Health & Safety - Baby Gates, Health Essentials, Safety Essentials

Safety

Good parents always have baby's safety on their minds. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to make home, yard, and car safe environments for your precious little one. Safety latches for cabinets, outlet covers, monitors, stair gates, door locks, driveway gates, and sun protective equipment are just some of the many products that can help you make your child's world accident-free.

Childproofing Your Home
When it comes to your children, safety in the home is a primary concern. Accidents can occur with the insertion of objects into electrical outlets, unsupervised entry into cabinets and drawers, and unprotected stairways. The KidCo Kitchen Safety Assortment is an ideal way to head off accidents before they happen. Included in the assortment are: Adjustable Locking Straps ideal for use on a Lazy Susan, glass doors, appliances and more; On/Off Appliance Locks for use on refrigerators, freezers and ovens; Sliding Cabinet Locks for use on cabinet knobs or handles; Swivel Cabinet and Drawer Locks that are great for grandparents, child care providers and other temporary situations.

Childproofing your home before baby can crawl is an important task that parents or caregivers must undertake. Safety 1st makes it easy by combining essential childproofing devices in a portable kit.
A good childproofing kit will include a collection of door-knob covers, latches, and outlet plugs meant to target and childproof key hazard areas in the home.

Outlet Covers
Outlet covers are a practical way to help protect your children from dangerous electrical shock. Convenient to use, nothing to unplug or plug back in, most plates fit over the outlet like a standard outlet plate. Once you unplug an appliance, a protective shield slides into position to block open sockets from harming little fingers. Look for covers that fit standard outlets. UL & CSA listed.

Doorstops
Doorstops with removable rubber tips are extremely dangerous and presenting a choking hazard for curious children. Doorstops features on BabyAge.com have a one-piece construction that eliminates the dangers of choking or getting fingers caught in broken springs. Its shock-absorbing design prevents damage to walls and doors. These doorstops are easy to install, just simply screw into an existing hole.

Door Locks
Children love to explore, so let them safely roam about your home with a Door Lever Lock. These locks are a brilliant way to prevent your child from accidentally getting outside or accessing rooms he/she shouldn't be going. They typically lock on one side of the door and allow access from the other side so you can easily enter your home. They can automatically reset after every use.

Stove Guards
Keep your little explorer safer in the kitchen with a Stove Guard. It puts a barrier between their little fingers and the hot burner, preventing a serious injury. A heat resistant plastic Stove Guard will normally fit stoves between 24-36 inches wide. Stove guards are easy to install and easy to clean. They will be a wonderful investment to keep baby as safe as possible in one of the most dangerous rooms in your home!

Monitors

Baby monitors are a parent's best friend. They give you the security and peace of mind of knowing your precious one is safe and sound. Today's technology allows you to monitor baby's breathing and movement even in the dark. Many monitors work in a longer range that allows you a tremendous amount of freedom to get things done around the house with peace of mind, always knowing that baby is safe.

At BabyAge.com, you have a choice of audio and/or video monitors with one or more receivers. With multiple receivers, parents can monitor baby, talk to baby, and talk to each other. Monitors on today's market have a wider channel range to reduce the likelihood of someone invading your privacy, and also to minimize interference from other devices such as cordless phones. If you're like most parents, you will definitely want the sense of security that comes with installing a baby monitor in the nursery.

Monitors also come in handy when caring for a sick child or adult, so investing in a monitor is a good idea because it could service you for many years.

There are a few drawbacks with any electronic device such as interference from concrete walls, cordless phones, or other types of monitors. Other baby monitors can interfere with what your monitor receiver if you are in close proximity to other people. One rule of thumb is if you have a 900 MHz portable phone don't purchase a monitor that is listed at 900 MHz.

Available Features:

Compactness/Portability:
The smaller the model, the easier it will be to carry around the house. Some monitors are also equipped with a belt clip to allow portability.

Low-battery indicator:
If batteries run low, you may not be able to hear your baby, so be sure to look for a monitor that has a low battery alert. A light alarm can be useful but an audible alert will make sure that you're aware when you're running around the house doing chores.

