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For Baby's Sake
Safeguarding Your Home Room to Room
By Lisa A. Goldstein
As you look lovingly at your newborn, the last thing on your mind is the beautiful, yet fragile, bowl on the coffee table. While it will be several months before your child turns into a mobile disaster zone, thinking about potential dangers like these is best taken care of before the baby's arrival.
Having a baby is life changing. It's house changing, too. You may have to say goodbye to decorative accessories, glass furniture and convenience, but peace of mind and your child's safety are worth it.
Implementing safety measures can help decrease these frightening statistics. "Prevention is the key to preventing injuries," says Dr. Todd Maxson, medical director of the Trauma Program at Children's Medical Center of Dallas. "Children don't announce when they've mastered a new skill, so it's important to anticipate where a child's attention will focus next. You won't know your child can open a door, turn on the oven or open a medication bottle until she's done it."
Dr. Maxson recommends childproofing your home by exploring it on your child's level – on your hands and knees. This is the best way to find dangers your child might encounter. Repeat this process in every room of the house, checking for visible dangers. Check carpets for buried dangers such as pins or coins.
