A new study out recently found that parents are only using safety devices such as bath thermometers and baby gates approximately 25 percent of the time.
In the study, which included 140 parents, it was determined that, on average, pediatricians had only spoken with parents for approximately three minutes about safety regarding items such as window guards, baby gates, bath thermometers, smoke detectors and car seats.
Alarmingly, the leading cause of non-fatal injuries to babies and children is falls. And many of those falls could be prevented by the use of a safety gate on stairways. But many homes do not utilize these devices. Head injuries that can result from these falls can be serious and/or fatal.
And here’s a frightening statistic. Approximately 24,000 children each year are treated in emergency rooms for injuries resulting from steam or hot liquids. As a parent myself, I admit I’ve never used a bath thermometer, but am diligent about checking the temperature of the water several times before submerging my baby. It is recommended that parents use a thermometer and that the temperature of the water not exceed 90 degrees.
10.4 million emergency visits are expected each year in emergency rooms across the United States. As parents we must stay informed and must do what we can to keep our children safe. The next time you take your child to the pediatrician, why not ask them if they can provide you with any literature to help you make informed decisions. Doctors are busy these days, but their primary focus should be on your child during your appointment. Take the opportunity to ask questions. Write them down if you need to. That way, when you get home, you can make sure you know the necessary precautions you need to take to keep your baby safe.