How to Create an Emergency Kit for Your Home

You never know when an emergency will happen, which is why you should always be ready for one if the situation does arise. To make sure you’re prepared for whatever may come, take the time to create an emergency kit for your home and make sure every member of your family and your nanny know where it is and what’s inside.  Also make sure everyone knows and understands the emergency procedures for a disaster. This kind of preparation can save you seconds or minutes in a life-threatening situation.

Learn about your local emergency warning systems. Your local emergency management office, civil defense office, or Red Cross chapter can give you detailed information about your area’s early warning systems. Know where to get up-to-date information about natural disasters like tornados, hurricanes, and flooding. To make sure you don’t miss a critical announcement, purchase a self-powered weather alert radio that can be set to your location and warn you of a weather emergency. 

Stock up on supplies for a power outage. Short power outages are inconvenient, but long outages can be a danger to your family’s health and safety. Make sure you have self-powered flashlights and lanterns, an emergency radio, and plenty of batteries for book lights, portable DVD players, and handheld games.  Stock up on non-perishable food like canned meats, tuna, soups, fruits, and vegetables, plus boxed food like crackers, goldfish, and other kid-friendly snacks. Make sure you have a hand-held can opener on hand too. Have plenty of water available for each person in your family. If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, stock enough wood to keep a fire going for a few days. In winter, this may be your only way to keep the chill away.

Create a fire escape plan. This can be a family project. Using graph paper create a map of each floor of your home, including all possible emergency exits, like windows and doors. Map out one, and two if possible, escape routes from each room. If you have a second story, include routes that use lower story roofs and home emergency window ladders. Choose a place far from the house to meet as a family once each person escapes the house. Make sure there’s a clear landmark like a street sign or large tree to avoid frightened or panicked family members becoming disorientated. Decide in advance who will help younger children out of the house. Practice getting out of the house and meeting at the family meeting spot with your children at least twice a year. This can be a fun family activity. Have everyone start in bed blindfolded to simulate a smoky, nighttime fire. Practice staying low to the ground or crawling, covering your mouth with a cloth, and checking doors to see if they’re cool to the touch and safe to open. Once you get outside, remove the blindfold and head to the meeting spot. Time the escape from start to finish to ensure your family can make it out in a reasonable amount of time.

Choose an emergency meeting place in case of evacuation. Chances are your family members will be in separate locations when disaster hits. If your neighborhood is unsafe or has been evacuated, choose a place to meet. It should be accessible by every member of the family, in a safe area (e.g. out of the flood zone), and not in an area that gets congested during an evacuation. Each family member or caregiver should have a map with the designated location and alternative routes to get there clearly marked.

Know who to contact in case of an emergency. Often during an emergency, local phone lines are down and cell towers are overloaded, making it impossible to connect with family members or caregivers who are not with you. Designate a first and second contact person, that way if a family member isn’t able to make it to the meeting point they can get a message to the rest of the family through the contact person. Choose people far outside the local area who would likely be unaffected by the disaster.

Don’t forget your pets. Include your dog or cat in your emergency plan. Designate one person to be in charge of crating and carrying the animals in an emergency evacuation, and if your pet sleeps in a crate, releasing him in case of fire.

Fires, natural disasters, and other emergencies can be scary, especially for children. Developing a smart plan of action, practicing the plan, knowing who is responsible for doing what, and having the right supplies on hand can not only give you peace of mind, it can also be the difference between handling an emergency and a experiencing family tragedy.

P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Jeralyn Nelson. I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

 http://www.housesittingjobs.com/blog/how-to-create-an-emergency-kit-for-your-home/

How to Make Your Own Baby Wipes

Baby wipes have long been hailed as a godsend for parents, and many parents use them for far more than just their intended purpose. In addition to being used to clean up messy babies during a much-need diaper change, lots of parents swear by using them to wipe up messes, act as a mini-shower, and serve as tissues, paper towels, and napkins. However have you ever taken the time to look at the ingredients listed on your baby wipes packaging?  Are the ingredients listed full of words that you can’t pronounce?  Babies have sensitive skin, and the harsh ingredients in commercial wipes can irritate a baby’s soft bottom, not to mention while wipes are super convenient, they can also get pretty expensive. By making your own baby wipes you will not only save money, but you can use gentle ingredients that won’t harm or irritate your baby’s delicate skin.

