Beginner's Guide to Child Safety tag:beginnersguide.com,2007:/child-safety//32 2006-07-20T19:09:50Z Child Safety Movable Type 3.35 Reasons to Use Toilet Locks tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/child-safety//32.18637 2006-01-26T20:39:27Z 2007-08-07T10:17:25Z John While there are many reasons to use toilet locks, the most common pertain to keeping children out of the toilet. Once a young child becomes mobile (even as early as six months), they are naturally attracted to everything new, including the accessible water of the toilet bowl. This can lead to several minor and/or major accidents, accidents which can be prevented with the use of toilet locks.
-         Using a toilet lock helps prevent inquisitive hands and faces from becoming exposed to germs. Of course, a parent can never keep their child away from all germs and wouldn’t want to; however, the toilet does hold a certain “yuck” factor for most people who would prefer they do not find their toddler licking the seat.
 
-         Using a toilet lock also helps prevent a giant mess. Just as babies love to play in their bath water, they enjoy the water in a commode – and splashing it everywhere. This unnecessary mess is easily forestalled with the use of toilet locks.
 
-         Using toilet locks may single-handedly save your plumbing! One concern with small children and toilet is the interest they have in attempting to flush things. These attempted flushes of toys, shoes, or whole rolls of toilet paper can not only cause an overflow but may also damage the pipes.
 
-         Using toilet locks may also protect you against your child’s successful flushes! Car keys, jewelry, and other items small enough to be successfully flushed may not permanently damage your plumbing; but it could be a huge loss or hassle for you. Toilet locks help keep your valuables out of the toilet.
 
-         Using toilet locks can also protect that which is most important to you – your child. Since children can drown in as little as 1 inch of water, preventing your child from accidentally falling into the water is crucial. Installing toilet locks thwarts young children in their attempt to open the lid.
]]> Styles of Toilet Locks tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/child-safety//32.18638 2006-01-26T20:40:05Z 2007-08-07T10:17:25Z John Since the toilet locks have been available for a while, there are several different styles available for customers based upon their needs and desires. If your highest concern is convenience, there may be a different toilet lock for you than for the parent who is primarily focused on the expense. These are several of the different versions available:
 
-         One type of toilet lock is a plastic lock that easily fastens to all types of bowls and lids without adhesives or bolts. It even works on the padded seats. It clamps together the bowl, seat, and lid. Best, it has a one hand release operation that is easy for adults but difficult for children, making it quick to open. These types of toilet locks are easily removed when no longer needed.
 
-         Another design of toilet locks utilizes suction cups and is positioned on the toilet talk behind the lid. The lock does not even come into contact with the bowl and is easily removed and cleaned. It features a mechanism that allows the lock to automatically slide into place after the toilet lid has been shut.
 
-         A design much like the previous one features an automatically locking arm that returns to its position once the lid has been closed. However, this one requires a bit more for assembly yet is even more successful in keeping the child out of the water. The swing-arm is made of a durable white plastic and is attached to the seat bolts.
]]> Inadequacies of Toilet Locks tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/child-safety//32.18639 2006-01-26T20:40:47Z 2007-08-07T10:17:25Z John Every home, especially those not previously used to children, contains many potential hazards for small children. While it is impossible to completely “child-proof” any home, the best defense against injury, along from constant supervision, is to provide a safe environment for children to dwell in. Toilet locks help prevent the possibility of the toilet becoming an opportunity for accidents. They protect both infants and toddlers from harm while also keeping your plumbing and belongings safe.  Unfortunately, toilet locks, like most other provisions, do have some inadequacies.
-         Some toilet locks make use of adhesive which allows them to fasten to the tank, bowl, or lid. Unfortunately, this adhesive is both messy and difficult to remove once the toilet lock is no longer needed.
-         Many toilet locks are designed as clamps that fasten the toilet bowl, seat and lid together to prevent children from lifting the lid. They are intended to be difficult for children to open while quick and easy for adults. The only drawback of this method is that older adults or individuals suffering from any kind of weakening of the grip may find the clamp difficult to grasp, squeeze, and remove.
-         Several of the toilet lock styles are wonderful for keeping very small children out of the toilet. However, varieties like the swing-arm toilet lock have a fairly simple process of opening. As children age, they will probably figure it out.
-         Some of the most reliable toilet locks cannot fall off or be easily removed because they are fastened onto the toilet bolts underneath the seat and lid. This has its positive aspects – it’s very reliable! However, some people feel that it requires a mechanic’s skills to install.
]]> Purchasing a Toilet Lock tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/child-safety//32.18640 2006-01-26T20:41:23Z 2007-08-07T10:17:25Z John Thankfully for parents who have young children, toilet locks are not only a wonderful method of keeping hands, toys, and faces out of the toilet, they are also available in many places and fairly inexpensive. There are also many styles available based on preference. Here are a few facts you might want to know when purchasing a toilet lock for your home.
 
