What should a nurse include regarding the home safety of an infant?

Ensuring that all cleaning supplies are locked away is a critical aspect of home safety for an infant. Infants are naturally curious and tend to explore their environment by putting objects in their mouths, which puts them at risk for poisoning or harm from toxic substances. Keeping cleaning supplies, medicines, and other hazardous materials out of reach and securely locked away prevents accidental ingestion and ensures a safer environment for the child.

The rationale behind other options demonstrates why they are not appropriate for infant safety. Completely removing toys from the infant's area deprives the child of essential play opportunities that aid in development. Utilizing a crib with soft bedding, while comfortable, poses suffocation risks; safe sleep guidelines recommend using a firm mattress with fitted sheets and avoiding soft items in the crib. Placing the infant near an open window can expose them to potential hazards such as drafts or falling objects, and it's not advised for maintaining a safe sleep environment.