Take Caution When Caring For Grandchildren
POSTED: 5:51 p.m. EDT April 22, 2003
Grandparents who care for children during the day is becoming a common practice in many households where there are working parents. As costs for child care increasingly get more expensive and issues of security continue to loom large, parents are looking to family members to assist with child care responsibilities.
Most parents naturally feel comfortable entrusting the care of their child to them. But what many grandparents may not realize is how much times have changed since their children were young. Additionally, their lifestyles may create added dangers for young children. For instance, they have more vitamins and medicines around the house or may have never used a car seat before.
"Many grandparents may assume that because their kids grew up unharmed, there isn't a need to change their behavior toward their grandchildren. But most likely back when they were parents, car seats and child-resistant packaging probably didn't exist," said Heather Paul, executive director of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign. "It's important to educate them on some basic child safety practices and to be firm about the importance of following your guidelines to ensure your kids are safe in their care."
Whether occasional baby sitters or primary caretakers, grandparents need to childproof their homes and know the most up-to-date safety information.
The National SAFE KIDS Campaign offers the following safety tips designed specifically for grandparents:
Most parents naturally feel comfortable entrusting the care of their child to them. But what many grandparents may not realize is how much times have changed since their children were young. Additionally, their lifestyles may create added dangers for young children. For instance, they have more vitamins and medicines around the house or may have never used a car seat before.
"Many grandparents may assume that because their kids grew up unharmed, there isn't a need to change their behavior toward their grandchildren. But most likely back when they were parents, car seats and child-resistant packaging probably didn't exist," said Heather Paul, executive director of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign. "It's important to educate them on some basic child safety practices and to be firm about the importance of following your guidelines to ensure your kids are safe in their care."
Whether occasional baby sitters or primary caretakers, grandparents need to childproof their homes and know the most up-to-date safety information.
The National SAFE KIDS Campaign offers the following safety tips designed specifically for grandparents:
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Supervise your grandchildren at all times when they are in your care. Never leave them alone -- even for a second -- especially in kitchens or bathrooms, around playground equipment, or near water.
Buckle up your grandchildren correctly every time they ride in your car. Use age-appropriate restraints, including booster seats for children between 40 and 80 pounds.
Keep all medications, vitamins and household products in their original containers, locked up and out of sight and reach of children.
Install and maintain a smoke alarm on every level of your home and near all sleeping areas.
Set your water thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below to prevent scald burns.
Don't allow children under 10 to cross streets alone.
Make sure grandchildren always wear safety gear (helmets, pads, etc.) when riding bikes, using scooters, skating and playing sports.
If there are firearms in the home, store them unloaded and locked up, with ammunition locked in a separate location, out of grandchildren's reach.
Keep poison control center and emergency medical service numbers listed near every telephone in the home. Have a first-aid kit, ipecac syrup and activated charcoal readily available.
Take a class to become certified in CPR and first aid.
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