Congratulations! Your baby
has reached an important milestone: mobility. Rolling, scooting, crawling and
finally walking are great accomplishments for which both of you are justly proud.
The world has opened up for your child but hidden dangers lurk out there. With preparation and attention we can keep our budding explorers safe in the quest to conquer their territory.
To begin with, it is important to view space from your baby's perspective. Get down on your hands and knees and what do you see? Dangling cords from heavy lamps, uncovered light sockets, small objects that can be swallowed and cabinet handles are just some of the items your baby is sure to want to reach. Make a list of the unsafe areas/objects and intervene before an accident occurs. Babies don't warn us when they have enough strength to pull the cord and lamp over, they just do it! Now is the time to prevent this.
The following are some suggestions for baby-proofing your home, and preventing injuries to your child.
Changing Tables
Never leave your child unattended on a changing table. Even newborns can roll at times, and it only takes an instant for an infant or small child to flip off the table and fall to the floor.
Walkers
The American Association of Pediatricians strongly discourages the use of all mobile walkers, although they are still on the market. Walkers can tip over or go down a flight of stairs in an instant. Thousands of emergency hospital visits each year are the result of a child injured while in a walker.
Light Sockets and Lamp Cords
Put plastic covers on any uncovered light socket and secure all lamp cords. Serious burns can result from a child playing with a light socket, or chewing on a lamp cord.
Cabinets and Drawers
Cabinets and drawers within baby's reach that contain small and/or breakable objects or household cleaners and medications are very dangerous. Use baby latches on these cabinets, and store all medicine and household cleaners above your child's reach.
Gates
Children can get seriously hurt falling down the stairs. Keep a strong gate at the top and bottom of the stairs until they are old enough to climb up and down safely.
Water Temperature and Bath Time
Many babies have been scalded by water that is too hot. Set your thermostat on your water heater to no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Never leave a baby or small child in a tub. It only takes a second for them to slip under the water, and drowning can occur in the space of a three-minute phone call.
Poisons and Medicines
Keep all medicines and household cleaners properly labeled and locked out of baby's reach. Always call the Poison Control Center if you suspect your child has swallowed anything harmful. In the Washington DC area their number is 202-625-3333. Keep this number displayed in a prominent place. The Poison Control Center will also send you, free of charge, stickers with this number for your telephones. Your first aid kit should include a bottle of ipecac to induce vomiting if needed, but always follow the directions from the poison control center first. If your child has swallowed a caustic material such as lye, inducing vomiting causes further injury.
Outdoor Pools
Fence and lock areas around all permanent pools. Drain wading pools when not in use. A child can drown in two inches of water. Always supervise children in a pool. When your child is old enough, make sure he/she can swim; swimming lessons are not just recreational they are life-saving.
In the Car
Never put a small child/baby in a front passenger seat that has an air bag. The safest place is in the middle of the back seat, in the proper car seat or restraint system for your child's age, height and weight. An unrestrained child is like a flying missile in a car, as much of their weight is in their head. Protect yourself and your child, buckle everyone up safely.
We all will worry about our children's safety; it's part of being a parent. Bumps bruises and accidents, hopefully minor, are parts of growing up. These guidelines, however, can help your child avoid serious and life threatening injuries. For any additional information or questions and concerns, please feel free to call the Civilian Employee Assistance Program Counseling and Referral Service at (202) 433-0087, or outside the local dialing area you may use 1-800-995-9791.