EVERYTHING
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“One night, my 3-year-old asked me if she could sleep in my bed. I told her no. She said, “That’s not fair! Why does Daddy get to sleep in your bed?” READ MORE
Health: Birth to 5
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The Children and Families Commission of Orange County was formed in September 1999 to allocate Orange County’s funds from the Proposition 10 ballot initiative, which added a 50-cent sales tax on tobacco products sold in the state. The commission’s mission statement focuses on three platforms: Bridges for Newborns, Family Resources, and School Readiness. The commission sponsors and supports programs to meet the greatest needs of the youngest children of Orange County. The following is part of our yearlong initiative to bring you the commission’s “Help Me Grow” program. As a parent, one of your most important jobs is to keep children safe and protected from injuries. Injuries can happen almost anywhere: at home and in and around cars and water. You can make your child’s surroundings safer; however, there is no substitute for adult supervision. HOME: There are many places your child can be injured in a home, so frequently inspect for potential danger. Test your smoke detectors’ batteries every six months, or every time you change your clocks for Daylight Savings time. Keep emergency numbers (such as Poison Control 800.222.1222) displayed near your phone. Babies Your baby moves fast and reaches dangerous things before you know it. Inspect your home from your baby’s perspective, crawl on the floor to see what he sees! Cover electrical outlets and remove electrical cords. Falls are the No. 1 reason for childhood injury, so never leave him alone on changing tables, beds or sofas. A baby in a walker is not safe, so use a stationary activity center instead. Toddlers Your toddler climbs, opens unlocked things, and does not anticipate danger. Make sure safety caps are on all medications. Keep cleansers, poisons, and medications locked up high, out of her sight and reach. If you can’t pay full attention, such as when you cook, have another adult hold her or put her in another safe place like a playpen or gated area. Preschoolers He learns fast, but can’t judge what’s safe. Preschoolers are naturally curious so keep dangerous items, such as matches, lighters, sharp objects or medications out of sight and reach. His bike and helmet should be the right size, and always make sure that where he is riding is safe and he is not alone. CAR: Never leave your child alone in the car, not even for a second. Since it is hard to see small children and toys, make a habit of walking around your car before you drive. Create an easy routine when you are leaving your child: Have another adult hold your baby and wave to her as you back out. Babies Your baby should ALWAYS be in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat when she is in the car. Toddlers As your toddler grows, use a car safety seat that is right for his age, size and weight. Preschoolers Sing songs about safety rules as you buckle her in her safety seat or booster seat. Don’t let her play in or near a street, even with older children. WATER: A child can drown in bathtubs, toilets, buckets, pools, or other containers. Keep children in your “line of sight.” Experts say young children’s swim lessons do not prevent drowning. (For more information on water safety, see our Swimming and Water Safety section and Your Family@Home.) Babies Your baby loves to play in water. Never leave her alone or with another child in or near any container of water. Whenever possible, keep the bathroom door closed and latched. Toddlers Make sure the pool or spa has a self-latching, self-closing gate and is fenced on all sides. Practice “touch supervision” and stay close to your child whenever you are in or around the pool or spa. Personal flotation devices, such as inner tubes or “floaties,” are toys and not life-saving devices. Preschoolers Provide swimming lessons, but still never let her swim or play in the water alone. For information about Orange County resources and services for young children and families, call Info Link Orange County toll-free at 888.600.4357. |
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