Ensuring a Safe Visit

My daughter and her family will be home to visit. Sweet Lily, my 19 month old granddaughter, will be in the house, and I need to get ready.

Besides stocking up on all their favorite foods and new toys for her, I need to babyproof, something I haven't done for a while, so I thought I would share my research and a column I wrote to one of my regular readers who lives by a lake. My pool is a concern, so I included water safety.

"Dear Happy Grandma:

For young children, there’s nothing more exciting than a visit with grandparents. Times of pampering and indulgence, novelty and undivided attention, these moments are often the sweetest remembrances of childhood.

To ensure that all goes well, it’s critical to take precautions, particularly by water—tubs, pools and lakes. Don’t ever leave children unattended. If you must go, even for a moment, so should they. Insist that children always wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life vests not floaties, particularly on boats or along the shoreline where they could be washed away. Always keep rescue equipment (i.e. life preserver or shepherd’s hook) and a telephone near.

Tender skin must be protected in doors and out. In cold weather, dress children in hats (to keep in body heat) and gloves or mittens. Children have less fat to keep them warm. We need to keep them from getting chilled. Put socks on babies in airconditioned rooms and do not leave them uncovered when sleeping. Their temperatures drop at rest.

In hot weather, slather children in sunscreen with at least a 15 SPF several times a day, even when it’s cloudy. Carry a bottle in the car for unexpected stops. Outfit them in brimmed hats and sunglasses. They’ll protect, and ones bought by you will become special souvenirs.

If you take children to a playground, don’t let them wear anything with drawstrings (scarves, necklaces, belts or backpacks), and avoid straps, like on a helmet. Choose an age appropriate playground with soft surfaces like wood chips and shredded rubber, preventing falls on concrete, asphalt and even packed dirt.

Be sure crib railings and shades are in compliance with safety rules to prevent strangulation. You should stop using all Roman shades with inner cords, all roll-up blinds, and all roller blinds that do not have a tension device. You can contact the Window Covering Safety Council at (800) 506-4636 anytime for free repair kits or visit www.windowcoverings.org for more information.

Have children wear protective equipment (wrist guards, knee and elbow pads) when skating or riding a bicycle. Helmets reduce risk of head injury by 85% and are required by law.

Lock-up alcohol, medicine, household cleaning and garden chemicals, matches, lighters, candles and all fire arms. Keep knives, scissors and hot plates out of reach. Put plug guards into sockets, and never leave fires and space heaters unattended.

Move breakables. If you care about something not being damaged, put it out of reach. You don't risk losing it, and you don't risk your grandchild touching broken glass or feeling bad.

Keep a well-stocked, first aid kit and a fire extinguisher handy. Visit www.safekids.org for more tips."

Then have a ball. I can't wait!