Crawling and How it Changes Your World
My sweet baby will become WHAT?! Mobile…so soon? Yes, crawling is a delightful new phase for your child, but along with it, comes a well-justified parental fear, producing knots in your stomach immediately following the videotaping of baby’s first trek across the floor. Instinct is to follow baby everywhere. This is a great option if you have a full-time staff of 20 to run your household. If you don’t, then you need to create a kid-safe haven.
Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting, says, “Although most babies begin crawling around the eight- or nine-month marker, some start as early as six months.” Since you don’t know when crawling will begin for your child, don’t procrastinate preparing for baby’s safety.
“Get to your child’s eye level and see the house from their view,” suggests Brad Yost, M.D., of Shawnee Mission Primary Care Prairie View. “You want to move poisonous items to where they can’t be reached.” Safety locks can be helpful in protecting cleaning products and medicines, but don’t forget bath products. Shampoos, conditioners and liquid body wash scents can be enticing to babies. Also, remember to look for small choking hazards. If you have older siblings in the house, their small, intricate toys can be dangerous. Dr. Yost also advises parents “to be careful with power outlets” and place approved outlet protectors in all unused sockets. “Cords hanging from blinds can be dangerous” and should be put up out of reach, and tape down lamp or television cords. Plus, “safety gates need to be used” where necessary.
Becky Jones, Prairie Village mother, says, “One of the most meaningful tips I learned when (our daughter) was first becoming mobile was to create spacious areas where she was free to safely roam. We utilized the great gate systems available on the market and created a couple of large areas in our home where (she) could have free rein.” Also, if you have stairs in your home, gates at the top and bottom are recommended to prevent falls.
Parents of “climbers” may need to tether bookcases, anchor the stove so it won’t tip forward (kit comes with many newer stoves) and lower their child’s crib mattress to the lowest position.
Another safety concern for crawlers is when they put their hands in their mouths after being a human floor mop. If your home was built before 1978, when the lead paint ban was established, your child may be at risk for lead poisoning. Heather McQueen, licensed specialist clinical social worker and Kansas City mom of twins, says, “According to the KCMO Health Department, chipping paint in older homes can create dust that is present on toys and other objects.” She says to “wet wipe the lead paint with an all-purpose cleaner and clean toys frequently to prevent further exposure.” She also advises a follow-up with the child’s medical provider, if lead exposure is suspected. Lead poisoning prevention tips can be found at LeadPrevention.org.
Planning ahead can prevent many accidents, but safety-proofing your home can be intimidating. My suggestion is to start buying the outlet protectors as soon as your mate puts the ring on your finger. It just might take you that long to follow the endless suggestions you will hear!
Stacey Hatton, RN, lives in Overland Park and is thrilled her two toddler girls are no longer crawling.