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Articles in the
Growth Stages section are divided into three groups: 0-2 Years, 3-5
Years, 6-12
Years Articles
for teens 13-18 years will be found in our Teen
Spot section.
The following articles will provide information
for each age group as specified. Subject matter
will range from breastfeeding for the 0-2 years
category to bullying in the 6-12 years category.
Go to each section by clkicking these links:
0-2 Years (see below) » 3-5
Years » 6-12
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» Forward-facing
seats can be used for a child that is at
least 1 year old and weighs at least 20 pounds.
This seat should be used until the child weighs
40 pounds and is at least 4 years of age.
Harness straps should be at or above the child’s
shoulders (use the top harness slots) and the harness
chest clip should be at child’s armpit level.
» Booster seats can be used after your child weighs more than 40
pounds. Use with the adult lap and shoulder belt, never
use with lap belt only.
The shoulder belt should cross the chest, resting
snugly on the shoulder, and the lap belt should
rest low across the upper thighs. Never
have the lap belt high across the child’s
stomach.
Car
Seat Safety Checks
» Is the seat belt attached properly
to the car seat?
» Make sure the harnesses are snug
and flat
» Check to assure that the correct
harness slots are being used
» Place baby blankets around the baby AFTER adjusting the harnesses
» Never
leave a child unattended in a car seat !!
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Car Seat Safety
All
children under 12 should be securely fastened in
the back seat when traveling by car. Never place
a child or a child safety seat in the front seat
of the vehicle. Air bags can cause death or serious
injury to young children.
If the vehicle has rear side-impact air bags, check
with the vehicle manufacturer for the safest way
to install the car seat.
The safest car seat is the one that fits
your child’s size, is properly installed,
and is used every time. The back seat is the safest
place for any child under 12 years of age.
» Rear-facing seats should be used until the age of one and weighs up
to 20 pounds. Even if the baby weighs more than
20 pounds before age one, the rear-facing seat should
still be used until his/her first birthday.
Recline at a 45 degree angle, harness slots at or
below baby’s shoulders and the harness chest
clip at armpit level.
If the infant is not one year old yet, but weighs
over 20 pounds, use a rear-facing convertible seat.
Continued
on right column »
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If you are considering a Child Care Center or a
Family Child Care, visit the site and ask plenty
of questions.
» What is the ratio of children to
caregiver? Babies should have a ratio of 1:4 (one
adult for every four babies). Older children will
be okay with a 1:10 ratio.
» How many children are at the facility
and what are their age groups?
» What are the caregivers’ credentials
(education, training, etc.)?
» What is the turnover of employees
working as caregivers?
» Are drop-in visits welcome?
» Is the facility clean and well kept?
» Do you agree with the discipline
procedures?
» Do they have references you can call?
If you are considering an in-home caregiver or care
provided by relatives, friends, or neighbors, make
sure the caregiver has the experience and training
(example: CPR or first aid training) necessary to
care for your child.
After you have made a decision, continue to be vigilant
in watching for signs that may indicate a problem
or a change in the care of your child.
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Finding Good Child Care
Choosing a day care or babysitter
is an important decision. There are different kinds
of child care providers to choose from and you must
decide which is best for you and your child’s
needs. Make sure you get recommendations or references
from someone you know. After making your selection,
follow up and keep a close eye on any signs of a
potential problem.
If you know ahead of time that you will need
child care, start looking before the baby is born.
This will give you plenty of time to find the right
place.
Types of child
care include:
» Child Care Centers – commercial
child care facilities
» Family Child Care – child care
within an individual’s home
» In-Home Caregivers – child
care in the child’s home
» Care Provided by Relatives, Friends,
or Neighbors
Continued
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» DO use a crib with slats that are no more
than 2 and 3/8 inches apart and has a solid headboard
and footboard
» DO make sure the mattress fits snugly in
the crib
» DO remove mobiles from the crib once your
child can reach them
OTHER ROOMS
» Keep plastic bags away from the baby or
child
» Place safety gates at the tops and bottoms
of staircases
» Remove furniture with sharp edges
» Do not place furniture under a window
» Shorten cords on drapes or blinds
» Place
poisonous products on upper shelves and install
safety latches on the doors
» Place
trash can/waste baskets in a locked cabinet or outside
» Put “child proof” covers on
all electrical outlets
» Cook on back burners of stove
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Safe Home Environment
A safe home environment is essential to your
child’s safety and well-being. More than 4.5
million children are injured in their homes each
year. Also, injuries from accidents are the leading
cause of death in children today.
THE
NURSERY
» DO NOT place the crib next to a window,
heater vent, or electrical outlet
» DO NOT place stuffed animals or pillows
in the baby’s crib
Continued
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