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Reducing Backyard Safety Risks for Children

May 14, 2021 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on reducing backyard safety risks for children. Nothing beats letting our youngsters loose to explore the outside world. And, what better place for safe explorations than your backyard? So, any safety issues must be addressed to ensure your children don’t get hurt.

For example, children can trip and fall over items that should be stored. Furthermore, do you have bushes or vines that can cause rashes or have thorns that could be harmful? What about swing sets that should be replaced or pieces upgraded to ensure everyone is safe or an old delipidated tree house on the property? Of course, you can’t remove all risks, but you can avoid unnecessary outdoor injuries with a little maintenance.

Reducing Backyard Safety Risks:

# 1 – Weed Your Lawn and Gardens

Kids running on the lawn without shoes is a childhood memory many of us hold. If you want this memory for your children as well, make sure there are no broken glass, sharp items or thorns in your grass. Furthermore, garden areas can have poison ivy, thorny shrubs or other items that can cause harm to children. To avoid this, you must mow your lawn regularly and stay on top of that chore. In addition, weeding garden areas should be done regularly too. Unfortunately, many of us lack the time or energy to mow and/or weed regularly. As a result, I suggest that you contact a professional weed control company. They can keep your lawn mowed, fertilized and weed free. In addition, they will maintain your gardens. Coming home to a well manicured lawn and beautiful garden areas is a dream of every home owner. Make that call!

# 2 – Define Garden Areas

Having bugs in your garden is necessary if you want to encourage blooms on your flowers and vegetables. Bugs help pollinate our plants as well as rid our gardens of unwanted other bugs. So, encouraging bees and bugs to your flower gardens or bug hotels is necessary.

As a result, make a notable distinction on where your flower beds meet your lawn. Without boundaries that children can see, they may unknowingly run into your garden trampling your beautiful flowers or possibly encountering a bee, which could sting them. Make sure that doesn’t happen by implementing barriers that will notify kids not to enter.

For example, you can line your garden area with bricks, stone, railroad ties or another material that will make a boundary. They also help to make your gardens visually appealing too.

# 3 – Increase Your Outdoor Living Space

Your backyard may be a safer exploration spot than the local park, however, you must still ensure your children are safe. So, install a patio where you sit and watch the children play at times. You can extend your outdoor living space by adding an area where your children can eat, draw or play games. This increased outdoor living space is a winner, especially if you have toddlers. Patios, decks, sunrooms and other elements give your garden an undeniable wow factor.

Your children playing outside having fun, getting fresh air and sunshine and enjoying a snack or family meal is what all parents want. However, backyards have risk. Start by reducing those in your backyard, and you and children will be ready for warm weather when it rolls around.

How to Make Your Home Safe For Children

March 26, 2020 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on how to make your home safe. Your home should be a safe space for your family. Especially, if you have small children. Perhaps, it’s you’re a first time parent. If so, your home might pose a significant danger that you hadn’t realized until you became a parent. Every parent wants to make sure their home is the safest place for their children.

Here’s a few tips on how to make your home safe:

Keep Chemicals/Dangerous Objects Locked Away

Your typical household cleaning products aren’t usually a threat. But, if you have children you can imagine the damage they could do if your child got hold of a bottle of bleach? Simply, spilling bleach on their sensitive skin could cause severe damage. We don’t think about this as adults because we’ve been taught the danger growing up. Now, it’s our turn to teach our children. You can start by locking up your chemicals. Furthermore, you can switch to more natural products that use natural ingredients, rather than chemicals.

Ideally, you want them to not only be out of reach, but to behind a locked door. Children are clever and can often surprise us with how they manage to get into things. So, make sure you’re taking the necessary steps to secure dangerous products and materials.

Child-Proof Sharp Edges

There are plenty of objects around your home where you’ll often bump into and yell a few cursed words. Whether you stub your toe or touch the curling iron that you left on. It’s important to recognize these as added dangers for your children.

When children are young, they may fall when learning how to walk. They may find themselves bumping into tables and causing an injury. Try to child-proof sharp edges. Furthermore, focus on things like the coffee or dining table. For example, make sure sharp edges are baby-proofed. Check for other products that will help you childproof your furniture.

Ensure All Smoke Detectors Are Working

Smoke detectors can go inactive for long periods of time. Only until you accidentally burn some toast do your hear the deafening sound of the alarm going off remind you it’s there. However, they can still end up running out of battery power if not checked regularly. So, it’s important that you replace your batteries often. If you have multiple smoke detectors, make sure you test all of them. Having smoke detectors that are working properly can help reduce the likelihood of anyone getting hurt if a fire starts in your home.

