As new parents might attest, we go to great lengths to protect our children.   Nothing is too much or too expensive for the new life we are bringing into the world.  Homes are childproofed, the latest gadget purchased to assure safety, baby monitors that can pick up the minutest sound from baby's room. Consumer Reports books and magazines are devoured, looking for the BEST cribs, car seats, high chairs, carriers, strollers, walkers, and on and on and on.

Who could blame a new parent for wanting the best, safest home and products for their child?  To protect our children and families we have smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, burglar alarms and monitoring, seat belt and air bags, bike helmets, and many other obvious safety items.

As the child grows, a second or third child arrives, and we have become 'seasoned' parents, too often the quest for child safety falls by the wayside.  However, parents must always be vigilant where their child's safety is concerned.  Parent's who keep up on new and innovative ideas, trends, and methods to keep their children safe, stay ahead of the game and ahead of potential problems in our changing world.  No one person can think of or cover all areas of safety, therefore, the following areas of interest may be of help to get you on the right track.

• Childproofing your home
  Childproofing the home should include; moving toxic or poisonous substances and cleaners to high (preferably locking) cabinets.  Installing childproof latches on drawers and cabinets containing sharp or dangerous objects and childproof doorknob covers (to deny access to unsafe rooms/areas such as basement, garage, bathroom, etc. ).  Child gates should be installed at stairwells to prevent falls.  Electical safety-outlet covers, no dangling cords or extension cords, eliminate exposed electrical including light bulbs.   Checking drapery and blinds pulls/cords (should not hang where a child could reach) to prevent strangulation.  Removing breakable and heavy objects from low tables, counter or shelves, that can be easily pulled over and hurt or trap a child.  Fencing yard, pools, spas, or any other body of water, and possibly animals in a separate area.   Animals (no matter how docile or good in the past) should always be monitored when around children.  Lastly, knowing adult and child CPR is invaluable and could save a life!*
   
• Safety Drills
  At around age three you should lbegin practicing home safety drills to assure your child knows how and where to exit your home in an emergency.  Draw up a plan of your home, show your children how and where to exit each room (particularly their bedroom), teach about dialing 911, designate a meeting place outside, and any jobs (older childrenmight go next door to call 911).  Then PRACTICE!  Purposely set off fire alarms (so children will become familiar with the sound), teach your child about lfire and fire safety:  STOP - DROP & ROLL, to crawl if there is smoke, and most important not to fear firefighters - they are our friends. 
  
  *Note: please never teach your child to fear the police or firefighters with threats like: "If you don't behave, eat, listen to me, be good, etc. , I'm going to tell that police officer (or firefighter) to get you."
   
• Water Safety
  Children can be exposed to waterplay as early as infancy, however, they should begin to learn water safety and be 'water safe' as a toddler.  There are many accredited swim programs for children of all ages that teach basic water skills.  when in or around wter children should always wear the required protective devices as needed such as;  water wings, ear plugs, and ski vests when rafting or boating.  (boating and water safety information is plentiful thru the Dept. of Boating and Waterways).  Children should never be left unattended near water, a small child can drown in an inch of water.  Buckets, tubs, dishpans, plastic containers and even the toilet can be dangerous, as small children are 'top heavy', meaning that their heads are large in proportion to the rest of their bodies.   A toddler who has fallen into a toilet or bucket may not have developed the muscles in their waist or arms to be able to pull themselves out.
   
• High-Tech Safety
  Just as you monitor and help choose appropriate television shows or movies for your child, your guidance is also needed in choosing or allowing the use of video games, computer software, and on the internet.   Our children are growing up in the world of cyberspace, don't be too surprised if venturing online is at the top of your child's list of things to do.  Just as you keep an eye out for inappropriate materials in real life, the same goes for cyberspace.   Many online service providers offer 'parental controls' to allow parents to limit their child's access online or you may opt for 'parent-control software' avaliable at computer stores.  Keeping the computer in the family roojm or den rather than in the child's room helps you monitor yourchild's time and content on the computer.

by Alix Hall