7 Step Ebook

7 Steps to Keeping Your Baby Healthy and Safe

As a parent, you want to do anything you can to keep your baby healthy and safe. In this 7 step guide, we will explore important aspects to consider when making smart and healthy choices for you, your baby and your family.

By Diba Tillery RN, BSN www.Babies411.com

The information presented in this site is meant for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. If you suspect that your child has a medical condition, consult your physician immediately.

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Diba Tillery, RN BSN Babies have always been a passion of mine, even at a very young age. It was not surprising to my family that I chose a career as a neonatal nurse. Throughout my nursing career, I have cared for many infants and have been exposed to a multitude of parental concerns. Utilizing my knowledge, skill and expertise, I have assisted many parents in transitioning into their new roles. Through the gratification of helping these families, the vision of Babies 411 was born. I founded Babies 411 to offer assistance, share information and offer support to parents and soon-to-be parents. During this long journey of developing Babies 411, I became aware of the vast amount of conflicting information available to parents. I understand how new parents (and even seasoned parents) can become confused, overwhelmed, and frustrated. I strive to provide parents and soon-to-be parents with the most up-to-date, thorough, and accurate information. Teaching is a big part of who I am and I believe that through knowledge, parents can make educated, informed decisions regarding the care of their infant and feel confident in their decisions. Caring for an infant is both rewarding and demanding, but with a little bit of help and a lot of love, together we can make it a smooth transition. Caring for babies is what I do…..it’s my passion…and I want to share this passion with every parent that I can reach. Happy & Safe Parenting! Diba

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Table of Contents

Step 1: Keeping Your Baby Safe While Traveling in the Car… Step 2: Protecting your Baby’s Health… Step 3: Protecting Your Baby from SIDS… Step 4: Food Safety Tips for You, Your Baby and the Whole Family… Step 5: Choosing Safe Toys and Baby Products… Step 6: Reducing Your Child’s Exposure to Toxic Chemicals… Step 7: Healthy Lungs: Improving Your Child’s Air Quality…

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Step 1

Keeping Your Baby Safe While Traveling in the Car

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Did you know that traffic accidents are still a leading cause of death and injury in children? Did you know that approximately every 4 out of 5 car seat is not installed properly? Or how about that every 7 out of 10 kids are not properly secured in their car seats? Add these frightening statistics together and you have a recipe for disaster. Making yourself more aware of these hazards, complying with safety laws, and following these key tips can help reduce you and your family’s chances of becoming another statistic. Comply with traffic and state safety laws! Using seatbelts and car seats properly, every time you travel, are of utmost importance. As well as, making sure to follow traffic guidelines while keeping your eyes open for the unexpected. We all know how distracting and stressful it can be when your child is hysterical in the back seat. Keep calm and when given the opportunity, safely pull over to a safe location before attending to your child. Before getting back on the road, be sure your child is calm and you have had a chance to relax. Remember to stay focused on the road while traveling making sure to avoid dangerous activities that distract your attention and could put your family at risk. You never know what other drivers are going to do. Use your car seat safely! A car seat can only be safe if used correctly, and more often than not, this is not the case. One of the most prevalent issues is improper car seat installations. Installing a car seat can be a big hassle and very confusing. Make sure to get help from a certified car seat technician. Not sure where to find one? Call your police or fire department as well as visiting the following websites: www.seatcheck.org and the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. Make sure to review your owner’s manual and discuss with your technician the proper way to fasten and secure your child in his/her car seat. Keep your child in a rear-facing car seat until he/she has reached 20 pounds AND is at least one year of age. In April of 2009, the American Academy of Pediatrics revised this and now recommends keeping your child in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least 2 years old and/or have reached the height or weight limit of the convertible car seat. Every car seat has height AND weight regulations guidelines that should be followed. These regulations are printed on the labels attached to the side of the car seat AND can also be found in your car seat owner’s manual.

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Review your vehicles owner’s manual to ensure proper placement of the car seat. Although the middle seat in the back of the car is usually the safest option, this may not always be true. Your vehicles owner’s manual can give you specific information about placement, front and side air bag warnings, as well as proper use of your seatbelts, LATCH system and tethers. Always remember to buckle up and secure any loose items which could become projectile in the event of an accident. The dangers of the road seem amplified now that you have a precious and fragile package in tote, but stay vigilant and remember these important tips.

For more information on Car Seats and Car Seat Safety, be sure to visit our Information Station today!

