McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2

• What is the procedure for medical emergencies?
• What are the policies regarding illness? (e.g.: Are parents contacted if another child has a contagious disease? Does caregiver have someone to substitute in case she gets sick?)
• Is a physician on call?
• Are medical records maintained?
• Is the staff or caregiver trained in first aid?
• Does the center or home have smoke detectors and fire extinguishers? Regular fire drills? Alternate exits?
• Are important phone numbers posted near the phone? (Examples include police, fire, poison control center, hospital, children's physician, ambulance.)
• Does my caregiver always know how to get in touch with both parents?
• Does my child receive constant supervision, indoors and out? (Young children should never be left unattended while on a bed, chair, changing table, high chair, stroller, baby walker, baby swing, or in the water; outdoor dangers include swimming pool, pond, garage tools, driveway, streets, kidnapping, wandering off.)
• Is my baby checked often when in a crib or playpen?
• If older does my child receive appropriate supervision?
• Is all baby equipment strong, stable, and in good repair?
• Is the crib latched?
• Are the crib slats no more than 2 and 3/8 inches apart? Does the crib have protective bumper pads?
• Does the mattress firmly abut the side of the crib?
• Does the home or center have separate cribs and crib sheets for each infant?
• Is the crib mattress covered with heavy plastic?
• Do strollers or infant seats have safety harnesses?
• Are the crib and playpen free of toys that could be used to climb out?
• Can all doors inside the home or center be opened from the outside at all times?
• Are the outside doors and windows locked?
• Do strong screens or metal bars cover the windows? (especially important above ground level)
• Do all glass doors have decals?
• Are the rooms well-ventilated and comfortable year-round?
• Are the bathroom facilities clean and easily accessible to children?
• Are latched safety gates placed at the top and/or bottom of stairways?
• Are stairways and walkways free from clutter?
• Are floors free from spills, slippery surfaces, or small throw rugs?
• Are small, sharp, or otherwise dangerous items out of reach or locked in a cupboard, drawer, or cabinet? (Examples include pins, thumbtacks, paper clips, matches, lighters, knives, plastic bags, scissors, guns, razor blades, glassware, appliances.)
• Are poisonous items stored out of reach or locked in cupboards, drawers, or cabinets? (Examples include cleaning products, polish, bleach, medicines, cosmetics, perfumes, aerosol cans, first aid supplies.)
• Are the facilities free from poisonous plants, indoors and out?
• Are all foods or drinks within reach safe for your child? (Examples of dangerous foods or beverages: any food that a child could choke on like popcorn or hard candy; beverages that are hot or alcoholic.)
• Are hot radiators covered?
• Is my child kept away from dangerous places like the stove or hot water faucets?
• Have furniture and other household objects with sharp corners been padded or removed?
• Do all electrical sockets have protective covers?
• Has attention been paid to objects that could be pulled or knocked over? (Examples include tablecloths, electrical cords, lamps, furniture.)
• Is my child safe around pets?
• Are pet dishes out of reach?
• Are toys safe, clean, and in good repair?
• Are play surfaces, indoors and out, softened with carpeting or wood chips?
• Do children get a daily dose of fresh air and sunshine, weather permitting?
• Do children seem safe with one another?
• Is the outdoor area fenced and free of hazards?
• Is the play equipment safe and appropriate for your child's level of development?

This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.