Читать книгу Baby Proofing Basics - Vicki Lansky - Страница 5

CHAPTER 1

Baby Proofing Room by Room

Accidents, not illnesses, cause most child deaths — approximately 400 children less than four years old die of accidents every month in the United States. The major causes of death or injury to children under age 14 are car accidents, burns, drowning, falls and choking/poisoning.

Two major elements are involved in keeping your child safe from harm in your home. First, careful, thoughtful childproofing of every room in the house. And second, your constant, loving vigilance. Never underestimate the powers of a child. “I didn’t think she could do that,” is the tragic cry of many parents of bright, curious children who were only investigating their environments.

The best way to find the dangers that can cause harm to your child is to look at your house from the child’s vantage point. Get down on your hands and knees and examine everything carefully and check for potential hazards. You’ll find a world of fascinating things to pull on, squeeze, throw, crawl into and under, chew and swallow. You’ll see sharp edges and corners that can cut, objects that can break and turn into weapons of destruction, furniture that can be climbed on or pulled over.

Your object as a parent is to make your house safe for your baby to explore. You want to eliminate dangers without being over-protective or inhibiting your child. No parent can prevent all accidents. As long as you prevent the serious ones — the fatal ones — you’ll have done your job.

THE TIME TO CHILDPROOF YOUR HOUSE IS BEFORE YOUR CHILD NEEDS IT... OTHERWISE IT MIGHT BE TOO LATE!