Helping your child through her accident-prone years – 2

The Rolling and Reaching Age
Between 4 and 6 months, a baby is at the rolling and reaching age which brings problems such as grabbing for things. Your “toys” are more enjoyable that hers, so be careful with hot drinks and breakable objects. Everything she can get to will go into the mouth, including any small articles found on the floor or table. Check that small parts of toys or clothing like buttons cannot be pulled off and swallowed. Babies of this age should never be left alone on high surface because they might roll off.

A New World of Dangers

At 6 months to 1 year, a whole new world opens up to your baby because she is crawling, standing and finally walking. With it comes a new world of dangers. She can crawl to cupboards, so lock away all poisons and medicines. Electrical sockets should be covered with safety socked and all cords, hidden. Plants should be removed because roaming fingers love to dig in the mud and pull off leaves to be eaten. Furniture should be stabilized to prevent accidents when she learns to pull herself up. Heavy objects should not be left on tables and overhanging tablecloths should not be used. She should never be left unharnessed in a high chair or stroller, and safety gates should be placed at the top and bottom of stairs.

A toddler should never be left alone, and all windows, grilles and front doors should always be locked. When cooking, try to keep the toddler in a play pen to avoid kitchen accidents. Pot handles should be turned towards he back, and cords should not hang over counter-tops. All babies need to explore as a means of learning. With your guidance, your baby can do so successfully with minimal risk of accidents.