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Step 2

Protecting Your Baby’s Health

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Babies are very susceptible to illness since their immune systems are weak and developing. How can you protect your baby’s health? We’ve put together our top 5 recommendations. 1. Hand washing is the number one way to reduce the transmission of infection. Wash your hands frequently: before eating; after using the bathroom; after changing your baby’s diaper; before and after preparing meals (especially if handling raw meat, poultry, fish, pork, and eggs); before making bottles, breastfeeding or pumping; after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose; after taking out the garbage or handling chemicals; after coming in contact with an ill person; after touching blood and/or open wounds; and after touching animals. Be sure to wash your baby’s hands frequently also since babies love putting their hands into their mouths. For older kids show them proper hand washing techniques. Here’s how to properly wash your hands: A. Wet your hands under warm running water. B. Apply soap to your hands and vigorously rub your hands together for about 15-20 seconds (or sing “Happy Birthday” for a fun twist). Be sure to get in-between your fingers and under your fingernails. C. Rinse your hands well. D. Dry your hands thoroughly with a towel or paper towel. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based sanitizer. If using sanitizer or your child’s hands, be sure their hands dry thoroughly to avoid ingesting the alcohol.

2. Breastfeed your baby whenever possible. Breast milk provides antibodies to your baby which help boost the immune system and protect against invading bacteria and/or viruses. Research suggests that breastfed infants are at lower risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), necrotizing enter colitis (NEC), elevated blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and cancer.

3. Decrease your baby’s chance of getting an airborne illness. Be your child’s advocate and keep away sick family and friends who are dying to visit. In the first month of life, keep your baby away from large crowds since their immune system is still developing. Once your child is older, just be mindful of the types of places that you visit (hospitals for instance). If you have an older child who goes to school or daycare, be sure he/she washes their hands once they have returned

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home and changing their clothes can also be helpful (especially if there is something going around).

4. Protect your baby from second hand smoke. If you, a family member, or a friend smokes, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after smoking and change your clothes before handling your baby. Infant’s exposure to second hand smoke is a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). 5. Be sure to follow-up with your baby’s healthcare provider as instructed. Well baby visits are very important and occur frequently in the first year of life. During a well visit your pediatrician will examine your baby, give your baby recommended vaccines that are due, review recommendations with you and discuss any concerns you may have. Vaccines are very important and help protect your child from preventable communicable disease. Because of vaccines, the infant mortality rate (relating to diseases) has decreased significantly. Many parents have been concerned with the controversy surrounding vaccines. To date, there has been no documented evidence that vaccines cause autism and all REQUIRED vaccines no longer use the preservative thimerosal (mercury). Be sure to educate yourself on vaccines, review your questions and concerns with your baby’s healthcare provider, ask for thimerosal-free vaccines and discuss the possibility of splitting up your baby’s immunizations. By following these general tips, you are taking steps to protect your baby and advocating disease prevention!

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Step 3

Protecting Your Baby from SIDS

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Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also known as crib death, is defined as the sudden death of an infant under the age of 1 in which the cause of death is not known after a thorough investigation has been performed.

According to the CDC’s preliminary data, SIDS is the 3rd leading cause of death in infants. SIDS continues to claim the lives of approximately 2500 babies a year...that’s 7 babies a day! And approximately 20% of SIDS deaths occur under the care of a non-parental caregiver. There is good news…SIDS deaths have dropped significantly in the past 15 years. Here’s what we know: • The highest incidence of SIDS occurs between 2 to 4 months of age, but can occur up to one year of age. Approximately 90% of SIDS cases occur between 1 to 6 months of age. • SIDS can occur among any ethnicity; however, studies have shown that African American and Native American babies are twice as likely to die from SIDS. • Baby boys are at higher risk than girls. • SIDS occurs more frequently in the winter months. • According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies who sleep on their bellies are 18 times more likely to die from SIDS. Is your baby at higher risk? Here’s what we know about the risk factors of SIDS: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Previous family history of SIDS Inadequate or absent prenatal care Smoking during and/or after pregnancy Illegal drug use, especially cocaine and heroine, during pregnancy Alcohol use during pregnancy Maternal age less than 20 Recurrent pregnancy occurring within 1 year of last pregnancy Ethnicities at higher risk include: African Americans, American Indians, and Alaskan Natives Infants exposed to cigarette smoke Infants who are placed on their tummies and/or sides to sleep Multiple births (twins, triplets, etc) Prematurity Low birth weight infants Overheating during sleep