Gather together the following items:

• 4 qt. round or square container with a lid (wide enough for paper towel roll to fit in and tall enough for ½ of the roll to fit)
• Roll of 2-ply paper towel (Bounty select-a-size work well)
• 2 tablespoons of baby wash
• 2 tablespoons of mineral oil (use coconut oil or vegetable oil if sensitive skin)
• 2 ½ cups of hot water
• Cutting board
• Knife

Start by cutting the roll of paper towel in half using the knife.  Pull the cardboard core out of the paper towel halves.  The last paper towel is usually glued on, but with a little work you can get it to come loose.  Place half of the paper towels into the container, cut side down.  Measure the hot water, add the baby wash and oil to the water, and stir.  Pour this mixture over the paper towels.  Put the lid on and turn the container upside down.  Allow the container to sit for about 5 minutes.  Flip container back over and now the wipes are ready to use.  Cut an “X” in the lid of the container if you’d like to pull the wipes through.  Otherwise you can just take the lid off each time.  Start pulling wipes from the center.

Since there are no preservatives in these wipes there is a chance for mold to form.  To avoid this keep them in a cool place that is out of direct sunlight.  If you are worried about mold you can add 4 drops of tea tree oil to the water before adding it to the paper towels.  Tea tree is a natural antiseptic and will help to prevent any mold from forming.

You can also customize these wipes to suit you and your baby’s needs.  It’s simple to add a few drops of lavender essential oil if you’d like to have scented wipes.  Lavender also has antiseptic properties.

Homemade wipes can also be used in your travel wipes container, or you can simply throw some in a zip top bag and go.

The savings on these wipes will vary by where you live, but on average you can save about $10 a month by making your own wipes.  Homemade wipes tend to be moister then store bought ones, so some parents think they work better as well. If the wipes seem too wet for your liking just decrease the amount of water you use the next time you make them.

 P. S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Kaitlyn Johnson   I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

 http://www.newborncare.com/blog/how-to-make-your-own-baby-wipes/

Kitchen Safety Tips for Nannies

Few areas in the home are as full of sharp objects, heat sources, slippery floors, and dangerous chemicals as the kitchen. Even kitchens that have childproofing measures installed can be very dangerous, and nannies should take special care to supervise their charges while in the kitchen and reduce the risk of injury to her charges or herself by taking the proper precautions.

• Keep Surfaces and Utensils Clean – Food-borne illnesses like salmonella and E. coli can be very serious, especially for young children. To prevent transmitting these diseases to your charges or yourself, be sure that you adhere to safe food handling practices and keep all of your surfaces and utensils clean. Uncooked meats and eggs are especially notorious for causing food-borne illness, so handle them with additional care.
• Enforce Hand Washing Rules – It’s just as important to be sure that everyone washes their hands as it is keep surfaces and utensils clean; even small children that won’t be handling food should be instructed to wash their hands thoroughly, both as a preventative measure in case they do touch food items and to help them learn good kitchen hygiene early.
• Turn Handles to the Back of the Stove – The handles of pots and pans should always be turned to the back of the stove to prevent them from being pulled from the scorching surface by small hands or from being accidentally spilled on your own part. Burns can be very serious, especially on the delicate skin of small children, so never leave handles turned in such a way that they can be grabbed by kids or jostled by your own arms and hands.
• Supervise Kids Closely – Children love to help out in the kitchen, and they shouldn’t be left to bask in the glow of the television while you prepare meals. Instead of exiling children to the living room and leaving them to their own devices, invite them into the kitchen but be sure to supervise them very carefully.
• Explain Tools and Their Purposes – Tools, implements, and utensils that kids aren’t allowed to examine take on a mysterious allure, so be sure to carefully explain what each item is, what it’s used for, and how it can be dangerous.
• Get Kids Involved – When children are engaged in safe kitchen activities they’re less likely to be drawn to unsafe ones while you’re otherwise occupied. Let your charges complete small, safe food prep tasks as you cook; in addition to keeping them safely entertained, it also gives them a sense of accomplishment and teaches new skills.
• Avoid Scalds – The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents turn water heater temperatures to 120° or less to avoid accidental scalds, which are the most common type of burn seen in small children that visit emergency rooms. However, some parents may have missed the memo; to be safe, assume that your employers have not adjusted their water heaters and teach kids to be very, very careful with the sink.
• Outlaw Running and Horseplay – Let it be known before you enter the kitchen together for the first time that horseplay, running, or roughhousing of any kind is strictly forbidden, and take a no-tolerance stance on the issue. There are too many potential hazards in the kitchen for kids to treat it like a playground.
• Keep Small Appliances Clear of the Sink – Small appliances that can easily drop into a sink full of water should be handled carefully, and unplugged immediately after use to prevent electrocution.
• No Climbing! – Kids are usually taught not to climb onto shelves or counters in order to reach items placed on high surfaces, so it’s important for you to model the same behavior. If climbing is unavoidable, be sure to use a designated step stool and do so safely, rather than clambering onto a kitchen chair or the countertop.
• Keep Kids Clear of the Oven – Curiosity is a major motivator for kids, especially if there are tasty treats in the oven. Watching cookies go from gooey batter to delicious snacks is fascinating for little ones, who may want to peek into the oven from time to time. Be sure that they know not to ever open the oven themselves, and to stand well clear of the searing heat when you open it for them.