Sound-activated light:
For those you have those times when you are creating your own noise (such as talking on the phone, vacuuming or watching TV), you might miss your baby's cries. Some monitors on the market have a sound activated light that will alarm you that there is activity from your baby.

Double receiver:
Some models include two receivers. These monitors are often referred to as 'parent units' because two people can monitor baby at the same time or you can leave one in your room and keep one with you as you move around the house. Some manufacturers allow you to purchase additional receivers. Multiple receivers also allow you to monitor multiple spaces so if you have more then one child you can scan as many rooms as you like. However, too many monitors in one household can potentially cause interference.

Correct bandwidth:
Higher-end models offer a wide bandwidth for better clarity which is a great feature for people who live in areas that are not heavily populated. If you live in close proximity to your neighbors, such as an apartment building or condominium you may want a lower bandwidth so you hear your baby but not the neighbors, their cell phones or portable phones and other monitors. The closer the monitor is to another frequency the more static. The lowest bandwidth is around 40 Mhz and the highest band width is around 900 Mhz.

Cost:
Baby monitors range in cost from as low as $40 to $200 or more. Generally the lower priced models don't last as long and don't have the same level of sound quality. If you want the features of the higher end video monitors compromise with a smaller, black and white monitor with less receivers, try to find a model that allows you to upgrade later on.

Other Available Features:

• Multiple channels for finding the best reception
• Adjustable angle cameras which are perfect to create the best access to baby
• Auto night sensors (Automatic infrared night vision) act as an automatic night light which is convenient for baby and parent
• Wall mountable models are handy when the monitor is a permanent fixture or you are in cramped quarters
• Color coded lights can be used on systems with multiple units to monitor different rooms, allows you to color code each room
• Channel auto-scan finds the best channel for the clearest transmission
• Power saving mode for receiver automatically saves on battery life when no activity is present through the receiver
• Video cables are a very interesting feature on premium priced models, that allow you to see your baby on your TV

Baby Gates

A baby gate is an indispensable childproofing tool. Baby gates serve a critical need by helping to prevent infants, toddlers, and even pets from falls, accidents, or simply getting into something they shouldn't! Baby gates are absolutely essential to protect children from areas of the house than can never be fully childproofed, like the staircase. Baby gates come in countless varieties and designs, but don't be intimidated in making a decision. Below, you will find simple information you will need to make the smartest, safest choice for you and your baby.

Child safety gates are intended for children between 6 months and 24 months of age, not for older children. They're generally designed so that an adult can open them easily, but a child cannot. (Neither can a pet, unless it's very smart and you've trained it well!)

The two basic types of gates are:

1. Hardware-mounted or permanent gates
Many hardware-mounted gates are made with vertical wood, enamel-coated steel, or aluminum tubing slats and top and bottom rails. Hardware-mounted gates are the only kind you should use for the top of stairs. When installed properly, these gates will swing open away from the stairs for optimal safety. Other brands have gates that give you the choice of direction in which the gate will swing. This allows you the ability to move the gate to other locations such as the bottom of the staircase. When using hardware-mounted gates in doorways, make sure to drill holes in the frame or stud behind the wall to ensure that the gate is properly secured to the doorjamb or between two walls. Be sure the baby gate is securely anchored in the doorway or stairway and test it to make sure your child cannot push it over. If you have large, low set windows, it would be beneficial to install hardware-mounted gates in the frames. Hardware-mounted gates are the most secure choice, but remember that no gate is 100% childproof!

2. Pressure-mounted or portable gates
Pressure-mounted gates are often made with vertical wood, enamel-coated steel, or aluminum tubing slats. They may also be made of plastic, wire, or nylon mesh or plastic-coated wire, which can be framed with end tubes and top rails of either wood or coated metal. Pressure-mounted gates are suitable for less hazardous locations, such as hallways. A pressure bar or spring-loaded locking mechanism wedges the gate into place against the door frame or walls so that there is no need for any drilling or use of hardware to install these gates. Pressure-mounted gates can have two sliding panels that are adjustable to allow the gate fit the opening. These panels are removed or pushed to one side to allow you to walk through. Swing-style pressure mounted gates, with doors that swing open are also available for convenience.

