While the specific details of this case vary by report, the core lesson is universal: babies explore the world with their mouths. Anything within reach can and will end up in a baby’s mouth. This includes items that seem completely innocuous to adults.
Here are some common household items that are a serious choking or poisoning hazard for infants:
Tiny Objects:
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Button batteries (found in remote controls, key fobs, watches, musical greeting cards)
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Magnets (especially high-powered rare earth magnets)
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Coins, buttons, pins, nails, screws
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Small toys or parts of toys (check for “choke tube” sizing)
Household Chemicals:
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Cleaning supplies (even “natural” ones can be harmful)
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Laundry detergent pods (brightly colored and attractive to children)
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Medications (pills can look like candy)
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Hand sanitizer, lotions, cosmetics
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Essential oils (often stored in easy-to-open bottles)
Foods:
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Hard candies, nuts, popcorn, raw carrots (choking hazards for infants under 1)
Baby-Proofing Your Home Before Day One
Don’t wait until the baby is home to make your home safe. Ideally, baby-proofing should be completed weeks before the baby’s arrival, whether you are a first-time parent or welcoming a new sibling.
The “Crawler’s Eye View” Test: Get down on your hands and knees and crawl through every room. Look for what is at your baby’s eye level. You will be shocked at what you see.
A Simple Room-by-Room Checklist:
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Nursery:
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Crib meets current safety standards (no drop-side rails).
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Firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet. No bumpers, pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals.
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Baby monitor cords are out of reach (shorten with a cord shortener).
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Living Room:
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Anchor furniture (bookshelves, dressers, TVs) to the wall.
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Cover all electrical outlets.
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Use cordless blinds or wrap cords high out of reach.
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Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs.
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Remove any small objects from the floor and low shelves.
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Kitchen:
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Install cabinet and drawer locks.
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Keep all cleaning supplies, chemicals, and sharp objects in a locked cabinet, preferably up high.
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Use a stove knob cover.
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Never leave hot food or liquids on the edge of a counter.
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Bathroom:
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Keep all medications, vitamins, and toiletries in a locked cabinet.
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