Many of the following safety tips appear to be common sense, but it is important to keep them in mind to ensure your baby’s wellbeing:

Learn how to use your infant car seat before leaving the hospital. Always use a car seat when driving; it’s the law in Ohio

Don’t use a car seat made before January 1, 1981

If your car is in an accident, buy a new car seat

Never leave your baby alone in a car

Never leave your baby alone in a room unless he/she is in a crib, bassinet or playpen with the sides up and locked

Make sure crib rails are not more than 2 3/8 inches apart

Place the infant to sleep on his or her back on a firm mattress

Keep small objects, pillows, bed covers, broken toys and plants away from the baby

Never hang necklaces or pacifiers around a newborn’s neck

Keep an eye on young children and pets when they are around the baby

Keep emergency phone numbers (poison control center, police, ambulance and pediatrician) next to all telephones

If a visiting nurse calls to schedule a home visit, confirm the appointment with University Home Care

Always ask to see proper I.D., and never let the baby out of your sight

If the home care nurse tells you that your baby needs to go to the hospital, take the baby yourself or by ambulance

The Center for Exploited and Missing Children advises NOT to place public birth announcements in newspapers or on front lawn signs (for example, “It’s a Boy/Girl!”)