Debug and Pest-Proof Your Home

Debugging your home is an important part of maintenance. Having pests running around is something you don’t want. Pests carry illnesses and bacteria, so you want to debug and pest-proof where you can. If you have a mosquito problem, there are services like Mosquito Authority that can help reduce the amount of mosquitoes you have. Additionally, when it comes to pest-proofing your home, check the exterior and interior of your property for any gaps or cracks within the walls. These can be ideal entry and exit points for pests. And, it’s good to seal these up where you can.

Keep Plug Sockets Covered

Plug sockets can be an ideal place for your children to explore with their small fingers. As a result, plug socket covers should be used to cover outlets. They have been around for years, and are a good preventative measure. As a rule, you might want to make sure that any appliances not in use are switched off too. When you see your child near an outlet, teach them about the danger. Children can comprehend, and when they don’t we must keep reminding them. When you make them aware, they take you seriously rather than disobeying.

Get Rid Of Choking Hazards

For any parent that’s ever experienced a little one choking, it can be utterly terrifying. That feeling of helplessness that comes with not knowing how to dislodge something from their throats is horrible. It’s imperative that every parent have knowledge of first aid. Knowing how to help your child or another one when they are choking is a serious issue.

Check your home regularly, for items that children can put in their mouth and possibly choke on. We forget that there are things in the home that are dangerous to small children. Sticking things in their mouth to taste it is normal. De-clutter every now and then to ensure you’ve gotten rid of anything that might be dangerous.

Never Leave Small Children Alone

As much as you’d want to have a spare minute (or second) of alone time, small children should never be left alone. You can child-proof your home, but they still manage to get themselves into a predicament if left unattended. Don’t take your eyes off them, it doesn’t take long before they find something to explore.

If you need a moment or two alone, seek out your partner or another adult in the household. Make sure you work together to ensure the child is never left to their own devices. You’re responsible for them and they rely on you to help them navigate the world. If all else fails, put the child in their crib or another safe place until you return.

It might be worth having a home monitor to help you keep your eyes on your children. If the task can be done with the child in tow or done later on in the day, opt for that instead of leaving them alone.

Making your home a safe space for your child is a difficult and challenging task, but one that needs to be done. Our tips on how to make your home safe will help. Use these tips to make sure that your home is a comfortable space for everyone, and one that gives your child the safe space they need to grow.

Filed Under: Safety Tagged With: child safety, home safety, parenting safety tips

Driving Safety Tips You May Be Overlooking

February 22, 2019 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Roughly 90 people each day are the victims of fatal car accidents in the US. Unfortunately, this is the highest rate among other comparable countries. That’s certainly a scary statistic, but you can still take your family on the road. The good news is that nearly all traffic collisions are preventable. Driving the speed limit, proper car safety seats, and eliminating distractions are all well-known precautions.

Driving Safety Tips:

Safety Measures Outside of the Vehicle

When shopping for a vehicle, be sure to exercise due diligence to select a vehicle that will keep your family safe. Remember, though, that your kids don’t have to be inside of a car to be injured by one. Nearby streets, busy or not, are a potential risk if your child isn’t consistently following safety guidelines. Remind your child to stay out of streets and pay attention to their surroundings. A majority of drivers speed in school zones, according to a study by Safe Kids Worldwide. This study also indicated that stop signs and other safety features put in place in neighborhoods with children are frequently ignored. So, no matter how child-safe you think an area is, you must remain diligent with safety.

Age-Appropriate Seating

Child safety doesn’t just pertain to babies and toddlers. Children between the ages of 4 and 8 tend to be more at-risk for injury in cars. This is due to oversight when it comes to proper child safety seats for kids in this age category. They’ve likely grown out of their car seats at this age. Many parents that means that they’re ready to ride with a standard seat belt. However, most children aren’t big enough for regular seat belts until 10 years of age. Once they’ve outgrown their car seat, they should be placed in a booster seat.

Be Aware of Stationary Safety Risks

Also, you should also teach your kids about car safety when vehicles are both moving and parked. For example, never cross the street by themselves. They should have someone take them across or watch them as they’re crossing. In addition, many accidents involve non traffic incidents. Children playing inside the vehicle can get caught in a power window or trapped in the trunk. Your children need to know that a car is n not a toy. In addition, be sure to keep your car locked.

