by J. Renda

Created on: September 02, 2008   Last Updated: August 26, 2010

As a parent, we all need to remember the simplistic mantra of "Bruises come and bumps go".
We need to expect that every toddler has a bump, a bruise, a 'boo boo' or two. The other most important thing to remember is most falls can be prevented. We can prevent most of them with relatively simple measures. Some new parents are so flustered with diaper changes, bottles, and it changes on into running toddlers, active children and on.

It is very easy to relish the few moments of silence and drop our guard. I myself, have had my toddler fumble into the coffee table running, or she has reached for her shoe that fell off the couch and fallen. It sounds irresponsible but sometimes my reaction time may be slowed because I already have the worst case scenario in my head and not the exact moment of motion on my mind. I was very careful with her as a small child. I don't believe there is a such thing as too safety minded when your baby is small. There are many injuries every year that happen to babies and toddlers under the age of two that can be prevented, and in some cases have caused infant death or extreme injury.

I always placed a pillow under her armpit or by her side if I ever laid her on the couch. I never laid her on the couch and left the room either. Here are some steps to keep your little angels safe and prevent falls:

1) When your child is sleeping, make sure the first thing you do is to ensure they are secured and not on a piece of furniture that can cause them to roll and fall. If they are on a couch, roll a infant sized blanket into a tight roll and place it slightly underneath their arms. Make sure it is not up by their face or head. If placed by their head it can cause distress, causing them to move rapidly or breathing trouble. Never have a blanket by a baby's face. Let's cover all the bases.

2) Pick and choose when to take phone calls during naptime. I never suddenly jump for the phone anymore, it causes distraction. I am not saying "never answer the phone" but if your child is not in their bassinet or crib do not let yourself get too distracted.

3) The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their bassinet or crib. Even sometimes a carseat is sufficient. I do not recommend co-sleeping due to the fact a baby can roll off of your arms, suffocate, or end up even lodged in a cushion or area of the bed. It looks cute and deadly.

4) Never leave your child in an area unattended in the home especially a toddler that loves to climb furniture. Make sure you start

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