This guest post was written by Frankie Wallace.
Most parents will agree that there is absolutely nothing more important in the world than the safety and happiness of our children. We live to serve our babies, and we want to see them grow into strong adults with their own independent lives. That’s why you must be proactive and plan ahead for their safety and wellbeing.
While surprises can happen, reacting on the spot to an emergency is often more stressful than having the necessary supplies and a plan of action that allows you to act quickly and prevent further damage. Let’s talk about planning for the future and creating the best life for your children.
Planning for Babies
Planning for your child’s safety should start on day one when you bring your precious newborn home from the hospital. If you know that you will be giving birth soon, then take the time to prepare the home now so everything goes smoothly after the birth. Check the baby’s crib or cradle and ensure that they are secure and built correctly. Also, remove any loose blankets or pillows that could suffocate your child. You should also make it a point to clean the house and remove any unnecessary clutter, so you don’t risk the chance of tripping and falling while you’re holding the baby.
Next, you should check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the home to ensure that they are in good working order so you can be alerted at the first sign of danger. Create a list of emergency phone numbers, including the contact information for poison control near the phone, so you can dial for help without delay if the baby puts anything dangerous in their mouth. Finally, check all railings and handrails to verify that they are secure. You may be weak after giving birth, so you want to have all the stability you can get when moving about the house.
You should also take the time to research any common illness that may affect babies so you know the moment anything is wrong. A major sign or symptom to be aware of is discoloured skin, which may mean that your child is dealing with jaundice, which often occurs because the baby’s liver can’t flush out the leftover bilirubin. Parents should also be mindful if their baby is sleeping more than 16 hours a day as that could be a symptom of anything from low blood sugar to a brain injury. If you notice unnatural signs, visit a doctor immediately.
Home Safety Plan
As your children grow and begin to comprehend the potential dangers that could occur, parents need to gather the family and create a home safety plan that everyone can understand. In the case of a fire or a natural disaster, everyone in the home should know what to do and where to go. To start, set two outdoor meeting areas (primary and alternate) where your family can reunite if they need to leave the home in a hurry. The spots should be easy to get to and they shouldn’t be under large trees or dangerous structures in the case that there is a severe storm.
It is common for growing children to forget the details over time, so make it a point to revisit this plan with your family every couple of months. If you have younger children, draw a colourful diagram that shows the route from their rooms and out of the house, and put it on the refrigerator or another spot where it is easy for the children to see. It is also a good idea to practice the escape plan twice a year, so they are ready should the real deal occur.
Parents should also take some time out to teach their children about how to call emergency services should the need arise. In addition to knowing the number, kids should also have the ability to recite their address to the operator so the authorities can make it to your home as quickly as possible. It is also a smart idea to teach children the sound of the fire alarm, so they know what it means and can react swiftly when they hear it.
Safety When Out And About
Parents also need to consider the health of their kids during trips outside of the home. For starters, it is a great idea to write and print laminated cards that list your child’s name, home address, and phone number so they can show these cards to figures of authority should they get lost. This is especially important for non-verbal children who cannot explain their situation out loud.
It is also essential to have a plan for road trips, regardless of how far you are travelling. Your children should always be secured in their car seats, and if they are older, make sure that they are wearing their safety belts. It is also a good idea to put an emergency kit in your car. This should include basic hand tools, a jack, a comprehensive first aid kit, water bottles, and blankets in case the car breaks down on a cold night.
On that note, you should make it a point to bring your car in for maintenance regularly so you can reduce the chance of an issue while you are out on the road. That means getting regular oil changes, swapping out filters, and checking the air pressure of your tires every time you stop for gas. When tires are low on air, you will not only reduce your gas mileage but could also result in tire failure. If your tires are deflated, you could easily lose control of the vehicle, so it is better to be safe than sorry.
As you can see, your children can face many dangers during their lives, but parents can greatly reduce the chance that they will fall ill or become physically injured by creating a plan as early as possible. Consider the steps discussed here and provide your kids with a safe childhood.
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