-         There are a variety of styles. Some people really like the clamps that are quick and easy to remove, while others prefer the swing-arm that automatically fastens after the lid is closed. Some consider germs first and thus want a model that doesn’t touch the toilet bowl while other purchase the kind that actually fastens to the bolts on the bowl. Investigate; find out what works best for you. They are relatively inexpensive, so feel free to try several.
 
-         Toilet locks are fairly inexpensive, as previously stated.  Most new toilet locks range in cost from $5 to $20, with the majority closer to $5. This low cost allows you to purchase one for every toilet in the house or even buy a new one if you did not like your previous style.
 
-         They are available almost anywhere that you can find other purchases for children or household items. You can obtain them on the internet, at garage sales (since they’re easily cleaned, this shouldn’t be a concern), children’s stores, and large chain discount stores.
 
-         Most are quite easy to clean. The kinds that fasten to the toilet bolts can be wiped down with any household cleaner; and the plastic removable kinds can be sterilized underwater or even in a dishwasher if you prefer.
]]> What are outlet covers? tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/child-safety//32.19098 2006-02-08T21:19:09Z 2006-02-08T21:20:23Z John So it’s time to childproof. Your little one is no longer content to stay where you last plunked him. Who would guess that such sweet, innocent bundles could get into so much trouble? Unfortunately for caregivers, babies and toddlers hold an incredible fascination with electrical outlets, which are conveniently (for them) located at eye-level. Thankfully, someone invented outlet covers to help protect curious children from the hazard of electrical shock.

Simply put: Outlet covers (or outlet plates or protectors) serve as a physical barrier to help prevent electrocution. Outlet covers are designed to protect children from occupied and unoccupied outlets. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), unprotected outlets cause thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths each year. Of the reported injuries in 1997, 86% occurred in children that were 1 to 4 years of age. The most common foreign objects inserted into outlets were keys and hairpins.

You may not be aware of how many outlet protectors are offered nowadays. It’s not just those two-pronged plastic caps that seal off the receptacle. Some products are actually outlet kits that replace your existing faceplates. Some make use of swiveling or sliding faceplates to quickly protect live outlets should your child yank out a cord. (For more information for outlet cover options, see topics 2 and 3 below.) Most outlet protectors are available in the industry-standard ivory or white. The typical cost of an outlet cover is less than $5.

When to do it? Most pediatricians advise parents to begin childproofing electrical outlets at the first indication that their baby can roll over. It won’t be long now before she rolls, scoots, crawls, and then walks to every conceivable corner of your house!
]]> What should I look for when shopping for outlet covers? tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/child-safety//32.19099 2006-02-08T21:20:31Z 2006-02-08T21:21:04Z Most parents will tell you that they are looking for safe, inexpensive covers that boast easy installation and no wiring. But what are the most important factors when choosing outlet covers? Be sure the outlet protectors cannot be easily removed... John Most parents will tell you that they are looking for safe, inexpensive covers that boast easy installation and no wiring. But what are the most important factors when choosing outlet covers? Be sure the outlet protectors cannot be easily removed by children and are large enough so that children cannot choke on them.

There has been movement away from traditional outlet caps for two chief reasons: 1) kids can remove them, and 2) they pose a choking hazard. Temple University’s Biokinetics Research Laboratory conducted a study in 1997 to test the effectiveness of plastic plug-in outlet caps, and found that children aged 2 to 4 could remove the caps in most cases. One-hundred percent of the children in the study could remove the flat, oval covers that were 1/16-inch thick.