All of the safety precautions in the world can’t take the place of strict supervision, so do your best to maintain a close watch on your charges as they spend time with you in the kitchen. Also, ensure that there is a small fire extinguisher on hand before preparing a meal in your employers’ home, just to be on the safe side.
 P. .S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Anne Laurie . I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission


 http://www.gonannies.com/blog/2012/kitchen-safety-tips-for-nannies/

How to Childproof the Bathroom

In 2002 the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission released statistical data showing that approximately 115 children each year, on average, drown as a result of hazards in the home. These deaths are unrelated to what’s considered the most major drowning hazard for small children, swimming pools; between 1996 and 1999, the Consumer Product Safety Commission received 459 reports of children drowning in bathtubs, spas, hot tubs, buckets and toilets. Taking the prevalence of water in bathrooms, and the presence of other serious hazards, it’s essential that parents take steps to childproof their bathrooms.

• Install Toilet Lid Locks – Babies that are learning to pull themselves up with the aid of surrounding low surfaces and toddlers that are just beginning to walk are both a bit top-heavy, making it easy for them to tumble forward when they look down. When that stable surface is a toilet, and the water inside the bowl captures a little one’s attention, they can pitch forward and drown in the water before an adult is any wiser. Even if your little one doesn’t drown, he could contract any one of a handful of messy illnesses from the bacteria living in the water, so it’s best to install a toilet lid lock; for the record, adults can operate most models very easily.
• Spring For Cabinet Latches – Latches designed to keep kids from accessing the contents of cabinets are effective against little ones, but not so impossible to operate that adults are stymied. These relatively cheap and effective measures can be installed easily, and provide parents with an extra measure of peace of mind.
• Move Sharp Objects and Chemicals Upwards – While cabinet locks are a great way to deter babies and small children from rummaging in the bathroom cabinets, they’re not infallible. As with any other childproofing installations, they should be backed up with common-sense approaches like moving sharp objects, cleaning fluids, and other dangerous items upwards and out of the reach of questing little hands.
• Keep Styling Appliances and Other Electrical Items Out of Reach – Hairdryers, curling irons and other electrical items can be dangerous on more than one level; in addition to the electrocution risk that they can present if dropped into standing water, many also generate enough heat to severely burn kids’ delicate skin.
• Treat Medications Like Poison – Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can be lethal to children, who may confuse the brightly colored pills for candy and accidentally overdose. In order to prevent such tragedies, parents should treat all medications as the potentially poisonous substances that they are, securing them in a container that’s kept well out of kids’ reach.
• Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature Settings – The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that hot water heater temperature settings be kept at or below 120° to prevent painful and potentially severe scalds. Should a child manage to access the bathroom and turn on the hot water, the likelihood of him being injured is greatly reduced if the water heater settings are at the appropriate level.
• Install Non-Skid Pads in Bathtubs – Even adults can sustain nasty injuries from falls stemming from the combination of slippery bathtub surfaces and water. Because small children are considerably less steady on their feet, it’s wise to apply non-skid pads or appliques to the floor of tubs and showers.
• Hook and Eye Locks On the Outside of Bathroom Doors – Because bathrooms can be among the trickiest rooms in the home to completely secure, a hook and eye lock installed well out of kids’ reach on the outside of the door can be a smart supplemental security move. By ensuring that kids never access the bathroom without the help of an adult, parents can almost eliminate the possibility of an unsupervised child sustaining either a minor or major injury as a result of dangers in the bathroom.

