Key takeaways: Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home, and test them monthly. Make an escape plan that includes who will get the baby and two ways out of every room. Sleeping with bedroom doors closed can slow the spread of fire and smoke. Keep matches, lighters, and candles away from children.
A fire can spread in minutes. Planning ahead protects your baby.
Smoke Alarms
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends:
- In every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level.
- Interconnected alarms if possible, so when one sounds, they all do.
- Test monthly.
- Replace alarms every 10 years.
Escape Planning With a Baby
- Decide who will get the baby.
- Know two ways out of every room.
- Practice your plan at least twice a year.
- Pick an outside meeting spot.
- Keep a flashlight and shoes near beds.
- If you can’t reach your baby, get out and tell firefighters where your baby is.
- Consider window escape ladders for upstairs bedrooms.
Close Doors
Research by UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute found that closed doors can slow the spread of fire, heat, and smoke. Many fire safety groups encourage sleeping with bedroom doors closed. If you’ll have trouble hearing your baby, use a monitor and interconnected alarms.
Prevention
- Keep matches and lighters locked away.
- Never leave candles unattended; consider flameless candles.
- Stay in the kitchen while cooking.
- Keep space heaters 3 feet from anything that can burn, and never near cribs.
- Don’t overload outlets or run cords under rugs.
- Charge devices on hard surfaces, not beds.
Fire Extinguishers
Keep one in the kitchen and learn to use it.
The Bottom Line
Install and test smoke alarms, make and practice an escape plan that includes your baby, and prevent fires at home.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Sources
- National Fire Protection Association. Smoke alarms; escape planning. https://www.nfpa.org
- UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute. Close Before You Doze. https://closeyourdoor.org
- U.S. Fire Administration. Home fire safety. https://www.usfa.fema.gov
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