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Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to help protect your baby: -

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Do Always place your baby on his/her back to sleep. Use a firm crib mattress. Make sure that the crib bedding fits the mattress snugly. Keep your baby in the same room as you for the first 6 months of life. Remove hats while sleeping and dress your baby in light clothing. Keep the temperature in the house at a comfortable temperature (between 68°-74° F). Use a fan in your baby’s room. Breastfeed your baby. Offer your baby a clean, dry pacifier to sleep with. Practice good hand washing and make sure your visitors do the same. Reduce your baby’s exposure to illnesses. Remove toys from the crib when your baby is sleeping. If using a blanket while your baby is sleeping, keep your baby’s arms outside of the blanket and tuck the blanket securely into the mattress. Provide supervised tummy time when your baby is awake. Review these key topics with anyone who cares for your baby. Learn infant CPR and have caregivers do the same!

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Don’t Place your baby to sleep on any soft surfaces (i.e. couches, cushions, chairs, air mattresses, etc). Use soft bedding, pillows, blankets bumpers, sleep positioners/wedges and stuffed animals. Sleep with your baby. Instead, use a co-sleeper or bassinette. Overheat your baby while he/she sleeps. Expose your baby to second hand smoke. Co-sleep twins, triplets, etc. Co-sleep baby with another child.

There are many organizations to learn more about SIDS: American Academy of Pediatrics American SIDS Institute CJ Foundation for SIDS First Candle/SIDS Alliance National Institute of Child Health and Human Development National SIDS and Infant Death Program Support Center National SIDS/Infant Death Resource Center Since 1994, the incidence of SIDS has decreased dramatically due mostly to the “Back to Sleep” campaign. Although we are making good headway, there is still much room for improvement. Until the mystery of SIDS is better understood, do your part to help keep your baby healthy and safe.

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Step 4

Food Safety Tips for You, Your Baby and the Whole Family

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Food is not only delicious, but necessary for growth and development. But be careful, not all food is created equal. This is especially important during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The food during this time is not only nourishing you but your baby, too. Choosing a well-balanced meal and heeding some food safety guidelines can help you provide the best nutrition for your baby. Since the food you eat during pregnancy and while nursing also affects your precious baby, you should be extra vigilant when choosing which foods to eat. Although fish is part of a healthy, balanced diet, you should choose fish wisely taking care to avoid those which are high in mercury. Mercury is dangerous in high doses and can cause damage to the brain, nervous system, and possibly the heart of unborn babies and infants. Be sure to review our Fish Advisory to learn more on mercury in fish. Also, be cautious with dairy products. Ensure dairy products are pasteurized to avoid the harmful bacteria, Listera. Listeria infection can cause serious illness and possibly death in pregnant women, fetuses and infants. Honey, an unpasterized food, is dangerous for babies under 1 year of age and should be avoided. Find out more on food-borne pathogens by visiting the FDA’s Top 14 Food borne Pathogens. Another food concern to consider is food allergies. Food allergies are the most prevalent before 3 years of age. Keep in mind that that the food you eat passes to your baby in your breast milk. Symptoms of food allergies vary and may present within a few minutes or within days after eating the offending food. To deduce exactly which food is causing the allergy, eliminate one food from your diet at a time and monitor for improvement in your baby. Keeping a log may be very useful. When beginning solids, introduce foods one at a time to monitor for food allergies. To learn more on these topics, read our Foods to Avoid When Your Baby Has Food Allergies and Food Allergies. When food shopping, go organic. Organically grown produce are grown without the harsh use of pesticides. Curious of what pesticides are on your food? Check out What’s on My Food to learn more. Using organic meats, eggs and dairy products provides you with products that are manufactured in an environment that promotes cage-free living and avoids hazardous overcrowding environments, provides live stock with vegetarian fed diets, and does not use chemicals, growth hormones, or antibiotics. Is going organic too expensive for you? Try shopping at local farmer’s markets which tend to sell produce that contains fewer pesticides than those at the supermarket. You may also find it helpful to download the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen Guide and buy just those products which are the worst pesticide offenders organic.

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Decrease the risk of harmful parasites and bacteria. When cooking food, either for you or your family, be sure to wash your hands before beginning. Be sure to wash all produce thoroughly. When cooking, use separate utensils for meats and eggs, cook food thoroughly and clean the surface and equipment after each use. Thinking of making your own baby food? Fantastic! Refer to our homemade baby food article to help you on your way!