Some experts believe that plastic outlet caps give parents a false sense of security. The state of Washington has banned outlet caps in childcare facilities due to the potential choking hazard. In addition, standard covers do not prevent children from pulling out electrical cords to expose live outlets.

The cap variety will work for very young babies and are better than nothing at all, but most experts recommend that parents install tamper-resistant outlet covers, some of which use sliding or swiveling faceplates. However, you may want to buy some outlet caps to tote on vacations for hotel rooms and relatives’ houses. Some manufacturers offer caps with pinching grips that make them trickier for kids to remove. Outlet caps are very inexpensive (as low as $1 to $3 for a pack of 12), so it won’t set you back much.

If you’re convinced that you want the faceplate variety for the outlets in your house, you might change your mind when you do the math. Replacing all your outlets with the tamper-resistant kind could cost you more than $400! To save money, many parents opt to install the faceplate-type covers on just the most frequently used (or most accessible) outlet in each room.

You may also need to invest in a few large covers specifically made to house oversize plugs such those on AC/DC adapters, cordless phones, answering machines, power strips, and major appliances. Covers that enclose both the outlet and the plugs help prevent children from toying with important electronic equipment such as your computer, fax machine, and alarm clock. Some outlet protectors are also designed to house thicker cords.

]]> What are some good options for outlet covers? tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/child-safety//32.19100 2006-02-08T21:21:12Z 2006-02-08T21:21:34Z John Consumer Reports evaluated outlet covers and power-strip protectors made by Mommy’s Helper, KidCo, and Safety 1st. The Mommy’s Helper Safe-Plate Safety Outlet Cover ($4) was deemed effective in limiting the risk of injury to children up to about 4.5 years old. This easy-to-install plastic plate fits over the outlet using a spring-loaded sliding cover. Foam backing helps keep the cover in place.

The KidCo S200 Decora Outlet Cover ($5) also scored high among the wall-mounted, over-the-outlet-type covers. Parents found this cover easy to manipulate; use the prongs of the electrical plug to slide the cover to the side and push the plug into the outlet. If a plug is pulled out accidentally, the cover automatically snaps shut over the outlet.

Consumer Reports also liked the Safety 1st Outlet Cover & Cord Shortener ($4). This product enclosed the socket—and any electrical cords—with a plastic cover. It also offers additional entanglement protection by taking up cords’ extra slack. Note: This device is only compatible with outlets that use a center screw.

]]> What else can I do to prevent electrical shocks? tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/child-safety//32.19101 2006-02-08T21:21:43Z 2006-02-08T21:24:59Z John Don’t cover your outlets and naively think that your children are safe from electrical accidents. Read the following suggestions for other important electrical-safety pointers.
  •  Keep electrical cords out of reach when possible.
  • Repair or replace any frayed wires. 
  •  Enclose power strips with appropriate safety devices. 
  •  Until your strong-willed baby learns to stay away from a favorite outlet, position heavy furniture in front of it. 
  •  Check to see that household appliances have an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label, which means the UL has tested samples of that product and determined that it meets UL requirements. 
  •  Unplug bathroom appliances such as hair dryers when not in use or consider using them in rooms without the additional hazard of water. 
  •  Install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) for bathroom, kitchen, and yard outlets or any other outlets in damp areas. (GFCIs shut off electrical power if the flow of electricity is interrupted.) 
  •  Supervise children while they play with any electric toy. 
  •  Watch for downed poles and electrical wires when playing outdoors after storms.
]]> What should I do if my child receives an electrical shock? tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/child-safety//32.19102 2006-02-08T21:22:24Z 2006-02-08T21:25:42Z John If your child touches an electrical current, it can cause a tingling sensation, a burn, or a serious injury—depending on the strength and type of current and how long he holds on. Some electrical shocks are minor and cause no long-term injury. Stronger currents, however, can enter your child’s body at one location and leave it at another, damaging all the tissue in its path. Shocks can render a child unconscious, stop his breathing, and cause cardiac arrest, damage to other organs, and even death.

If you are at the scene, shut off the power source if possible. If you cannot turn it off, call for help. Do not touch water or your child with bare hands while he is in contact with the current or you risk electrocution. Use an object that doesn’t conduct electricity such as a wooden broom handle or a rolled-up magazine to break your child’s connection with the current.

