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Welcome Baby! Keeping Your Newborn Safe from Burns and Fires

Commonwealth Health and Burn Prevention Network are glad to partner to provide this program to help you keep your family safe.

Bringing your newborn home is an exciting and joyful time. Along with cuddles and sleepless nights, it’s important to make your home a safe space. Babies are naturally curious and fragile, making them especially vulnerable to burns and fire hazards. Taking simple precautions now can prevent serious accidents later.

Top Safety Tips for New Moms
1. Keep Hot Things Out of Reach

-Never hold your baby while drinking hot drinks or cooking. (Use a travel mug with a lid!)
-Keep hot liquids, coffee, and soup away from the edges of tables and counters.
-Turn pot handles inward on the stove.
Why it matters: Babies’ skin is much thinner than adults’, so even small spills can cause severe burns.

2. Safe Bathing Practices
-Test water temperature before bathing your baby—ideal: 100°F (37.8°C).
-Keep bathwater shallow (2–3 inches) and never leave your baby unattended, even for a second.
Why it matters: Infants can scald easily in hot water, leading to painful burns.

3. Smoke Alarms & Fire Safety
-Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside/outside sleeping areas.
-Test alarms monthly and change batteries at least once a year.
-Have a fire escape plan and practice it with all family members.
Why it matters: Early detection gives you precious time to get out safely in case of a fire.

4. Avoid Space Heater Hazards
-Keep heaters, fireplaces, and candles at least 3 feet away from your baby.
-Never leave space heaters unattended.
-Use protective barriers around fireplaces and heaters.
Why it matters: Heat sources are a leading cause of burn injuries in infants.

5. Electrical Safety
-Cover unused outlets with safety plugs.
-Keep cords and devices out of reach.
-Avoid overloading outlets with multiple devices.
Why it matters: Babies explore with hands and mouths, so electrical burns are a real risk.

Remember:
Most burn and fire injuries are preventable. By taking these precautions, you’re protecting your baby’s delicate skin and helping your family feel safe and confident at home.