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Step 5

Choosing Safe Toys and Baby Products

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Shopping for baby products and toys is a lot of fun, but unfortunately there are a lot of products on the market that are not safe for your baby. We find it shocking that big retailers encourage new parents to buy these items without explaining the risks and how to use these products safely. This is a must read for expecting parents preparing their baby registry. 1. Pacifiers: -We recommend one piece pacifiers. Two piece pacifiers can become disconnected posing a chocking hazard. They can also harbor harmful bacteria in between the creases, where the nipple joins the base. -Never attach the pacifier to a string, rope, or ribbon to prevent accidental strangulation. If you do use such devices, be sure to watch your baby closely. -Read more on Pacifier Safety in our Baby Tips section. 2. Choose BPA-Free baby products (including, but not limited to: baby bottles, dishes, sippy cups and storage containers). - What is BPA? BPA, or Bisphenol A, is a chemical found in hard, clear plastics. These plastics are made of polycarbonate and are present in many baby bottles. -BPA has also been found in the lining of formula cans and in some baby food. When selecting baby foods, select those that are in glass jars. -Read our blog to learn more about BPA. 3. Teething Rings: -Avoid teething rings that are fluid-filled. The fluid inside of these teething rings can be contaminated with harmful bacteria and some may contain unsafe liquid. -Be sure the teething ring is made of safe, non-toxic ingredients. 4. Sleep Positioners: -These items should not be used while you AND your baby are sleeping. -If you desire to use these products, use them safely: during your awake time so you can frequently check on your baby. 5. Avoid purchasing aftermarket products for car seats. -This includes: head supports, harness strap covers and buntings (blankets that provide a cushion for the baby to sit on and are used to keep the baby warm). -Remember, if it did not come with your car seat, it hasn’t been crash tested and proven safe by the manufacturer and the government. -The use of aftermarket products can render your warranty null and void since the integrity of the car seat has been compromised. -If you desire any of these products for your car seat, check with your car seat manufacturer for approved products.

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-Read more on Car Seat Safety here. 6. Seat Covers (to protect your vehicle’s seat from the car seat). -When purchasing this product, be sure to check that the mat has “grip” on both sides. If one side does not have grip, this can potentially increase the risk of your car seat slipping during an accident. Shelf liner is a great cheap alternative to these pricey mats and has grip on both sides. 7. Crib Bumpers and Padding -Many experts agree that bumpers and padding should not be used in the crib to reduce the risks of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Accidental strangulation, suffocation and death have occurred due to the padding and the bumper ties. -If you desire to use this product, opt for a safer alternative: mesh bumpers allow for air to circulate and eliminate the risk of suffocation. -If using bumpers, be sure to keep the ties short and cut any excess from the ties. Also, be sure to check the ties often to ensure that none have come untied posing a strangulation hazard. -Your baby will be spending a lot of time in his/her crib, be sure they’re sleeping safely. Learn more on crib safety here. Baby safety is a big focus of ours here at Babies 411. We have written many articles focusing on this topic so come visit us to learn more about toy safety, baby proofing and much more. Visit our store to purchase products that we feel are safe. Please contact us if you feel that we have either improperly commented on a particular item or if you have an item that you feel is not safe and is marketed to parents. Happy and safe shopping!

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Step 6

Reducing Your Child’s Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

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Phthalates, parabens, 1,4-dioxane, formaldehyde, BPA, petroleum, flame retardants, DEET and PVCs are just a few of the hazardous toxic chemicals that you are your baby are exposed to on a daily basis. Babies are exposed to these dangerous chemicals when they are the most vulnerable, when growing in mama’s belly. Learning about these chemicals can not only protect you, but protect that which is so important to you…your baby.

Chemical

1,4-dioxane

Formaldehyde

What is it?

Where is it found?

How to avoid it?

A by-product that occurs during ethoxylation, which is the process of lessening the harshness of petroleum-based ingredients. 1,4-dioxane can lead to central nervous system, liver, and kidney damage. In extreme cases, death may result from exposure.

Used as a foaming agent and found in: -Shampoos -liquid soaps -deodorants -laundry detergents -toothpastes

A colorless, odorless gas that we are exposed to daily via the environment, foods, and water. Formaldehyde exposure has been linked to allergies and asthma in children and to the development of nose, lung, and brain cancer as well as leukemia.

