Segment Popularity Prompts Another MommyCast Episode! Topic - Nursery Safety

Parents are letting their voices be heard. MommyCast received such positive feedback on the home safety episode that they are following it up with another. This video provides parents with valuable safety tips and childproofing options for the nursery. Check it out! Safe Start Baby on MommyCast.

Here are a few additional tips and products that will help keep your baby safe and will give you peace of mind.

SAFETY DURING SLEEP TIME:
• I know that it always changes, but most experts agree that sleeping on the back can reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Some research has shown that running a fan in your baby’s room could reduce the risk of SIDS by 72%! Read this USA Today article for more.
• Be certain that your crib meets all the current safety recommendations.

PREVENT FALLS:
• Keep cribs away from windows to help prevent falls.
• Install window guards that are easy to deactivate in the event of a fire and don’t rely on screens as your barrier. Screens easily pop off and give kids a false sense of security.
• Use nightlights to keep the nursery lit for those late night feedings- safety for you and your baby.
• Avoid using bumper pads that your climber can use as leverage to catapult out of crib.
• While we may see dresser drawers, our tots may see a ladder. Be certain to anchor all dressers, bookcases and other furniture pieces to the wall.

PREVENT CHOKING AND SUFFOCATION
• Again those bumper pads can be a culprit. Try using the Breathable Bumper Pad instead.
• If it can fit through a toilet paper roll; considered it a choking hazard.
• Keep toys, pillows and blankets out of the crib and your crib sheets should fit tightly.
• Often overlooked, we commonly find monitors and their cords located near the crib. Remember while we are fighting for a few moments of precious sleep, our babies may be lying awake curious of their surroundings. Babies and toddlers are attracted to wire cords which pose a serious choking and electrocution hazard so be certain to use cord cover, or other electrical safety products.
• Cut the cord! If your blind cords make a loop- it’s a hazard. Cut the cords into two, and pull them up and out of your child’s reach.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY
• Don’t forget those cords near the crib; they are also an electrocution hazard.
• Outlets should be covered with a box cover or slide plate, especially those near the crib. Although plugs are often used, most pose a choking hazard.

Want to know more? Check the Home Safety Council website or Safe Start Baby.

Pool Safety: Not Just For Tots...Also For Teens

My kids are thrilled … summer is here and our local pool is now open! But I’m in a somewhat different state of mind. Our baby, who was barely crawling last year at this time, is now running full speed … and he loves the water! Although my older children are capable swimmers, I wish I had eyes in the back of my head. The statistics show that drowning is the 2nd leading cause of death to children ages 1-4 years AND children ages 10 – 14 years. Despite the sun and fun, I can’t help but worry that all four of my children fall into these two age groups.


Here are the facts: On average 3,600 children are injured due to near-drowning incidents. Even worse, more than 830 children die annually due to preventable drowning. Nearly 60% of pool drowning deaths and injuries occur at home. Drowning happens quickly and quietly.

If you plan to spend time at pool this summer, or if you have a home pool, review these important safety guidelines. If nothing else, it will give you peace of mind and allow you and your family to enjoy the experience to the fullest:

· If you have a pool, install a fence that completely encloses the area. It has been shown that properly installed four-sided pool fencing may reduce home pool drowning up to 90%! Fence gates should be self-closing and self-latching. (Contact Safe Start Baby if you would like free pool fence estimate- VA/NOVA/MD residents only.)

·Always supervise your children near water. If there is more than one adult, you should designate a “water-watcher”. With several adults present it’s easy to assume that someone else is watching the children. Do not rely on pool lifeguards to watch your child- local pools are often over crowded, and the lifeguards cannot watch every child.

·Be prepared for an emergency by learning CPR. (Contact Safe Start Baby to schedule your in-home CPR training- VA/NOVA/MD residents only).

·Register your child for swim lessons and avoid using “floaties” which could give your child a false sense of security.

·Keep a cordless phone close to the pool area.

·If you momentarily cannot locate your child, look in the pool or other water areas first.

·And as always, constant supervision is the number one way to reduce unintentional injuries.

Visit the International Association for Child Safety to read more about drowning and water safety.

MommyCast Says YES to Babyproofing and Safe Start!

As a Babyproofer I’ve heard it all…

”My parents never babyproofed and we survived.”

“I don’t need to babyproof, I’ll just teach my kids that no means no!”

I’m happy to say that the word is out...today’s parents realize the importance of babyproofing and so does MommyCast! Check out the YouTube link featuring Safe Start Baby. Don’t forget to post or blog your thoughts!

MommyCast Video with Michele Spahr from Safe Start Baby

Childproofing Doesn't Take a Summer Break

So, here we are with only a few precious days left in the school year. Don’t get me wrong, I am anxiously awaiting summer break when my family of six will be free of sports, homework, and school activities. But there is a twinge of panic…only 2 days to organize the house, UPDATE MY BLOG, and do the seasonal safety check.

Summer time at the Spahr family house means grilling out, fun in the sun, and enjoying time with friends and family. To prepare for the change of the season new safety concerns arise. Here is a peak at the Spahr Family Summer Checklist (and reminders):

Grilling
o Move the grill at least 10’ away from house, shrubs, and other objects.
o Check the grill connection between propane tank and fuel line. Ensure there are no leaks.
o Never use a grill inside your home or garage.
o If you anticipate the grill may be left on for extended periods of time and may not always be completely supervised, such as during a party, etc., consider installing a metal gate around grill. (see our Kidco Hearthgate as an option) OR do not use the grill around children or pets.

Fun in the Sun
o Purchase a full summer’s supply of sunscreen (at least 15 SPF) in advance so it’s always on hand and ready for use. All children over the age of 6 months should apply SPF 15 or greater sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outdoors.
o Sunscreen should be reapplied every couple of hours and after swimming while in the sun.
o Avoid sun exposure for babies less than 6 months of age. Parents can use umbrellas, hats, and a minimal amount of sunscreen, 15 SPF or greater, if necessary.
o As a reminder, keep an activity bag, containing your sun-time essentials, such as sunscreen, hats, etc., ready for any need.
o For families with toddlers and decks: Ensure that deck furniture is pulled away from the exposed edges of the deck to prevent children from climbing up on furniture and falling over the railing. Also, The AAP recommends that railings should be no wider than 3 ½”. Gaps larger than 3 ½” could possibly allow a child’s body to fit through the opening- even if their head cannot. Check out these safety options for your banisters and decks.
o Wear hat and sunglasses when going outdoors.
o Keep hydrated. Symptoms of heat stroke include flushed face, headache, shaking, nausea and fever. Always keep a good supply of water on hand for adults and children and encourage kids to drink cold water or sports drink every 20 minutes when playing actively in the sun.
o Do not use combination sunscreen/insect repellent. Insect repellent contains DEET which should not be reapplied as often as sunscreen.
o The AAP recommends that children 2 months of age and older should use bug spray with 30% DEET.
o Check playground equipment for safety including loose screws, open “S” hooks or protruding bolt ends.
o Check all bicycle helmets to ensure proper fitting and look for damage. Replace if necessary.
o All helmets should have a sticker that ensures the helmet meets the CPSC safety standards.

Need more information on Safety Gates, Pool Fences, or CPR classes? Visit Safe Start Baby’s professional babyproofing services or drop me a comment with your child proofing questions.