a hyp-allergenic
or anti-microbial carpet)
-
Cover electrical outlets.
-
Arrange multi-level rooms with suitable dividers, boundaries, and safety
features.
-
Install railings or handholds for children just learning to walk.
-
Conduct daily safety checks.
-
Avoid overcrowding.
|
-
Obstruct areas where children crawl or walk.
-
Have child-sized steps more than 4 to 5 inches in height.
-
Permit slippery floors or loose rugs.
-
Build lofts more than 36 inches high without adequate safety precautions.
-
Use second story areas or other spaces that lack immediate safe access.
to the outside in case of fire or other emergency.
|
| Equipment and Materials |
-
Select non toxic materials and furnishings.
-
Provide cushioning materials around and under indoor climbing equipment.
-
Provide toys that very young children can safely put in their mouths without
risk of swallowing.
|
-
Leave hazardous materials or equipment like electrical cords, chipped paint,
and broken toys within reach of children.
-
Leave health hazards such as bleach and cleaning materials in unlocked
cabinets.
-
Permit sharp corners or edges that might injure children.
-
Use plants unless they are known to be nonpoisonous and safe to touch.
|
| Play Area |
-
Fence the outside playground.
-
Provide at least one child-proof exit gate.
-
Place sand, wood chips, rubber mats, or other shock-absorbing materials
|
-
Assume that children under age three will play in ways that are safe for
them or other infants and toddlers.
-
Design playgrounds with hard surface materials, such as rocks or concrete,
except where needed for wheeled toys.
|