Health and Safety Tips for New Grandparents

When our kids were babies, we were experts on child-proofing the house so that tiny fingers didn't get caught in doors or outlets and we knew exactly which toys were dangerous at each age group from infants to preschoolers.  Now, some of us are heading into Baby World the second time around, as grandparents. In case you've forgotten much of your expertise on this subject, here are some tips on how to get started making your home safer for the next generation.

Place all medications out of reach. This is a big one. Many drugs commonly prescribed for middle-aged people can be quite dangerous to little ones who might mistake them for candy. Put all your pills on the highest shelf in the medicine cabinet where small children can't get to them. That includes over-the-counter drugs like aspirin or cough medicine as well. 

Stow cleaning products. Either put them on a shelf where kids can't reach them or invest in a cabinet lock.

Clear the decks. Toddlers are wired for exploration, which is both good and bad. It's good because that's how they learn but bad because it means they will get into anything and everything. To prepare, remove all small or potentially dangerous objects from low-lying tables or bookcases. Electrical cords are another source of trouble. You should also install stair guards. Make a thorough survey of your home and if anything strikes you as dicey, get rid of it.

Use car seats. They're much safer now than when our kids were little so take advantage of the improvements in technology.

Lock up the pool. A toddler can drown in seconds in a pool so make sure that any pool is surrounded by a fence and locking gate – and keep it locked. If you're out visiting somewhere with an unguarded pool, keep your toddler away from it. And don't rely on water wings to keep the little one safe.  Hot tubs should also be off-limits. The heat can cause dehydration in a young child. Make sure they are covered and locked when kids are around.

Keep animals at a safe distance. Even normally loving pets can get spooked by young children.  For more on this, click here.

Watch out for hot stuff. That includes radiators, which can burn fragile skin, and stoves. In the kitchen, you can get knob guards that make it hard for kids to turn on the stove. Also, make sure pot handles are turned toward the rear so kids can't grab them.

Keep your eyes on them. You knew this the first time around, but it bears repeating. Little kids can get into trouble in seconds.  This is the most basic rule of child safety and it's as true now as it was back then. There is never any safe amount of time to leave a toddler unattended and on the loose in your house.

For more tips, click here.