Remember: all precautions only part of the time are only partially effective in preventing vehicle accidents. Employ all of these techniques to increase vehicle safety. Pass on this information to others as well; sharing is caring!

Before You Go

Before you even start driving, you should make sure that everything is as it should be. For example, some vehicles have ignition interlock devices which requires the driver to pass a breath test before the vehicle will turn on. If you experience an ignition interlock violation, the vehicle simply won’t allow you to move. Furthermore, make sure that everyone is buckled in safely before you move the car. This will minimize the risk of an accident. I hope you will take these driving safety tips into consideration, and make sure you and your family on safe before you hit the road and while you’re on it.

Filed Under: Safety Tagged With: child safety, family safety tips, safety tips, teen driving teens, vehicle safety

Making a Bathroom Safe for Children

November 1, 2018 by Rhonda Gales

Bathrooms can be dangerous places for children. Especially, young children who are notorious for slipping in tubs and shower surfaces. Fortunately, there are a number of straightforward precautions for making a bathroom safe for children. Katie Mills, a bathroom design expert, from www.poshh.co.uk explains a few things you can set in place to protect your little ones.

Think about the lock

You can tell your children to leave the lock open. But, in reality curiosity may get the better of a child. When children are young, it’s best to have a lock which can be opened from the outside. If, for some reason, that’s not possible, then it would be safe to remove the lock. Just put up a reversible sign for “vacant” and “in use”.

Floors with good grip

Children are going to run and probably jump as well. The younger they are, the less control they are going to have over their bodies. As a result, they are more than likely need to make a last-minute rush for the toilet. Floor coverings with a good grip will help in making a bathroom safe and avoiding falls.

Potty training seat with step to toilet

You want to make it as easy, safe and comfortable for your child to use the toilet during potty training. A seat with a step stool to access the toilet will go a long way in helping a child overcome fear of the “big toilet”. Furthermore, it helps in making a bathroom safe for children. It will also make life more comfortable for you. You won’t have to hold your child on the toilet, you can just be with them.

Step stool for sink

You want to get small children up to a height where they can use standard sinks comfortably. Most importantly, without the risk of them toppling over and banging their heads against the sinks. For similar reasons, you may want to upgrade your faucet so it operates with a press button or lever. Furthermore, a motion sensor is ideal. Likewise, make sure that soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste are all easy for your child to reach.

Easy access storage for bath/shower toys

Toys can be a tripping hazard for both children and adults. Easy access storage allows the toys to corralled in one place, and takes away the excuses for not putting them away after use.

Secure storage for “adult-only products”

People often think of putting first-aid products and medicines in a safe place. However, there common bathroom items which need to be kept out of the hands (and mouths) of young children. These includes cleaning products, electrical products, sharp objects and toiletries to name a few. Locks and/or childproof catches are the ideal solution. However, a magnetic closure would be better than nothing.

Child-accessible (or automatic) lighting

You can now buy motion-detecting bathroom lights, which switch on when the bathroom door is opened. Also, they switch off either when it is closed or after a specific length of time. Alternatively, there are now plenty of battery-operated LED lights. In addition to making the bathroom safer for a child, these can also make night-time bathroom visits much less intimidating.

Non-slip mats in the bath and/or shower

Next, baths are a convenient way to get younger children clean. However, it’s important to be very aware of the drowning hazard they pose. Adults can drown in very little water. Furthermore, children have smaller lungs in smaller bodies and are therefore more at risk. Never leaving young children unattended in baths is the first step to making a bathroom safe for children. And, even when they are attended, you can save yourself heartache and trips to the hospital by using non-slip mats. It imperative that toddlers and younger children have a secure grip when getting in and out of the bathtub.

Hand rails are a bit of a mixed call. They do provide a grip and hence security. But, can be dangerous if children fall and mouth or head. It could lead to lost teeth.

Depending on the age, showers are actually the better option. They eliminate the risk of drowning. Even so, it’s highly recommended that a non-slip mat be used. This is useful for adults.

Filed Under: Parenting Tips, Safety Tagged With: bathroom hazards, bathroom safety tips, child safety

A Mommy’s Guide to Teaching Bike Safety to Kids

March 23, 2018 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

A bike is one of the many things that every child wants at some point in their childhood. It’s a great way to allow them to explore the world around them. Additionally, it’s a great way for them to learn about exercise. Unfortunately, when you live in a city and your kids have to ride roadside before reaching a park or bike path, safety becomes extremely important. In addition to knowing the laws for bike safety in your state, here’s a mom’s guide to teaching bike safety to kids when riding roadside.