Formaldehyde is found in many products. For example: -composite wood products (pressed wood, plywood, particle board, medium density fiberboard) -glues/adhesives -Cosmetic products (such as baby soaps, nail polish, baby lotion, lipstick, and toothpaste just to list a few) -paints -fabrics -carpet -vaccines -household cleaning products

READ THE LABEL! Avoid products containing the following ingredients: -PEG compounds (example: PEG-80) -Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS)/ Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) -Any ingredient that has the terms "ceteareth", "xynol", "oleth" -polyethylene 1. READ THE LABEL! Avoid products containing the following ingredients: -quaternium-15 -DMDM hydantoin -imidazolidinyl urea -diazolidinyl urea -2-bromo-2-nitropropane1,3-diol (Bronopol) -sodium hydroxlmethylglycinate 2. When purchasing furniture (especially baby furniture) be sure to ask about formaldehyde emissions of the products. 3. Buy solid wood furniture and avoid furniture made of composite wood or fiberboard. 4. Look for soy-based glues/adhesives. 5. Use formaldehydefree paints. 6. Ensure adequate ventilation in your home. 7. Use a humidifier to lower the presence of formaldehyde within your

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Phthalates

Mineral Oil (Petroleum, petroleum jelly)

Parabens

BPA (Bisphenol-A)

Are used as plasticizers, meaning they help make plastics (vinyl) flexible and durable, and are used in many fragrances to help prolong the scent. Phthalates have been linked to hormonal changes, birth defects, reproductive abnormalities in baby boys (i.e. low sperm count, testicular cancer, deformities of the penis), and can damage the liver, kidneys, and lungs.

Commonly found in: -cosmetic products (baby lotions, powders, shampoos, deodorant, perfume/cologne, aftershave, shampoos, gel) -toys -enteric coating of medicines -PVC products (such as flooring, vinyl curtains, plastics, and more) -insect repellant -food packing -raincoats -car-care products

A by-product of crude oil that is used as a lubricant. Mineral oil (petroleum) locks moisture and can cause clogged pores, prevent the release of toxins and slows cell renewal which can lead to premature aging. Skin, colon, and breast cancer have also been liked to this chemical. Derived from petroleum and used as a preservative in many cosmetics, foods and pharmaceutical products. Parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen and when absorbed through the skin, parabens have been linked to breast cancer and male reproductive abnormalities. A chemical used to make polycarbonate plastics hard, clear and heatresistant. Also used to produce epoxy resins. BPA is a known hormone disruptor (specifically estrogen) and has been linked to reproductive abnormalities, behavioral/developmental disorders and development of cancer.

Petroleum jelly Baby oil Lotion Balms Gels Soaps Lipstick Face Cream Sunscreen Laundry detergent Shampoos Conditioners Shampoos Make-up Lotion Shave gel Face creams Spray tanning solution Topical medications Tooth paste Food additives

Canned foods Ready-to-Feed formulas Baby bottles Sippy cups Reusable food and drink containers (polycarbonate plastic) Dental sealants

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home. 1. Look for toys, products and skin care products that are phthalate-free. Avoid products containing the term "phthalate": -monoethyl phthalate - di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) -diethyl phthalate (DEP) -di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) -benzyl butyl phthalate (BzBP) - dim ethyl phthalate (DMP) 2. Avoid PVC (vinyl) plastics, packaging and toys. Avoid plastics that contain the recycling number "3". If a plastic is flexible, it probably contains phthalates. 1. Avoid products containing the following ingredients: -petroleum -mineral oil -propylene glycol 2. Look for products that use vegetable, plant, seed and nut oils instead of mineral oil (such as shea butter, olive oil, jojoba and coconut oil.) READ THE LABEL! Avoid paraben containing products. Avoid the following: -methylparaben, -ethylparaben, -propylparaben -butylparaben -isobutylparaben -isopropylparaben -benzylparaben 1. Use BPA-free bottles, dishes and other baby products made of hard plastics. 2. Avoid plastics with the recycling # 7 3. Do not expose plastics (such as baby bottles, storage containers, plastic bottles and dishware) to high heat. 4. Reduce the use of canned foods. Instead use

FlameRetardants

Chemicals added to decrease the spread of fire. These chemicals can cause hormonal disruptions, reproductive problems, behavioral/learning problems, birth defects, and cancer. The active ingredient found in insect repellent.

