September 2024 – A Babyproofing Refresher for Grandparents

Whether you’re helping with childcare or simply enjoying a visit, you want your home to be safe for the newest members of your family—your grandchildren. Fortunately, most of the safety precautions you took when your own children were young still hold true today, but there have been some changes. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Medicines –Today some conditions are treated with medicated patches. To children, these patches can look like stickers, and young kids LOVE stickers. As with all medications, keep them out of reach and dispose of used patches as directed.
• Detergents – Dishwasher and laundry detergents tablets may offer no-measure, no-spill convenience, but to young eyes, these colorful tablets look like candy. Fortunately, most of these detergents come in child-resistant containers. Keep these containers tightly closed and placed on a higher shelf or in a locked cabinet for extra safety.
• Window Coverings – Between 1990 and 2015, more than 17,000 children under age six ended up in the ER with window cord-related injuries. In response, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission mandated that by 2018 all new window coverings be cordless. If your décor doesn’t meet these new standards, be sure to tie up or remove the cords on your blinds and shades for safe measure.
• Bathtime – The recommended temperature for bathwater to avoid scalding is around 100 degrees—just slightly higher than the normal body temperature.
• Naptime – It is now recommended babies be placed on their backs on firm mattresses with nothing soft underneath—no more crib bumpers or pillows.
• Running Errands – As of early August this year, 17 children in the U.S. reportedly died from being left in hot cars. When taking your grandchild along on errands, put your purse or wallet in the backseat or place their favorite toy in the seat beside you to remind yourself there’s a baby on board.

Accidents can happen in seconds. A little time spent on precautions is well worth it. Our grandchildren are a gift. Love them, spoil them and, most importantly, keep them safe!