While safety measures and childproofing methods are an essential part of helping to keep your children safe in their home, there is absolutely no substitute for supervision. Never leave a child unattended in the bathroom, especially in the bathtub, for any length of time whatsoever. A young child can drown in the bathtub in the blink of an eye, so be sure to take him out of the tub and carry him with you if the telephone or doorbell rings.
 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Lynda Albertson.  I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

 http://www.nannybabysitter.com/blog/how-to-childproof-the-bathroom/

30 Blogs for Creating a Safe Sleep Environment

New parents like to think of their baby’s nursery as her safe haven, and that her sleep will always be peaceful and free from danger. This is, however, not always the case. While sleeping might seem like a risk-free activity for a baby, the truth is that there are some factors that parents and caregivers must take into consideration in order to protect the safety and well-being of the precious little one in their care.
The internet is home to what seems like an endless stream of blogs, many of which are dedicated solely to parenting and childcare topics. These blogs can be a treasure trove of valuable information on sleep safety; here are 30 that feature sleep safety and related posts very prominently.
Crib Safety
During the first few months of her life, your baby will spend a significant portion of her time sleeping in her crib. Because this small space makes up so much of her world during this period, it’s important that you educate yourself as thoroughly as possible on how to keep it safe and secure for her.

1. New Crib Safety Standards
2. Baby Crib Safety: Frequently Asked Questions
3. Choosing a Crib: Crib Safety 101
4. New Crib Safety Guidelines: What Parents Need to Know
5. Choosing a Safe Modern Crib

SIDS
Few things are as terrifying to a parent as the idea of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. While the exact cause of SIDS is still unknown, the number of unexplained infant deaths has dropped considerably since 1992, when the American Academy of Pediatrics released findings that babies who sleep on their backs tend to be at a lower risk than infants who regularly sleep on their stomachs.

1. Preventing SIDS
2. How to Prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and Avoid the Development of Flat Head Syndrome
3. How to Prevent SIDS
4. 10 Tips for Preventing SIDS
5. Preventing SIDS Requires More Than Putting Them Back-to-Sleep

Pacifier Use
For such a small piece of rubber and plastic, pacifiers sure have been known to drum up a lot of controversy. Parents and caregivers who find the devices to be valuable comfort objects sing their praises, while others swear that they affect the formation of a baby’s mouth and increase her risk of needing expensive orthodontia as she gets older. Recently, however, studies linking pacifier use to safer sleep and a reduced risk of SIDS have brought the binky back to the forefront of parenting debates.

1. The Great Pacifier Debate
2. Pacifiers Protect Against SIDS, But What About Breastfeeding?
3. Pacifier Use and SIDS
4. What’s Wrong with Pacifiers?
5. Should You Use a Pacifier? The Pros and Cons of Pacifiers

Nursery Safety
The safety of your little one’s nursery can affect not only how safe she is when she sleeps, but also how safe she’ll be as she gets older and spends more alert time in her room. Creating a secure environment for your new baby to grow and learn is a popular topic for bloggers; these posts cover the spectrum of opinion and personal experiences.

1. Tips For Choosing Safe Paints For a Nursery
2. A Checklist For Creating a Safe Nursery
3. How to Create a Safe & Non-toxic Nursery for Your Baby
4. Rest Easy, Baby: The Secrets of a Safe Nursery
5. Creating a Safe Nursery for Baby

Sleep Routine
Establishing a safe sleeping routine for your baby requires that you make sure that how and where she sleeps are both in accordance with safety guidelines, regardless of what time it is or how much sleep you’ve missed out on.

1. Baby Sleep Basics
2. How Room-Sharing Affects Your Baby’s Sleep
3. Getting Baby on a Sleep Schedule
4. Bedtime Routines: The Key to Sound Baby Sleep!
5. Safer Sleep for Babies: New Guidelines

Bedding and Bumpers
Despite the American Academy of Pediatrics’ strong stance on soft bedding, plush toys, and crib bumpers, some parents insist on using these items for their baby’s comfort. Crib bumpers, in particular, have been banned by the city of Chicago, but are fiercely defended by parents who feel that they protect a baby’s head from injury.

1. Baby Bedding and Safety
2. Bumping Bumpers?
3. New AAP Safe Sleep Guidelines: Bid Bye Bye to Crib Bumpers
4. Chicago’s Crib Bumper Ban — and What to Do with Your Bumpers
5. Crib Bumpers — Yay or Nay?

