Over the past few years I have seen many of my friends become parents and bring beautiful babies into the world. As a mark of friendship, I have been given the title of “honorary aunt” to their children. All of these babies have touched my heart, but none of them have brought me the same amount of joy as when I actually became an aunt. Eight months ago, my little nephew came into the world, and I can honestly say that my life hasn’t been the same. The feelings of love that I have for him are unlike anything I have ever experienced before.
When I am around him all my maternal instincts kick in, and things in my everyday environment look completely different. Electrical outlets are not just for plugs; they are potential holes for little fingers to poke. Table corners are no longer just a finishing on a piece of furniture; they are potential dangers for head bumps and tears. Stoves, toilet bowls, and window blinds- to name a few – take on a whole new meaning when it comes to child safety.
On April 5th I attended Safe Kids Day Los Angeles presented by Children’s TYLENOL ® (a Johnson & Johnson brand), an educational play date that raised funds and awareness for preventable childhood injuries. The day was the perfect place to learn valuable safety tips that will benefit me, my family and most importantly, my little nephew.
Top 5 Safety Tips of the Day:
Tip #1: Use the Back Burner and Oven Mitts
Kids love to reach, so to prevent hot food or liquid spills, simply use the back burner of your stove and turn pot handles away from the edge. Use oven mitts or potholders, and keep hot foods away from the edge of your counters. Be careful if your oven mitt is wet; when combined with heat, the moisture can cause scalds. Slowly open containers that have been in the microwave, as steam can burn little fingers and faces.
Tip #2: Watch Out For Small Electronics and Tiny Batteries
Little kids love to explore, and when they find something new, what’s the first thing they do? Put it in their mouths. Electronic devices are getting smaller, slimmer and sleeker. There are mini remote controls, small calculators, watches, key fobs, flameless candles and musical greeting cards. Kids love to pick them up, play with them and take them apart, often exposing dangerous button batteries inside.
Tip #3: Always Check Water Temperature
The water heater is the last thing on the minds of busy parents. But a small adjustment can give you one less thing to worry about. To prevent accidental scalding, set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or the manufacturer’s recommended setting. Consider installing anti-scald devices in water faucets and showerheads to avoid potential burns. Check the water with your wrist or elbow before giving your baby a bath.
Tip #4: Blow Out Candles and Store Matches out of Reach
Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, and always blow them out when you leave the room or before you go to sleep. Make a habit of placing matches, gasoline and lighters in a safe place, out of children’s reach. Avoid novelty lighters or lighters that look like toys. Teach kids never to play with matches, lighters or fireworks.
Tip #5: Childproof Your Electrical Outlets and Appliances
Keep appliance cords out of children’s reach, especially if the appliances produce a lot of heat. Cover electrical outlets so that children are unable to insert metal objects, such as forks or keys. Keep an eye on appliances such as irons, curling irons or hair dryers that can heat up quickly or stay warm after use. Unplug these items after you’re done.
As my nephew gets bigger and goes from crawling, to walking, to running and playing, these safety tips will continue to play an important role in our lives. When you love a child, like I love my nephew, keeping them safe and sound is one of the key ingredients to giving them the opportunity to live and grow.
To learn more valuable safety tips, go to www.safekids.org.
Kierstin Ferrante is a project manager working global strategic partnerships and digital content that supports this work. She became a part of the Johnson & Johnson family as a graduate fellow 4 years ago. She was then brought on as a Corporate Communication Specialist before transitioning to Corporate Equity. Her projects include Global Motherhood, a partnership vertical on the Huffington Post, as well as various projects supporting partners like Save the Children and the United Nations Foundation. Kierstin lives in Somerville, New Jersey and is inspired by family, food and fitness.