Safer Child Products

My children and I all have seasonal allergies.  With all the rain and crazy weather patterns, this fall has been particularly itchy, sneezy and coughy.  We all take over the counter anti-histamines.  As part of my morning routine, when I come downstairs, I make the kids lunch, get toothbrushes ready and take out the allergy medicine.  The kids eat breakfast, brush their hair and hopefully brush their teeth.  Many times allergy medicine gets over looked.  What do I do?  Leave it on the counter for them to take when they get home.  Fortunately, my kids are older now and have been taught not to “eat” or take any medication that is not specifically given to them by their parents or grandparents, when in their care.  However, having pills sit out on the counter is NOT a good idea.  My husband keeps reminding me of this.  Some risks with leaving pills of any kind out include, being knocked over onto the floor, or into food being prepared.  Also, we have friends and neighbors come by the house a lot, and how can I assume that someone else’s child is as cautious and knowledgeable about not taking other people’s medication?  Just because I know what it is, doesn’t mean that someone else in my household knows what it is, or who remembers if they took their pill in the morning?  I am risking someone taking a 2^nd pill that day.

As I sit back and review these risks, and potential poisoning, I realize that I need to be more careful.  I need to either hand the pill to my child, or put it back in its original container where it won’t get lost or confused. 

If you suspect that your child has taken medication he wasn’t supposed to, or you gave them the wrong dose, or even picked up a suspicious “mushroom” or berry growing in the garden, you might want to call National Capital Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.  Keep this number by your telephone. The National Capital Poison Center’s website, http://www.poison.org/ provides a great explanation of what they can do, and why they should be your first call in a poisoning emergency.  In fact, Poison Control Staff can often safely treat someone at home and prevent a costly Emergency Room Visit. 

Pay close attention to dosage instructions on all medication bottles and keep all medication in its original container and away from children. Be aware that Tylenol has changed dosing instructions for infant’s Tylenol and changed the syringe, so be sure to read carefully or ask your Dr. for advice before administering the medication to your child.  When overdosed, even Tylenol can be harmful and cause liver damage. On the Tylenol website, go to page 3 of the changing “display” Page 3.  It tells about Product Enhancements in both Infant’s and Children’s Tylenol products.

http://www.tylenol.com/index.jhtml?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Franchise.Fr+-+Branded&utm_term=tylenol&utm_content=Branded+General|mkwid|sxpLawx45|pcrid|9728974033

Safer Child Products

My children have outgrown the “put everything in my mouth” stage, and are very into Legos and beads and toys with small parts!  However we have plenty of friends and family with small children.  When we are preparing to have them over, we go through the house looking for small pieces and removing them from reach.

It reminded me of when we first baby proofed our home and thought I’d share some insights for those of you who might first be getting to that stage.

You may wonder “When do I need to start baby proofing my home?”  As your baby begins to get mobile, working his way across the room, it’s a good time to get down on your hands and knees and see what your baby sees.

First, consider putting gates at the top and bottom of stairwells, because before you know it you will turn around and the baby will be down the hall.  With an open stairwell, the baby might fall down and get badly hurt.  You will find that stairs are very appealing to little ones on the move, and they might spend quite a bit of time trying to climb the stairs.  In time, this is a skill that you can teach them, but again, once they start up, they are likely to fall down, or to get stuck not knowing how to get down.

Next, think about the electrical outlets. Children tend to stick things in holes, and explore anything sticking out.  You can get individual outlet plug covers, or get a new “face” for your outlet that has the holes either twisted or slid off center.  These still provide easy access for an adult to use the outlet when necessary, but does not leave the baby vulnerable.

Consider keeping extra outlet plug covers with you so when you travel or go to someone’s house which is not baby proofed, you can stick the outlet covers in the plugs in the room where the baby is spending time.

Drawer Latches: Baby will try to pull themselves up on tables, chairs, cabinet doors, anything they can reach.  They may also sit and open/close over and over again.  Decide which cabinets and drawers do not have potentially dangerous things in them and keep them unlocked.  Drawers that have sharp utensils, or breakable dishes in a low cabinet may need to get locked.  There are many different child safety locks on the market.  Some work with magnets, others on springs and some just need to be pushed down with some force to clear the doorframe.  Along with door latches, don’t forget to move all cleaning supplies/detergents up to a high shelf/ or locked cabinet.

Some other things to consider, is bolting down air vent covers, so children do not get cut or throw things down into the vent. Also, bolting tall or heavy furniture to the walls prevents furniture, books, TVs etc. from being pulled down onto a child who is just trying to stand up, or explore.

Be aware of what type of household plants you have, as some may be poisonous and you may not want a plant that frequently drops leaves or “needles” easily accessible to a young child.

Toilet Locks can be helpful so that children do not play in the toilet, and watch out for drawstrings on window blinds which can choke a child.

You can also purchase a clear shatterproof guard for the spindles on the banister, whether they are too wide or are just in a 2^nd story foyer.  This prevents children from climbing on the spindles and from losing things through them.  If the space is too wide between spindles, it is possible for a child to get his head caught in between.

Bifold doors can easily pinch a child’s fingers.  Getting a simple slide lock goes over the top of the door and tightens to prevent door from opening.

For these and other baby proofing items check out http://www.kidsafeinc.com/?gclid=CKaZ846jsKYCFYHc4AodGifKnw

http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/pages/Kitchen-Safety.aspx

Safer Child Products

December 13, 2010

With the holiday season fast approaching, and decorations swiftly being hung, I want to address possible dangers with common plants of the season. When hanging or sitting plants out, be aware of young, curious children who may get their hands on a leaf or a berry and put it in his/her mouth.  Watch children and remove any debris or fallen berries.

Mistletoe Berries, Holly, Poinsettia Leaves can all be harmful or toxic.

For detailed information about these and other poisonous holiday plants, go to http://chemistry.about.com/od/toxicchemicals/tp/poisonous-holiday-plants.htm

If you are concerned that your child may have ingested a part of a harmful plant, call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800 222-1222.