Having child safety in our homes is a number one concern.  Safe Kids USA recently reported that over 3 million children yearly (that’s an alarming 8,000 per day), are taken to the emergency rooms for injuries that happen in and around the home.  And each day approximately 6 children die from injuries in the home.  So when dealing with toddler safety, here are some tips . . .

• Place non-skid backing under rugs (especially in bathrooms)

• Use power strips with childproof covers instead of extension cords

• Store ladders and step stools horizontally to lessen the temptation for climbing

• Store all buckets upside down and preferably on a high shelf

• Be mindful of your bathroom trash, children sucking on discarded medication or nicotine patches has become a growing source of pediatric poisoning

• Set your hot water heater no higher than 120 degrees to reduce scalding

• Graduate your toddler from their crib once the height of the top rail is less than ¾ of the child’s overall height

• Remove dish towels commonly hung over an oven door to prevent small children from pulling the door down on their heads

• Light bulbs should be kept in all fixtures whether or not they are in use to prevent the possibility of electrical shock

• One of the most important things a parent or grandparent can do is take a First Aid course and learn CPR.  Seconds count when a child is starving for oxygen

It is usually a whirlwind between when the babysitter rings your doorbell, and when you are ready to leave.  But you should try to minimize the commotion so that important information can be covered with the babysitter before you go.  Ask them to come a full half-hour before you need to leave so you can complete the following checklist:

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1. Leave a list of emergency numbers by the phone.  The word “HAPPEN” can help you remember the first six items, which are most essential;

• Home phone number

• Address of your home

• Phone number where you can be reached

• Poison center (1.800.222.1222)

• Emergency Medical Services (911) / Veterinarian

• Neighbor/responsible adult’s phone number

2. Tell the babysitter of any allergies/illnesses your child may suffer from

3. Go over the rules of the house in front of your child:

• What television programs may be watched, and for how long

• Whether your child may have friends over, and

• If your child is allowed to answer the phone

4. Tell the babysitter the feeding, toileting, and bedtime routines, like:

• What time is “bed time”

• When your child needs to be fed, and what he/she’s allowed to eat

• If your child is toilet trained, or needs to be reminded to use the bathroom

• What comforts your child

5. Give a tour of the house, including all exits, what rooms are off limits to the babysitter or children, and where the first aid supplies, fire extinguisher, escape ladder, and flashlight w/spare batteries are kept

6. Give an accurate time of when you are expected to return.  If you will be late, call and tell the babysitter

7. Tell the babysitter if you are expecting any phone calls, visitors, or deliveries

8. Inform the babysitter of your expectations of her behavior

• May she invite a friend over

• May she talk on the phone, and

• May she sack on the food in the house

And remember . . . the best advise for childproofing remains:

THINK LIKE A TODDLER AND ACT LIKE AN ADULT!