To Your Health
November, 2008 (Vol. 02, Issue 11) |
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It Only Takes a Second
It may be easy to put baby's car seat or bouncer on top of the table so your child has better eye contact with you, or on top of the dryer because the hum lulls them to sleep.
However, it is all too easy for the car seat or bouncer to rock or tip over altogether, which could lead to an accident of Humpty Dumpty proportions. The easiest way to make sure an infant in a car seat or bouncer doesn't accidentally wind up on the floor is to put them there in the first place. However, if the dryer is the only thing that will calm them down, commit yourself to being extra careful and staying close, just in case they start to tip over or fall. Remember, safety first.
Splish-Splash in the Bath
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people leave their razors within a child's reach, which can have horrific consequences if your inquisitive toddler gets a hold of one. And of course they will, if you give them the opportunity. To prevent this, stash your razor high in the medicine cabinet when you're done using it, or at the very least, on a high shower rack. Better to keep it out of sight and out of your toddler's hands or mouth.
Rock-a-Bye Baby
When baby's sleeping, you might be tempted to skip buckling them into the stroller. After all, why risk waking them? Actually, Mom's Murphy's Law says it will be the one time you aren't nearby that they will wake up, roll over and fall right out. Play it safe: Slip on the straps and fasten them, even if baby isn't going anywhere. The chances you'll wake them up are pretty slim.
Bedside Manners
Keep a list on your fridge of which child is sick, what medications they may be taking and the last time they got a dose. Doing all of this will ensure you don't miss any doses or - even worse - double up a dose. It will also make it easier to share that information with the babysitter, or a paramedic in the event of an emergency, so you can avoid any potential (and unfortunately, far too common) medication interactions.
