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Ask The Safety Guy: Safety Messages for Low-Income Families
Dana | | 
0
Ask The Safety Guy
Linda from Oakland asks: What safety messages should we convey to low income families?
This question was raised while I was presenting to a group of nurses and pediatric residents who work with low income families many of whom reside in sub-standard housing situations. It is relevant and poignant as these families do not have the luxury of purchasing baby-proofing products (not to mention affording a professional service provider to baby-proof their home). For these families in particular, we want to educate and empower them such that they will at a minimum practice safe sleeping, safe bathing and safe transportation with their children.
SAFE SLEEPING
Thanks to a broad educational campaign, most parents are well aware of the importance of placing children (under 1) to sleep on their backs. However, too frequently, a safe sleeping location has not been provided. It is safest for a baby to sleep in a crib on a firm well fitted mattress in a crib that meets the current safety standards. The crib should also be free of decorative bumpers, plush toys, pillows and comforters. Co-sleeping, adjacent to a parent can also be safe, but only when safe practices are followed (e.g. no pillows, no entrapment potential, no soft bedding, no drug use by adults, etc.). Babies should never be placed to sleep on couches, chairs or bean bags. Safe sleeping is something every parent can provide for their baby, regardless of their socioeconomic condition by following these simple practices.
SAFE BATHING
Safe bathing is all about appropriate supervision. It’s not about having the Elmo spout cushion. Constant adult supervision is the key. Bring the phone into the bathroom with you so as to not be tempted to run and get it. Stay in the bathroom until the water is completely drained from the tub, and never rely on an older sibling to supervise a younger one. Several times each year a younger child drowns in the bath tub while bathing with a three or four year old sibling. A three or four year old is only marginally safe themselves not to mention supervising an 18 month old. No bath is better than an unsafe bath, so only give your child one if you can also provide your undivided attention.
SAFE TRANSPORTATION
Proper use of car seats should truly be a given by now. Low income parents can receive free car seats and professional installation from their local Safe Kids Coalition and other agencies. All parents should be trained as to the proper installation and use of their children’s car seats. Again, Safe Kids holds events and has a list of community resources available to help parents of every demographic and location. If you are not certain of the current best practices or of the proper use of your existing car seat(s), please contact Safe Kids today. They are the go to resource for safe transportation practices for our children.
Every child is entitled to at least safe sleeping, bathing and transportation. It is a good reminder to all of us to make sure we are following safe practices and encouraging others to do so as well.
My discussion with the hospital staff evolved to even counseling families to identify the proper crib location so as to be least susceptible to being hit by stray bullets. It is sad that this is reality for some parents. When families have to even consider such an issue, it is understandable why attention to other injury prevention best practices is often overlooked.
For all parents, awareness of the potential hazards that may impact our children is the critical first step. Awareness, when combined with active supervision and safe practices, goes a long way to reducing both the frequency and severity of childhood injuries.
Submit your questions to ms@homesafety.net. Martin Simenc, The Safety Guy, is the President of Home Safety Services, Inc., the Bay Area’s largest and highest rated baby proofing company.
They can be reached at 1-888-388-3811.
The Safety Guy is a registered trademark of Home Safety Services, Inc. Copyright 2009.
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