Accidents Can Happen at Any Moment

Accidents can happen anytime; however, when riding roadside the risk is elevated. Unfortunately, accidents are impossible to determine. As a result, teaching your kids about riding roadside is imperative. Below are a few tips on teaching bike safety to kids that you can use to guide your children towards a more enjoyable biking experience.

According to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, around 800 bicyclists and 5,400 pedestrians are fatally injured annually. Cars and bicycles account for 17.7 percent of 2015’s grand total of 35,092 deaths in the United States. With these staggering statistics, teaching bike safety to kids so they can observe proper safety guidelines makes sense.

If you live in a densely populated area, your children riding a bicycle roadside can cause worry. So, how can you as a mommy teach bike safety to your kids? Check out these tips:

The Safe Biker: Good Discipline

The first step to bike safety is to teach kids to be responsible bikers. Biking is a leisurely exercise and activity, but only if it’s done safely and properly.

Even if your child knows how to ride a bike, always remind them that it should be taken seriously. Make sure they ride a bike with both hands on the handlebars. Additionally, all items should be in a backpack or in the bike’s basket. Just as important, make it clear that only one person should be on the bike.

Don’t allow your kids to ride bikes while wearing headphones. They need to be able to know there’s traffic, and that can only be done if their ears are free from distractions.
Don’t allow your kids to be on their bike when it’s night, dusk, or dawn. This timeframe leaves them invisible to many drivers. If they have to ride a bike at dusk or dawn, make sure their bikes have lights and reflectors.

The Safe Bike: Get the Right One

Perhaps the most important aspect of teaching bike safety to children is making sure they know how to use the bike they are riding. Make sure the bike you buy is the appropriate age level for your child. This means you shouldn’t expect your child to grow “into” the bike.

Make sure the purchased bike suits the abilities of your child. If you don’t think your child can handle two wheels, then perhaps training wheels could help. If you think shifting and gears can be too difficult, .then perhaps just a single speed bike could work.
Try to make sure your child is also aware of things that can happen to their bike that can result in their new bike ending up in a state of disrepair. Aside from regular maintenance on your end, teach your kids just why you’re having their bike repaired in the first place. That way, if they notice that something is wrong with their bike, they may not take it out and consult you instead.

The Equipment: Using the Bike Properly

When you bought your kid a bike, chances are you bought the entire “package.” Aside from the bike, you may have bought them the various kinds of gear that the children in the packaging are also wearing. If not, then here are some of the equipment you need to make sure you have:

Always make sure your child has a helmet when they ride a bike. This is extremely important, regardless whether they’re riding at home or outside on the road.
When your kids are outside, make sure they wear clothing that is bright and reflective. If you can find cycling clothes adequate for your kids’ size, make sure they have them. It’s important that they know they should wear these clothes so they are easily visible by everyone on the road.

Teach Your Child Safely and Efficiently About Bike Safety

When it comes to road safety, it’s important that everyone is aware of their responsibilities of drivers and pedestrians. This includes motor vehicles, skaters, scooters, and bicycles. Having an accident related to a bicycle can still create problems for all parties involved. It can even end up in serious injuries or death.

If your child wants to learn how to use a bike, it’s important that you be able to teach bike safety to them effectively. They must know how to avoid accidents when riding roadside. If you want to know more about the legal implications of this subject, click here.

About the author: Dianna Charles

Dianna Charles is a promising young law enthusiast who hopes to bring her youthful spirit to her field. She tries to add a refreshing modern take to topics on the legal world that people can learn from. Dianna enjoys her free time with friends and family, and loves to cook for them.

Filed Under: Parenting Tips, Safety Tagged With: bike safety for kids, child safety, safety tips

Baby Safety 101: How to Protect Your Baby from Slips and Falls

March 23, 2018 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Parents have it hard when it comes to taking care of a baby. Care goes beyond meeting their basic needs such as proper nutrition and hygiene. When your baby learns how to walk and explore the world around them, the difficulty level of parenting shoots from “cute but hard” into “extra cute, but extra hard.” When babies are in their cribs and they fall, you know they’re safe. Mattresses cushions their fall. However, when babies are outside the crib, there’s no guarantee that they’re safe from slips and falls. Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on baby safety.

