Baby boomer grandparents need to think safety first when they’re with their grandchildren
Posted by RitaR on September 25th, 2008Welcome to Boomer411. We hope you will visit again. You can also subscribe to our RSS feed.
By Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist, Blogging at The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide
Guest Blogger
It’s a terrifying story.
A six-year-old California girl tied a jump rope around her wrist and threw the other end out the window so that she could see it fly in the wind. When the SUV got underway, the rope became trapped in the axel. The rope tightened until it severed the girl’s hand.
It’s important to be thinking about safety all the time, when you’re with your grandchildren.
Each year, 2.5 million children are injured or killed by hazards in the home, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Be aware of and eliminate the dangers on the commission’s “Top Five Hidden Home Hazards” list:
- Magnets: One death and 86 injuries since 2005; 8 million magnetic toys recalled.
- Recalled Products: About 400 recalls each year.
- Tip-Overs: Average of 22 deaths per year; 31 in 2006 and an estimated 3,000 injuries.
- Windows and Coverings: Average of 12 deaths annually from window cords; average of nine deaths and an estimated 3,700 injuries to children annually from window falls.
- Pool and spa drains: 15 injuries, 2 fatalities from 2002-2004.
The photo, upper right, shows MagnaMan Magnetic Action Figures, which have been recalled by the commission because ingested magnets pose aspiration and intestinal hazards.
For more statistics on what causes children’s injuries and deaths, see my article, “Making Your Home Safe For Your Grandchild.”
What can grandparents do to take preventative measures to avoid these dangers?
“Grandparents: Focus on the Child – Safety,” an AARP article, offers these suggestions.
- Suffocation is the No. 1 danger for infants. Become familiar with crib standards and determine whether second-hand cribs are safe. Put babies to sleep on their stomachs and remove all soft bedding and stuffed animals
- The No. 1 cause of death in children ages one to 14 is motor vehicle accidents. Make sure that your grandchildren are buckled in, that their car seat is the appropriate size for their age, and that they’re properly restrained. Seatcheck.org offers information on safety seat installations and inspections.
- The second most common cause of death for children age one to 14 is drowning. Don’t be distracted by reading, talking on the phone, or visiting with friends. Be award that children can drown in small amounts of water: small ponds, fountains, wading pools, and toilets.
- Unsafe toys and equipment also can cause injuries and death. Sign up to recall information in your e-mail from the commission’s On-line Form for CPSC Subscription Lists.
The photo, middle right, shows a Simplicity crib, which has been recalled by the commission due to failures resulting in infant deaths.
The AARP article also provides this list of Little Lifesavers that are small precautions grandparents can take to help prevent accidents or deal with them quickly and efficiently if they happen.
- Be watchful. When we’re supervising grandchildren, don’t let other distractions intrude. Keep both eyes open. One eye isn’t enough.
- Learn first aid and CPR, especially if you have a pool. If the unthinkable happens, be prepared to act. The faster you can begin basic first aid or CPR, the more likely your grandchild will have a good outcome.
- Post emergency numbers by all telephones, not just the one in your kitchen. Don’t forget your cell phone. Include the number of the U.S. National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
- Introduce your grandchild to basic safety principles. Make sure they know their name, address, and phone number. Teach them how and when to dial “911.” Rehearse a fire escape plan with them. If there’s a Safety Town program in their neighborhood or yours, enroll your grandchildren. It’s a great way for little ones to learn safety rules
- Safety-proof your house before the kids arrive. Place medication and cleaning supplies out of reach. Cover exposed electric sockets. Move fragile, breakable items.
“Childproofing Your Home: 12 Safety Devices to Protect Your Children” offers suggestions for devices you can install yourself.
Here’s a list of Web sites and references to help you with child safety issues:
Zrecs – Safer baby teethers
Squidoo – Safer baby teethers
“Soft Bedding May Be Hazardous to Babies”
“Safety Devices Help Prevent Deaths and Injuries”
“Strings, Cords, and Necklaces Can Strangle Infants”
“Child Care Safety Checklist for Parents and Child Care Providers”
The photo, lower right, shows hooded sweaters recalled by Empress Arts, which have been recalled by the commission because children can strangle on the drawstrings.
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