Nobody likes that phrase, "Better safe than sorry." If we followed its advice to the letter, not only would we never step foot in an airplane, take a road trip, or go to the zoo, but really, we wouldn't even leave the house (not that it's completely harmless either). Nope, in life, we have to step out, take risks, and hope for the best.
But as a parent, the stakes get higher. It's one thing to risk one's own safety, but when it comes to your kids, no precaution is unnecessary. Well, there is that commercial about the six-year-old in the Baby Bjorn. I guess when it comes down to it, we have to do what we're comfortable with as parents, while balancing our kids independence with their safety.
That being said, there are some precautions that are pretty universal. Accidents are the leading cause of death for children of all ages. So, over the next month, I'd like to take a look at some of the top areas where parents can take measures to protect their children.
Fall prevention - Kids like to run, climb, and hop around like crazy people. We know this. But all that craziness can be harmful, even fatal, if certain precautions aren't taken in the home to keep kiddos from unnecessary dangers. Strapping kids into high chairs, not letting them sit on top of counters, putting ladders and stools away, and picking up the floor are all ways to prevent the accidental fall. Check out more tips for preventing falls on next week's blog!
Kitchen & bathroom safety. Water, cutlery, drugs, stovetops, ovens, and throat-blocking objects are all hazards of these two frequented rooms. Thankfully, child safety products can help a parents protect kids from many of these dangers, but as always, one can't just rely on a piece of plastic to keep your child safe. If you can figure out a child safety device, your kiddo might just figure it out too. Check out basic tips for childproofing these areas right here on the Mom Around Town blog on January 16.
Toy safety. There's a reason manufacturers list age-appropriateness on those boxes in the toy aisle. But, as always, you've got to consider your own kids' maturity and habits no matter what any colorful box says. For example, three is the age when most small toys (choking size, to be exact) are considered to be safe. However, if your kid's like mine and still puts everything in his or her mouth, then the Barbie doll with five million accessories may be a better thought for next year. Check here on January 23 for more tips.
Car safety. Carseats. Boosters. Carseat boosters. Oh yeah. It's a whole new world in safety seats for parents. Gone are the days when my mom would tie my little brother to his carseat (he was such the escape artist), while my older, six-year-old sister giggled from the front seat. Yep, we have a whole new set of rules these days, but as I'll tell you on January 30, there's good reason for all the new laws.
So check back this month for in-depth tips on keeping the kids safe. We shouldn't live in fear, but as parents, we can be smart. And finally, having just messed with a round of the flu, I would like to mention this statistic from the National Center for Health Statistics: "During 2007–2010, emergency department visits by children resulting in hospital admission were more likely to be related to illness (78%) than injury (22%)."
So wash those kiddies' hands. And yours too.
Happy Safe Year!
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