The Can't Live Without, Must Have, Even During a Recession, List of Baby Proofing Products

We have all felt the pinch of the recession, whether it be a drop in stocks, a lay off, or a struggle to simply pay an electric bill. Want to know what I learned? My kids just don't care! They still grow, needing new clothes; they want to play sports, needing dues and equipment; and my youngest- decides to walk. Did he not realize that money is tight? Did he not keep in consideration that getting new "baby safe" furniture for our Family Room is not an option? Did he not think that maybe gates at the top AND bottom of the stairs (although safe) would cost twice as much?

Okay, so maybe babyproofing at the Spahr House won't be as challenging as most, (come on, I am a babyproofer); but I do understand. I have many clients cutting back their list, wanting approval for not strapping furniture, or opting out of latching each and every cabinet in the kitchen. They want a list of the essentials. So...here it is, The Can't Live Without it, Must Have, Even During a Recession, List of Essential Babyproofing Products.

THE LIST:

1. Kidco Swivel Latch: Locks your drawers and cabinets to limit your child's access to potentially hazardous items. The Gains: inexpensive; easy to install if you are handy with a drill; ability to "turn off" latch. Hint: to keep the cost down, consolidate your dangerous items into a few cabinets and lock them up. Keep your medications, chemicals and other dangerous items high in a locked cabinet for extra security.


2. Window Wedges- These wedges keep windows from opening past the AAP recommendation of 4". The Gains: inexpensive; easy to install; no tools required; Hint: for older children you may choose to use a different type of latch/lock. Be certain that any lock you have is easily disabled in the event of an emergency.


3. Furniture Straps- Keeps furniture from tipping over. The Gains: inexpensive; easy to install if you are handy with a drill. Hint: straps should always be installed into a stud in the wall.


4. Childproofing Gates- With falls being a leading cause of injury to children under age 4, gates are a must. The Gains: there are many gate options available; excellent barrier to keep your tots out of "off-limit" areas; gates available (and recommended) for the top and bottom of the stairs. Hint: can be difficult to install; you may want to consider hiring a professional for this installation- could save you money in the long run. Find a babyproofing consultant in your area by visiting the IAFCS.


5. Slide Plates vs Plugs- Used to keep fingers, keys, forks and other items out of the outlets. Slide Plates: The Gains: easy to use; you won't break your nails trying to operate; Plugs: The Gains: inexpensive; no directions required; Hint: if it fits through a toilet paper roll, it's a hazard! Keep plugs out of reach of children. Consider using the slide plates for outlets commonly used, and for outlets in the nursery/playroom. Use the plugs in outlets rarely accessed.

Need some tips on how to babyproof your home? Visit my website. Have a specific babyproofing question or issue that you need help resolving? Drop a comment.

Other useful links: International Association for Child Safety, Home Safety Council

Hot Dogs, Fireworks, and a Trip to the ER? Safety Tips for an Injury Free Fourth of July

It's a Fourth of July Safety Quiz! Don't worry, you won't be graded. Be sure to check your answers at the end.

1. How hot does a sparkler burn?
a. 100 degrees
b. 200 degrees
c. 500 degrees
d. 1200 degrees

2. What age group has the highest number of firework related injuries?
a. 0 -2 years of age
b. 2 - 9 years of age
c. 10 - 14 years of age
d. 15 - 20 years of age

3. The safest way to enjoy your fireworks is by:
a. igniting them inside your home
b. crowd around the firework display- the closer the better
c. leave it to the professionals and head to a firework show
d. give your kids a box of fireworks and a lighter, and then stand back

4. Approximately how many injuries/deaths are related to fireworks each year?
a. under 50
b. over 1000
c. over 5000
d. over 9000

5. What are the common causes of firework related injuries to children?
a. curiosity
b. lack of physical coordination
c. experimentation
d. being too close
e. type of fireworks used
f. all of the above
g. hint: pick F

Answers:
1: D - Yes, a sparkler burns at 1,200 degrees! Sparklers are a common cause of firework injuries often due to clothes catching fire. It's sad to say, but even sparklers should not be used by kids under the age of 12.
2: C - Kids ages 10 - 14 years are two-and-a-half times more likely to be injured by a firework than the rest of the population.
3: C - Hopefully no explanation is needed for this question!
4: D - Most firework injuries are avoidable. If you choose to have your own firework show, take the necessary precautions. Keep all kids a safe distance from fireworks. Have water on hand in case a fire occurs. Do not reignite a "dud", instead let sit for 20 minutes then put into a bucket of water. For more safety tips visit the Firework Safety Website.
5: F - As stated, the common causes of firework injuries to children are due to their natural curiosity, their lack of coordination, experimentation, proximity to the fireworks, and the type of fireworks used.

For more information on Fireworks and a Safe Fourth of July visit these links:
American Academy of Pediatrics
National Fire Protection Association

Safe Start Baby Interview is Spotlighted on YouTube!

Our recent Home Safety video with the popular webshow MommyCast has created such success that it is running as a Spotlight Video on YouTube today!

We greatly appreciate all of our past and current clients and hope to read your feedback. To view, rate or comment on either of our MommyCast episodes, follow the links below:

MommyCast- Home Safety
MommyCast- Nursery Safety