Check your child’s breathing when he is no longer in contact with the electrical current. If it’s rapid, irregular, or stopped, ask someone to call 911 while you administer CPR. If his breathing is normal, check his skin color. If he looks pale, call 911.

Electrical shocks can cause deep and painful burns so carefully examine your child’s skin. Note that burns on the lips are difficult to see. Do not put ice, first-aid ointment, or anything else on an electrical burn. Take your child to a doctor to clean and dress the wound and check for internal organ damage—even if the burn does not look severe. The doctor will recommend lab tests if she suspects any internal injury. If the burns are serious, your child will likely be hospitalized. Your doctor can also recommend a dose of acetaminophen to manage the pain.

References :


U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov) 
Baby Center (www.babycenter.com) 
About.com (www.about.com) 
Consumer Reports (www.consumerreports.org) 
State Farm Insurance (www.statefarm.com)

]]> Microsoft Child-Safe Windows? tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/child-safety//32.21752 2006-03-20T14:58:51Z 2006-03-20T15:21:14Z phillip Microsoft is set to introduce a new line of parental controls and safety measures aimed at better safeguarding children on the web. The company claims it will be providing better features to protect applicants of the new Windows Live.

Family Safety Settings provides an in-depth web-filtering system that will allow customers to allow, block or warn settings for a wide range of content categories. Parents should be able to access activity reports for each user in the family from any PC at any time to help stay informed about how their kids are communicating online.

Apparently Microsoft consulted various organizations to provide better guidance in developing appropriate settings for their online restrictions and notifications.

Family Safety Settings will be available for any PC running Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or with the upcoming Windows Vista operating system. According to Microsoft, it expects to begin making the service available to 'Windows Live customers in dozens of countries worldwide' by this summer.

]]> Golfing for child-safety tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/child-safety//32.21914 2006-03-22T19:33:45Z 2006-03-22T20:14:44Z The recent Inaugural Samantha Foundation hosted a golf tournament at the Westview Country Club in Miami to raise money and awareness for promoting child safety in the home. More than 100 golfers attended the tournament, raising around $75,000 for the... phillip The recent Inaugural Samantha Foundation hosted a golf tournament at the Westview Country Club in Miami to raise money and awareness for promoting child safety in the home. More than 100 golfers attended the tournament, raising around $75,000 for the cause.

The event was founded by Katie and Mark Kessler, whose daughter was killed at home in a tragic home accident, and sponsored by Florida Power & Light.

After the tournament, more than 200 participants dined on a gourmet buffet dinner and bid in a silent auction for items such as vacations to California and a private basketball lesson from a Miami Heat coach.

Proceeds from the tournament will help implement safety-related educational programs as well as create kits that offer materials and information about creating safer homes.

]]> Baby Monitors tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/child-safety//32.30645 2006-07-20T19:02:36Z 2006-07-20T19:03:33Z Baby Monitors Overview Types of Baby Monitors Things to Consider When Shopping for the Monitor Safety Tips... phillip babymon.jpg

Baby Monitors Overview

Types of Baby Monitors

Things to Consider When Shopping for the Monitor

Safety Tips

]]> Baby Gates tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/child-safety//32.30646 2006-07-20T19:04:16Z 2006-07-20T19:05:35Z What are Baby Gates? What should I consider when choosing a gate? What other kinds of gates are available? How can I make sure the baby gate is used safely?... phillip babygate.jpg

What are Baby Gates?

What should I consider when choosing a gate?

What other kinds of gates are available?

How can I make sure the baby gate is used safely?

]]> Childproofing your home tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/child-safety//32.30647 2006-07-20T19:06:19Z 2006-07-20T19:07:00Z Introduction to Childproofing General Childproofing for Your Home Childproofing your Bathroom Childproofing your Kitchen... phillip childproofi.jpg

Introduction to Childproofing

General Childproofing for Your Home

Childproofing your Bathroom

Childproofing your Kitchen

]]> Car Seats tag:beginnersguide.com,2006:/child-safety//32.30648 2006-07-20T19:09:15Z 2006-07-20T19:09:50Z Car Seats Overview Car Seat Installation Car Seat Safety Tips Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Car Seat... phillip childcarseat.jpg

Car Seats Overview

Car Seat Installation

Car Seat Safety Tips

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Car Seat

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