S/O Children's safety precautions

[Kathleen in VA]

After reading here about two small children who almost died in the last 24 hours, I was reminded of an Oprah show I saw about 15 years ago. There were several moms on the show whose children had died by becoming entangled in the window blind cords. I wanted to mention this in case any of you have cribs or toddler beds near a window.

Be sure to keep the cords safely out of reach. They actually showed exactly what to do with the cords (tying them up or shortening them somehow) but I can't remember the specifics. Perhaps someone here knows the exact method to use to make the cords safer. In any case, get them tucked up high and out of reach until you can figure out a more permanent solution.

Anyone have any other safety ideas they'd like to share?

[Jen3boys]

The big rule in our house is everyone has to wear a helmet when using bikes and scooters.

[Marie in Oh]

The big rule in our house is everyone has to wear a helmet when using bikes and scooters.

You wouldn't believe how many people here don't make their kids wear helmets.

[PariSarah]

My mom (a nurse) has taken care of too many babies with burns--I'm very, very picky about what goes on in the kitchen when I'm cooking.

No playing in the kitchen at all while there is cooking going on. No sports, goofing off, roughhousing, anything.

Baby is either plugged into his high chair or barred from the room entirely while I'm cooking.

No kids in the kitchen unsupervised when the stove is on. If mom leaves soup bubbling on the stove, baby is barred from the room entirely.

Kids who are allowed to cook can only do so when Mom is in the room. Inattentive, rowdy, or willful behavior while child is cooking leads to banishment.

[betty]

I don't usually watch Oprah, but I was on bedrest with oldest. So, I was pregnant with my first child and here was a whole show dedicated to child safety. With each precaution present there was a set of parents on the show whose child died. I had to turn it off after the woman and her teenaged daughter described in detail finding their toddler dd/sister in the backyard pool and trying to revive her.

It's great to have reminders of these things. I just have really bad memories of the show.

[AmyinPA]

kids love to play in cars, and when it's hot, this can have tragic consequences.

Also, I don't allow the kids to ever open the windows. We have a very high second story so only Mom and Dad open the windows, and only from the top.

[3blessingmom]

My 2yo nearly electrocuted himself y-day! He pulled the cord 1/2 way out and touched the prongs....PTL he is fine!!!

So I guess my new rule is all outlets that are in use are going to be covered by heavy furniture:glare: