How To Prevent Your Baby Falling - everymum
How To Prevent Your Baby From Falling
Babies wriggle, babies roll and babies learn new motor skills at a very fast rate, which they put to use to eagerly explore their environment. Falls and injuries can happen when parents and caregivers underestimate just what a baby can do.
Babies develop new skills very quickly, which means you might not be prepared for what they can do by themselves and the trouble this can lead to. For example, a baby could roll off a changing table in the blink of an eye if your back is even a little turned.
Before baby learns to run she has to walk, and before she learns to walk she is busy moving around, turning over, pulling herself up, grabbing furniture and other items to move around. As she starts moving and exploring more, she can get into trouble.
Most injuries are preventable, and constant supervision and safe use of equipment will help during the first year. Having an awareness of baby’s next stage of development and the steps they may soon be able to take will help your preparedness.
Read More: Baby Development Expert​
Be Careful On Raised Surfaces
Never leave a baby alone on a changing table or raised surface. Babies can wiggle off and fall from any raised surface, causing serious injury. Bring baby with you if you need to get something, answer the door or phone rather than leaving him for a moment.
Make sure if you use a baby bouncer or any other sitting device that it’s never on a raised surface like a table or bed. Babies move about in these contraptions and could cause them to topple off an unsteady surface – the floor is the safest place.
Don’t Buy Into Baby Walkers
Baby walkers increase the chances of serious head injuries by putting your baby at greater risk of toppling over on an uneven surface or falling down the stairs.
Read More: Baby Development - Week by Week
Baby walkers also gives your baby the chance to reach higher and possibly grab dangerous things like a hot cup of coffee, cleaning supplies or medicine. The risk of burns, scalds and poisoning goes up greatly.
Opt for an activity centre or playpen that doesn’t move but again, these should only be used for short amounts of time under supervision. Floortime is the best for developing baby’s motor skills as he learns to roll, crawl and pull himself up.
Read More: The Importance Of Tummy Time For Babies
As your baby starts to pull herself up, she will start to explore more and will grab any and all furniture to help her do so. Avoid setting the television on an open cabinet or chest of drawers. Baby will do her best to climb cabinet drawers to reach the TV.
Make sure to baby-proof any and all free-standing equipment or furniture by securing it to the wall or floor using brackets or straps. Just make sure the straps are out of your child’s sight and reach if you choose to use them.
Always Strap Into Seats
When baby isn’t actually exploring or causing mischief make sure he is strapped into his seat. Whether it’s a feeding chair, car seat, buggy, pram or bouncer he must be strapped in so he can’t try to wriggle or roll his way out and risk a fall. Only use equipment that has a 5-point safety harness.
Put Stair Gates Everywhere
Stair gates, stair gates everywhere. Stair gates at the top of the stairs and stair gates at the bottom of the stairs. You will also need to install them anywhere that might lead to a trip or fall hazard like steps at a doorway or anywhere there is a change in floor level. Make sure your gates are installed correctly and securely and kept closed at all times.
Be Aware Of Windows And Balconies
Think of all the lives that could have been spared if Romeo and Juliet had stayed away from windows and balconies!
Children are drawn to windows like bees to flowers, and if they can open them they risk falling. Window restrictors will prevent this, but make sure to invest in ones that don’t require a key or spanner to open, as this could delay your escape in the event of a fire.
Keep window areas and balconies clear of furniture that can be used for climbing and securely cover or fill in any gaps in balcony railings that can be climbed up or squeezed through.
Be aware of the curtains and blinds installed on your windows. Cords are a major choking hazard and have caused accidental stragulation. Do not fit curtains or blinds which have cords attached, or make sure they are secured high up and out of reach.