The fragility of a baby’s body can make slips and falls life-threatening. If you have a new baby, these tips on how to protect your baby from slips ad falls may be helpful. So, how exactly do you protect your baby from slips and falls?

According to the Mayo Clinic when a baby starts learning how to walk, it can be a source of pride and joy for parents. However, when babies are learning how to walk they get excited. They may hit things around them that could cause them to fall. If a baby slips and falls at the wrong angle they can be injured. As a result, it’s a good idea to take action to prevent accidents. Here are a few tips:

Avoiding Slips and Falls

Slips and falls can be avoided by trying to make sure things at home are designed with your child’s safety in mind. Here are a few examples of how you can protect your baby from slips and falls:

Keep bathtubs safe by using mats. Mat help reduce the risks of slipping and falling while taking a bath.
Keep beds safe by installing safety rails on beds, especially if you have toddlers. If you have bunk beds, make sure kids six and older are the ones that use them.
Keep balconies safe by not letting your baby play unattended in these areas, especially when these areas are porches and fire escape locations. Children might use this opportunity to wander around the house and even the neighborhood.
Keep stairs safe by installing safety gates at the bottom and top of staircases. Furthermore, you can place covers on doorknobs that lead to staircases, the basement and the attic.
Keep windows safe by using window guards. You can also install stops that won’t allow windows to open beyond four inches. Babies five years old and younger can fit through six inch openings. Try to make sure windows are also inaccessible even if you have to install railings.

Keep the Outside Safe

While the outside world is a scary place, you can make it slip and fall proof. At least to a certain degree with proper care and guidance.

Keep your child safe on the playground by choosing ones that include sand, rubber, mulch, or wood chips. These types of area are safer than dirt and cement, which are likely to cause injuries.
When riding escalators carry your baby or hold your toddler’s hand. Additionally, make sure there aren’t any loose shoestrings, shoes, or clothing that can be caught in the escalator. Make sure your children doesn’t sit or play while riding them.
Keep an eye out for obstacles. Look carefully for wet patches that could cause you to slip, and take caution when walking through rain or snow.

Safety Comes First for Baby

Take a proactive approach. Make sure your baby is exposed only to things he or she can safely play with.

While this might seem to be an extra step in the plethora of things you have to do as a parent, this will definitely pay off in the long run. Especially, if you have play dates and invited guests in your home. Learning how to protect your baby from slips and falls is essential. If you’re wondering just what the legal repercussions are due to slippery floors, you may click here. We hope that you found our baby safety tips helpful. You may also like: Child Safety Tips

About the author: Vicki Haskett

Vicki is a law writing enthusiast who’s had over 25 years of experience in her field. She enjoys sharing her experiences with those who want to learn more about the legal world. In her spare time she spends quality time with her family and friends.

Filed Under: Parenting Tips, Safety Tagged With: child safety, home safety, safety tips

Kid’s Online Safety Tips for Parents

February 11, 2018 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on kid’s online safety tips for parents. First, learning how to use the internet is an important part of growing up in today’s society. In addition to being a valuable source of knowledge, it’s one of the ways kids build and maintain friendships. Unfortunately, there can be threats. So, it’s important to keep children safe while they’re online.

Kid’s Online Safety Tips for Parents:

There are two kinds of online problems that can leave parents worrying. They are inappropriate content and breaches of privacy. Fortunately, there are a number of fairly simple precautions that you can take against these.

Filtering Online Content

The easiest way to deal with problematic content is through the programs kids use to access content online. This could mean: 1) using specialized kid-friendly programs or 2) altering the programs they use with either built-in settings or add-ons.

So, specialized kid friendly programs is better suited to younger children. Especially, those who are just starting out with online activities. There are several kid-friendly browsers and search engines that you could use to introduce your kids to the internet. Some focus on specific age groups; however, finding one to suit your needs shouldn’t be difficult.

Also, if you have older kids consider parental controls or content filters. They are available on most commonly-used browsers. Most of them rely on online databases and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to filter inappropriate content. This includes search engines as well as websites accessed directly. Both will allow you to manually block or unblock websites according to your preferences.

