ELIMINATE HOME HAZARDS
During this phase of your baby's growth,
safety for baby is of utmost importance. Clear out of the
house or yard anything on which he might hurt himself. He'll need to be
protected, of course, from falls which might injure him. All doors to stairways
must be closed. If there is no stairway door, put a gate across the open
doorway.
Any poisons or medicines that you must keep should be locked up far beyond his
reach. This applies to cleaning materials, dyes, cosmetic preparations, hair
oils and tonics, cough drops, aspirins, or other remedies of any kind. Don't ever
allow the baby to play with a full or empty can of talcum powder, since the
powder, if inhaled, can cause severe inflammation of the lungs.
If you let him play when you're working in the kitchen, watch out for boiling
liquids, hot coffeepots, and buckets of
hot water. And now starts the job of teaching the baby that the hot range,
burners, or switches, and electrical outlets are dangerous and must not be
touched.
Breakable objects should be put out of reach—at least until ins a little bit
older. At this age, he's just too young to know what will and won't break. If
you don't put breakables away,
you'll constantly be saying, "No, no" and "Don't touch" until your cautions no
longer have any significance because they're used so often.
To prevent falls and other accidents, disconnect the lamps in the living room
and wind their cords around the bases. Tablecloths that hang over the edge of
the table are also dangerous. One good tug and everything will come tumbling
down.
Keep all instruments with sharp points or ragged edges out of Baby's reach. Dry
beans and peas should be stowed away high, because they swell and cause real
trouble if the baby sticks them up a nostril or into an ear. Small objects such
as coins, marbles, corn, jacks, and seeds are also dangerous an should always be
kept away from him.
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GIVE HIM A PLAYROOM
Before your little fellow reaches the place where he's
getting everywhere, he should be given a playroom, or play corner in a family
room, where he can touch anything he likes. This should be where he'll be near
you as you go about your work. An older child would be content to play alone in
another part of the house, but your young ster at this age is still too young.
A little gate or his playpen across the doorway will kee him safe and still not
give him the sense of being shut in that a closed door would. If he's given this
room or area where he can have perfect freedom, Baby will obey the rules of the
rest of the house without too much fussing.
His playroom may be anything from a cubby hole or breakfast room to a large,
luxuriously furnished nursery. Your circumstances must, therefore, dictate the
furnishings.
The room shouldn't have a polished floor on which the baby might slip, or a nice
rug which would have to be protected, The ideal floor-covering is linoleum or
tile, for either provides; a safe footing, a good surface for play activities,
and is easily cleaned.
The playroom should have an open cupboard or set of shelves (made from boxes, if
you like) where Baby's toys can be placed within his reach. These are the
essential furnishings of a playroom. Add to them as your purse and desires
dictate, Any furniture you buy, such as small tables and chairs, should be
strong and durable.
BABY NEEDS YOUR COMPANY
Even though the baby will now be interested in his
toys, he still needs the reassurance dial you're near by. But you don't have to
play with him every minute of the day. He needs to learn how to amuse himself.
Bring him outdoors in his playpen if the weather permits. If he fusses a little
after a while, go to him. Sometimes, if you give him something new to play
with, he may be happy for another hour. If he's still dissatisfied, give him the
attention he needs and play with him for a while.
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