Clothing (especially sleep wear) Crib Mattresses Car seats Breastfeeding pillows Changing tables Strollers Play Pens Insect repellent

DEET (N,N-diethylmeta-toluamide)

Lead

A toxic metal which affects the central nervous system causing learning difficulties, low IQ, behavioral problems, nerve damage, renal disease, and convulsions.

Dust Soil Chipped (lead-based) paint Water from lead pipes Imported candy Imported toys Imported cosmetics Ceramic Vinyl blinds

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glass or stainless steel containers. 5. Choose powdered formula over Ready-toFeed. 1. Buy organic whenever possible. 2. Wool is a natural flame retardant and does not require added chemicals.

1. Do not use DEET on children less than 2 months of age. 2. When using a DEETcontaining repellent: -use one that contains less than 30% DEET -use sparingly -avoid contact with cuts or irritated skin -do not use under clothing -spray outdoors and avoid contact of repellant with food 4. Use other methods to avoid mosquitoes: -cover up for maximum protection -dress in light colored, loose-fitting clothes -use misquote netting -avoid perfumes/fragrances that attract mosquitoes 5. Look for DEET free alternatives. Picaridin is considered an effective alternative to DEET. 6. Avoid DEETsunscreen combinations. 1. Prevention is key. 2. Wash your child’s hands frequently since lead dust can be transferred from normal hand-to-mouth activity. 3. Get your home inspected for lead. 4 Ask your baby’s doctor about blood lead screening at 1 and 2 years of age. 5. Take shoes off at the door. 6. Avoid dust and debris during renovation,

especially if the house was built before 1978. 7. Mop and clean windowsills frequently, at minimum every 2-3 weeks. 8. Use cold tap water. 9. Avoid imported candy (especially from Mexico).

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Step 7

Healthy Lungs: Improving Your Child’s Air Quality

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Did you know that the air inside of your home contains more chemicals than the air outside? Since children breathe in 50% more air per pound than adults, poor indoor air quality is of major concern. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that the air quality indoors is 2 to 5 times worse than the air quality outdoors. Toxic chemicals like pesticides, phthalates, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, radon (an odorless gas which forms radio-active by-products), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and lead are just a few of these offending chemicals that your child is exposed to inside of your home. And you thought your home was safe. Where do these toxic chemicals come from? Some of the potential sources include: carpet, paint, air fresheners, cleaning products, dry cleaning, drapes, fireplaces, cabinets, mold and dust mites. What does this mean for your baby? Poor air quality can lead to various types of lung problems including asthma, lung infections and lung cancer. Asthma is the 3rd leading cause of hospitalization for children under the age of 18, affecting approximately 6.1 million children (American Lung Association). Here are a few tips to improve the air quality inside of your home: --Don’t allow smoking in your home. --Dust and clean upholstered furniture with a wet cloth frequently. -- Circulate the air in your home by opening windows and using exhaust fans. --Test your home for radon and lead. Would you believe that the EPA estimates that 1 out of every 15 homes in the US has radon levels which exceed safe levels? --Install carbon monoxide detectors inside of your home and test to ensure the alarm is working properly. Change the batteries at least once a year. --If using humidifiers, be sure to change the water and clean the equipment daily as instructed in your owner’s manual. It’s best to use distilled water to reduce the amount of minerals that are dispersed into the air. -- Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier in the summer to keep the humidity level to 50% or below and be sure to keep them clean. --Wash all bedding and curtains in hot water once a week. --Carpets are a big source for dust mites and other contaminants. If possible, change to hard-floor surfaces. If not, be sure to vacuum using a vacuum with a HEPA filter twice a week. --Wet mop at least twice a week. --Wash your child’s toys frequently in hot water. --Use a door mat to wipe your feet before entering your home, or better yet, remove shoes at the door. --Have indoor pets? Keep pets off of furniture as much as possible, keep out of bedrooms and be sure to bathe your pet at least once a week. --Use non-toxic household cleaning products or make your own. --Hand wash delicate items or choose an organic dry cleaner.

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--Fix leaks promptly. --Avoid using air fresheners. Instead reduce odors with air-filtering plants, fresh flowers, baking soda, distilled white vinegar, essential oils or by simmering spices and/or herbs. --Avoid toxic pesticides, insecticides and fertilizers. --Store recyclables in a covered container outside of your home. Your home is your sanctuary and is where you and your family spend most of their time. Keep your home safe. Taking these precautions can not only help you and your family lead healthier lives, but also helps to keep the planet a healthier place to live.

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