Protecting Online Privacy

There are two kinds of online privacy. First is privacy in the usual sense, which involves personal information and communication. The second might be called customer privacy. It deals with how much of a customer’s information and activities a service provider is allowed to access and monitor. However, each type needs a different sort of response:

Next, guarding personal information online is essential. A good guideline is that anything you wouldn’t do offline, you shouldn’t do online. For example, don’t talk to strangers or give away private information. There are some useful tools available for teaching children how to stay safe online. Check out Google’s “Be Internet Awesome” project.

In the case of consumer privacy, it’s important to pay attention to privacy settings. Furthermore, different programs request or require different settings. Most importantly, if a program is able to access your child’s location, others might be able to as well. This has caused quite a stir in the market for kid’s smartwatches.

Malicious software can infiltrate your devices or monitor your networks to gather information on you. It’s best to turn to digital security software to avoid this problem. Antivirus programs block most harmful software and can provide other functions as well.

Meanwhile, you can further secure your privacy with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs encrypt the communications coming in and out of your network. Additionally, it prevents other parties from looking into it. VPNs provide other benefits as well.

Most importantly, these kid’s online safety tips work best when paired with active parental supervision. So, foster an environment of trust with your kids. Make sure your children know that they can turn to you with any questions about online activity. Let them know that you will be able to guide them better in their virtual lives if you know who they’re interacting with.

Additionally, know what sites they are accessing on the internet. The more you know about your kids’ online habits, the better you’ll be able to adjust your security options to match. We hope that our kid’s online safety tips for parents will be beneficial.

Filed Under: Safety Tagged With: child safety, internet safety, parental roles

Child Safety Tips All Parents Should Implement

April 25, 2017 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on child safety tips. So, there are lot of fears and worries that can arise both during pregnancy and when your baby is born. Especially, if you are a first time parent. But, it’s important to remember that a baby is an amazing and rewarding experience. So, don’t allow quality time with your child to be tainted by panic. However, there are many parental safety tips many either ignore or aren’t aware about. And it’s these tips that could possibly eliminate your worry or anxiety.

Child Safety Tips Parents Should Implement:

Cover all electrical outlets

Electrical outlets are solely for appliances, but to the curious eyes of a toddler they are just another thing to touch and explore. Installed at easy-to-reach heights for most children, electrical outlets are often appealing. Therefore, it gives them easy access to stick things into the openings. In some cases, causing serious electrical burns.

Therefore, cover all electrical outlets throughout your home. Outlet caps are widely available both in stores or online. Using electrical covers will help safeguard against electrical harm.

Use the correct car seat and install it properly

With the huge range of car seats available, it can be difficult to make a decision on which one is right for you. The most important rule regarding any car seat is when to use a rear-facing or front facing seat. It’s important to remember, to use a rear-facing seat until your baby is at least one year old and weights over 20 pounds.

In terms of installation, make sure all seat belts and straps are routed correctly. Most importantly, make sure everything is in ‘lock mode’ when your child is seated and before you start driving. If you have a large family-friendly vehicle like the Dodge Grand Caravan, your installation experience will be much easier. You’ll have more space and room to move around.

Make sure your crib is up-to-date

Crib safety regulations change very frequently. It’s likely it will need to be upgraded if it’s over 5 years old.

Today’s current standards state that the slats of a crib should be no wider than 2 3/8 inches apart to ensure your child’s body can’t slip through. It’s also important to remove any fluffy blankets or toys from the crib when your baby is in there.

It’s natural to experience fear and worry when you become a parent. But if you adhere to the above safety tips and ensure your child’s bed is as up-to-date as possible and assembled correctly, you’ll have no reason to question your baby’s safety!

Filed Under: Parenting Tips, Safety Tagged With: child responsibility, child safety, parenting advice

Shopping Tips for Infant Car Seats and Strollers

April 25, 2017 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Taking baby on the road? There are a number of things to keep in mind when you are shopping for strollers and infant car seats. Today, we’re sharing parenting tips on infant car seats and strollers. First, consider the age of the child. Furthermore, how will you be using the stroller or car seat before you buy.

Buckle up baby

First, you will start with a portable infant car seat. It will also double as a carrier and a rocking chair in a pinch. Infant car seats are designed to be rear-facing (the safest seating for a baby) and it snaps into a base. You will find all-in-one car seats on the market. They are a tempting choice because they could potentially save you money. However, the one-size-fits-all design may not work for smaller babies or smaller cars. For example, these infant car seats are big and bulky. They are a good backup car seat or great for a caregiver. One car that can accommodate any kind of car seat is the Jeep Compass. Make sure the seat you are buying will actually fit in your vehicle.