DOS AND DON'TS

·Never install gates wedged with an expanding pressure bar with the bar facing on the side toward your child. This is to prevent your little one from using the bar as a foothold to climb over the gate. (You know how clever young-uns are these days!) Also avoid baby gates with horizontal slats—they practically beg to be climbed on.

·Never use pressure-mounted gates at the top of the staircase. They can easily pop out of place and cause your child to fall down the flight of stairs. Many tragic accidents have been caused by this mistake.

·Never use an accordion-style baby gates that have large V-shaped openings along the top edge and diamond-shaped openings between the slats. Children have gotten their heads stuck and in some cases died from these gates. They are no longer sold in stores, but you may still find them at yard sales or in thrift stores.

·Do invest in a gate that automatically swings and snaps closed, if you have older children in the home. The last thing on a child's mind is closing a gate behind him/herself.

·Do choose a gate with a straight top edge and rigid bars or mesh screen, or an accordion-style baby gate with small V-shapes and diamond-shaped openings (Entrances to V-shapes should be no larger than 1-1/2 inches (38 mm) in width). Safety gates should be at least 75% as tall as your child.

·Do look for sturdy construction and an even finish. Wood surfaces should be smooth, splinter-free, and fashioned with rounded edges. Some metal gates have a support bar that crosses the floor beneath the gate, which could cause tripping when the gate is open.

·Do make sure to measure the dimensions of the area desired to use before purchasing a gate. Gates that have to be used at their maximum width to fit will not be stable enough.

Additional Gates
If your home is like most households, there are probably some hazardous nooks and crannies that cannot be childproofed with standard safety gates. For these odd-shaped areas that don't have easy mounting points, customizable or configurable gates are available to fit your needs. These gates typically include interlocking sections that can allow connections to fit virtually any angle. Gate systems with hinged panels are another option for customizing fence-like gates for irregular or extra-wide spaces. BabyAge.com also has a wide variety of non-traditional safety gates that include: driveway guards; deck guards; fireplace guards; and banister guards. These safety gates are designed specifically to keep children safe when playing near those areas.

Gate Accessories
Fastening a baby gate to a spindled banister may seem difficult, but a gate accessory by KidCo can make it possible and easy. Gate accessories come in many different forms, for example the North State Superyard Organizer allows parents to keep baby essentials on the baby gate itself for convenience. Gate accessories can be extremely valuable to have when installing a baby gate because they offer simple, efficient, and convenient solutions to everyday needs.

Crib/Bed Rails

The transition from crib to 'big kid' bed is an important milestone for your child. When it's time, you can help to reassure your toddler by installing bed rails. Bed rails will also allow the rest of the family to sleep soundly, without worrying about your little one falling out of bed at night. Bed rails are typically adjustable and easy to take down when not in use.

BabyAge.com offers a wide variety of child bed rails and bed side rails to fit every child/parent's need. We have bed rails designed for deep mattresses, as well as high hinge bed rails with a stabilization bar for added security.

First Aid

Nothing is more important to you than the health and safety of your baby. BabyAge.com has everything you need to maintain your little one's health, from individual health and hygiene items like digital thermometers, scales and toothbrushes, to complete grooming and health care kits with all the essentials. We carry only the most reputable brands, so you never have to compromise on quality.

Check out our great selections from top brands like Safety 1st, Summer Infant, The First Years and Accu-Touch. If baby catches a cold, keep him or her breathing comfortably and speed recovery with one of our air purifiers, vaporizers and humidifiers, and clear a stuffy nose with a nasal aspirator.

Keep track of increases in baby's height and weight in between doctor's visits with our electronic baby scale with growth chart from Graco BebeSounds. BabyAge.com has everything you could need to ensure your baby's health from birth well into childhood!