by Christina Bernice Butler

Created on: July 11, 2010   Last Updated: December 18, 2010

Young children are often the victims of preventable tragedies. These accidents often occur right in the home, with the parents being present. It is heartbreaking when a parent has to live with the knowledge that their child has been hurt in their own home. However, none of these things need to happen if a few precautionary measures are taken!

Each parent must know that it is his and her job to maintain a stable, safe, clean environment for their child(ren). Parents must look out for their baby's future needs just as well as their present needs by questioning how all current plans, events and situations may potentially affect the baby and take steps to prevent any foreseen dangerous circumstances and disastrous outcomes.

Transportation

Babies do not go far from where they are taken. Depending on the age of a child, he or she may only crawl or roll a few inches on their own. Therefore, the mobility of a child depends on the parents. People use strollers, carriages, swings, walkers and baby carriers to occupy or transport their child in ways other than having to hold the baby in their arms. It is crucial that the equipment is of good, durable, trusted quality before you place a child in it. Over the years, there have been many recalls. It is good to go with tried-and-true companies, brands and styles. Always choose quality over cuteness. After a while, if there are no negative reports about it, you could always ask someone to help you buy a cuter, newer style as a gift for the baby.

When baby is on-the-go, it is important that baby is able to move freely. There should not be any items on the floor or in the path of the baby; for example, when swinging back and forth, both directions should be clear. Station gates in places the baby should not venture, especially stairways. Move anything that the baby can bang into or squeeze fingers in and leave no uncovered circuits because babies get electrocuted by those. If baby's in a stroller but you did not want him or her moving, make sure the wheel brakes are down. Open stroller should be completely opened, not closing on the baby. Baby should be secured yet comfortable. With walkers, pre-check floors and the walker. Make sure there is nothing dangerous, like pins, and that all places are dry. Move anything that you do not want the baby touching. Remove open buckets of water. If wearing a carrier, always strap it on properly and secure the baby. Protect baby's head from bumps and take careful steps.


Stationary

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