Traveling with a toddler

Your next car seat will be a convertible model when your baby is about a year old. Experts advise you to keep the seat rear-facing until your child is at least two years old. So, the seat has to be able to accommodate the extra leg room while facing backward. When your child has passed the 40 to 50lb. mark, you will want to change the seat to a forward-facing installation.

Toddler booster seats are also available, and they are cheaper than convertible seats. However, they are only safe for a child who has reached the recommended front-facing age of two years old. Next, basic booster seats are designed to “boost” your child up to the proper level for seatbelt coverage. High-back versions are recommended as a safer and more comfortable option. Be sure to check your state’s car seat regulations. They could vary from state to state.

Let’s go for a stroll

Before you buy a stroller, consider how you will be using it. Will you be walking through the city or down a country road? You will need a durable, comfortable stroller with strong wheels and a safety harness. Some strollers collapse down into a lying position so baby can nap comfortably and safely. This is perfect for trips to the mall or other events.

If you are moving baby from car to stroller for your walks, you may appreciate the kind where you can strap the car seat right into the frame. As baby grows and is able to sit up, walk and toddle away, you may want to switch to a lightweight, collapsible stroller that is easy to pack when not in use.

As with any baby equipment, it is important to take your time. Most importantly, do your research and invest in a car seat or stroller that you feel good about. Once you do, pack up baby and hit the road.

Filed Under: Safety, Shopping Tips Tagged With: baby shower gifts, child safety, parenting information

Baby Proofing Your Home Is Essential

October 16, 2016 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on baby proofing your home. According to the experts, children between the ages of 1 and 4 are more likely to be killed by falls, poisoning, choking, drowning, burns, or fire than by a stranger’s violence. Every room in the house can be a potentially hazardous place. So, it’s paramount that you prevent child injuries and keep your baby safe. Secure your home from top to bottom, by implementing some security measures.

Baby Proofing Your Home

Nursery

The nursery may seem like a harm-free space, but it’s far from harmless. Keep pillows and blankets away from babies that are under 6 months old, because they can suffocate on them. Additionally, save stuffed animals and pointy toys for later years. Additionally, make sure you are equipped with finger-pinch guards for hinges on doors. A safe toy box is a must, and a thick rug will help cushion falls.

Living Room

Falls and collisions with furniture are the biggest threat for a child in the living room. Babies are careless, they don’t pay much attention to their surroundings, and they can easily bump their head and hurt themselves. Climbing on furniture is a children’s favorite sport, so make sure you move everything away that could cause them harm. Block access to windows and place items high so they can’t reach up and topple them over.

Baby Proof Your Kitchen

Any poisonous substances should be out of children’s reach. Make sure you lock them. Always turn pot handles towards the back of the stove, so that a child can’t get their hands on hot pots and pans. Sharp kitchenware including knives and forks should also be stored high. Secure all electrical outlets with covers, so that the child can’t put their fingers inside.

Baby Proof All Around the House

If you have stairs in the house, make sure to secure them with safety gates. This includes both at the bottom and on top. Doorknob covers are another recommendation, because they’ll keep the kids away from hazard areas. Additionally, this is especially true for a garden, basement and front door. A child is not safe in these places without a parent’s supervision. Just as important, keep a fire extinguisher in your home. Make sure you purchase an extinguisher for electrical or grease fires. There are all purpose fire extinguishers on the market. Make sure you turn to professionals if you need any kind of fire safety services. Additionally, install smoke detectors on every floor of the house. Keep all toxic substances like paint and sprays safely stored.

Baby Proofing Your Bathroom

Install toilet locks to prevent toddlers from lifting the lid. Make sure you keep razors nail clippers, tweezers, scissors, and any other sharp objects in locked cabinets. Medications are also a potential threat for the child. Therefore, keep pills, ointments, herbs, or powders in a cabinet that only you can unlock and reach. Unplug the curling iron and never leave it on the counter. A child could be able to reach the cord and burn her or himself with the device.

Baby proofing your house should be your number one priority. Secure as many areas as you can and make sure you consult these tips for guidance. Your child’s safety should always come first. You may also like Baby Proofing Essentials.

Author – Diana Smith is a full time mom of two beautiful girls simply in love with interior design and DIY projects. In her free time she enjoys exercising and preparing healthy meals for her family.

Filed Under: Parenting Tips, Safety Tagged With: child safety, childproofing tips, home safety