#NationalChildhoodInjuryPreventionWeek is from September 1st - September 7th. The purpose of this is to raise awareness and inform parents and caretakers of simple safety measures that can be taken. This is something that is very near to my heart. I used to be the worst helicopter parent ( my husband has since taken that role from me, haha). I'm always on my P's and Q's of the possible dangers that are around my children.
Let me say that I am NOT a perfect parent. My kids get hurt OFTEN! I mean, my second is so accident prone, it just happens! But today, I want to share some helpful tips to help prevent child injury. Take these tips as just tips! You are your child's parent and you should make the decisions that feel best for you and your family. Take what you want and leave the rest.
1. Check your child's carseat!!!!!!!
This one is a MAJOR one for me. This is my biggest anxiety trigger when it comes to anyone's children. Make sure the carseat is installed properly. It shouldn't move more than 1" when you shake it. Straps should be tightened and there should be no slack. If you can pinch the straps, it's too loose. Be sure there are no twists in the straps as well. The chest clip should be at armpit level. Your child's rib should be behind the clip!
Children under 2 should still be rear facing. 4 years old or over 40 pounds is the best. However, my child got carsick so much that we had to turn him forward facing before he was 2. Check with your child's pediatrician to get their opinion before making your decision.
If you aren't sure if your child is properly buckled, please see your local fire department or police station. *If you don't feel comfortable flipping the carseat over while your child is buckled in it then it probably isn't tight enough.
2. Be sure that medicines and choking hazards are out of child's reach
Keep medicines on top of the refrigerator or in a locked cabinet. Keep medicine bottles tightly closed in child proof containers at all times. Coins need to be out of child's reach as well! Keep them on top of a tall dresser or in a container that the child can't fit their hands into. Watch children closely as they play with Legos and other small toys.... Especially if you have younger and older children.
3. Check smoke detectors and O2 monitors monthly
A good rule of thumb is when you change your clocks, change your smoke detector batteries!
4. Swimming 101
Enroll your kids in swimming lessons ASAP. They're never too early to learn how to swim! Never swim alone with your kids. I personally like for it to be 1 adult per child. An adult shouldn't even swim alone! Never leave your kids unattended in a bathtub or pool!
We all want our children to be as safe as possible...at least that's what we should want! If you ever have any questions, please feel free to reach out and I will give you my personal opinion. For more tips on keeping your kiddos safe, visit the CDC website here -https://www.cdc.gov/safechild/falls/index.html
I hope you found this helpful!
Xoxo, Jayme