In a collision you can save your infant’s life by properly installing a rear-facing car seat.  When rear-facing your car seat should rest at a 45 degree angle and move no more than 1” side to side.  An ...   more »

The average age a toddler will toilet train is 2 ½ years.  Beginning training too early can be frustrating, both for you and your child.  Since every child is different look for signs that your child is ready to start training are: ...   more »

Beware when buying or inheriting used baby products.  Even if they are only a few years old they may not meet today’s standards.  All cribs manufactured before September 1986 do not meet Canadian safety regulations and should not be used.  It is illegal to sell these cribs; however they are often sold at garage sales and flea markets or found in cottages or relatives’ homes.  Here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for a crib.

Look for a label with the manufactured date.  Cribs manufactured prior to September 1986 or that do not have a label are not safe for use.  Inspect the crib for obvious damage and splinters or cracks.  Also ensure that a complete set of instructions, including a list of parts, is included.

Most cribs have at least two mattress height positions.  The mattress support must be bolted securely to the crib.  Any mattress support that is attached using hooks can dislodge causing entrapment.  This hardware does not meet the current safety standards.  In order to prevent falls, the distance from the mattress support in the highest position to the top rail of the crib should be at least 23 cm.  Also, the distance from the mattress support in the lowest position to the top rail of the crib should be at least 66 cm.  To prevent entanglement the distance between any two slats should not exceed 6 cm and any corner post should not exceed 0.3 cm.

Any crib mattress should have a firm surface and fit snugly on all sides of the crib.  A mattress that is worn down or one that is too soft could cause a gap and trap the baby’s head.  Ensure any mattress used in the crib does not exceed 15 cm.  Also, the space between the mattress and the side of the crib, when the mattress is pushed into one corner, should not exceed 3 cm.

When assembling the crib strictly adhere to the instructions provided.  Place the crib in the room away from lamps, electrical cords, windows, curtains and blind cords.  Avoid placing soft pillows, comforters and soft toys in the crib.  The mattress support should be in the lowest position by the time your baby is able to stand.

If you are in the market for a new crib for your child, view a wide selection in our gallery of cribs.

Your home is where you and your child should feel the safest however there are many potential hazards found right at home.  Here you will find a few child proofing tips but remember every house is unique.  It is best to get down to your child’s level and see each room through a child’s eyes.  Look for anything that attracts attention and think how it can be made safe.

Doors:

Any open door can be a potential hazard.  Door knob and lever locks can be used on any door that you do not want your child to open.  For open doors consider using spacers to prevent the door from being closed on little fingers.  When using door stops use one piece door stops with no removable parts.  Patio door locks can help keep children in while preventing unwanted entry.  Try placing decals on glass doors at children’s eye level to alert them when the doors are closed.

 
Windows:

Prevent children from falling out of windows by using a safety device to control the size of window opening; the opening should not exceed 4 inches.  If you require use of the window a safety gate can be used to protect your child and allow the window to open (this may not work with all styles of windows).  Remove all furniture and objects, that can be climbed upon, away from windows.  Keep all cords from window coverings away from children.  If the cord cannot be completely removed cut looped cords or use a safety device to wind the cord out of reach.  Safety glass can be installed in large windows and French doors that could otherwise shatter if a child falls in to them.

 
Electricity:

Safety plugs can snap into any outlets that are not being used.  Check for outlets behind furniture and drapes that may get overlooked.  Replacement outlet covers can be purchased that automatically cover the outlet when the plug is removed.  Avoid using extension cords whenever possible.  Shortening cords can reduce the risk of tripping.

 
Halls and Stairways:

Hardware mounted gates should be installed at the top of all open stairways.  Ensure pressure mounted gates are firmly in place and only used in hallways and the bottom of stairs.  Never use accordion-style gates with large V-shaped or diamond-shaped openings these can entrap a child’s head.  Remove all items from stairways that could be a potential tripping hazard.