While the web can be a vast sea of useful and accurate information, no blog post replaces the professional opinion of your pediatrician or family doctor. Be sure to consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your child’s routine in order to ensure that all advice you’ve received is accurate and medically sound.
 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Sara Dawkins  I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

 http://www.nannypro.com/blog/30-blogs-for-creating-a-safe-sleep-environment/

10 Things to Consider When Traveling Internationally with Your Charges

For many nannies, traveling internationally is a regular part of their job duties. Often times, due to scheduling conflicts or out of convenience, a nanny and her charge will travel separately from the child’s parents. While doing so can be an exciting adventure, it also requires careful planning and preparation. If you’ll be traveling internationally with your charge, here are 10 things to consider.
1. Passports. Be sure that both you and your charge’s passports are current. You’ll want to be sure that your return travel dates are well within your passports’ expiration dates. It’s also a good idea to make a photocopy of your passports and take them with you in your travel bag. Upon arrival to your destination, store them in a safe or secure area. If your passport was to get stolen, having a copy would make it easier to replace.
2. Visas. Before travelling internationally you’ll want to be sure that the necessary visas are secured for you and your charge. Even if you are told you don’t need a visa, you’ll want to confirm this information for yourself, as the rules are constantly changing.
3. Get a notarized consent form. When traveling internationally with your charge, you’ll want to have written consent to do so. Be sure your employers draft a letter giving you permission to travel abroad with their child and that the letter is notarized.
4. Get a notarized medical authorization form. It’s always a good idea for a nanny to have a notarized written medical authorization form so that her charge can receive medical treatment should the parents be unreachable.
5. Medical power of attorney. For families who want to be sure that their child will be able to receive any medical treatment necessary and know that they may be largely unreachable, giving their nanny a medical power of attorney may make sense.
6. Expenses. When travelling with your charge you want to be sure you have the financial resources available should there be a kink in your travel plans. A family credit card with your name on it, cash on hand, and cash in the currency used in your final destination can make covering unanticipated expenses easier.
7. Check connections. Entering customs and immigration can take a long time when you are traveling alone, never mind when traveling with a child. Make sure that you’ll have enough time to travel through customs and immigration between flights, if necessary.
8. Medication information. If your charge is prescribed prescription medication or formula you’ll want to travel with the medication or formula in the original containers. Having a doctor’s note outlining any health concerns or prescribed medications can also be helpful should you be questioned about the medications at your entry point or should your charge become ill while abroad.
9. Reserve seats. Sometimes it costs extra to reserve airlines seats, but if you’re traveling with a non-lap baby, doing so is essential so that you can ensure you are seated together.  For extra room consider reserving bulkhead seats.
10. Use a neck pouch. Consider wearing a neck pouch that is concealed underneath your shirt. Putting your travel documents, money, and important documentation in this pouch can make accessing it and keeping track of it easier.
Traveling internationally can be a rewarding experience, but when traveling with children it’s vital to be prepared for the worst case scenario. Consider how you’ll handle delays, cancellations, and other bumps that may present themselves during your journey together.
 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by  Debbie Denard. I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:


http://www.nanny.net/blog/10-things-to-consider-when-traveling-internationally-with-your-charges/

Steps Nannies Can Take To Prevent Common Childhood Injuries

• Help Kids Learn Safe Behavior –
•    While it is your job to help keep your charges safe, it’s also partially your responsibility to help them learn to make safe choices for themselves. It’s virtually impossible to be on guard and watching more than one child every moment of the day; for those times when your charges are playing around the corner or in the next room, it’s imperative that they have a working idea of how to keep themselves safe and avoid danger.
• Model Safe Habits – Children learn by playing, exploring, and asking questions; they also learn a surprising amount of their habits and behavior by mimicking the behavior of the adults in their lives. As such, it’s important that you make an effort to always model safe habits. Rather than taking a “do as I say, not as I do” approach to childcare, you should lead through example, helping your charges learn to behave safely by seeing such behavior in action.
• Practice Safe Car Behavior – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that car accidents are the leading cause of death for kids between the ages of three and 14. While not all accidents result in such dire circumstances, it’s absolutely necessary for kids and their nannies to adhere to the basic rules of road safety, including proper restraints, keeping kids in the back seat, and minimizing distractions so that adults can drive as safely as possible.
• Supervise, Supervise, Supervise! – Whether it’s in the swimming pool in summer time or the bathtub in winter, drowning is a leading cause of death and injury among children. Any time your charges will be in or around water they must be supervised vigilantly the entire time. When there’s no water in sight it’s still not wise to lower your guard too far; an inquisitive and adventurous child can find themselves in risky, potentially dangerous situations much faster than most caregivers realize. Even experienced nannies can have injuries on their watch, so stay attentive and avoid as many distractions as you can while on duty.
• Eliminate as Many Hazards as Possible – Some parents childproof their homes the moment they get a positive result on a pregnancy test; others may take a more relaxed approach and opt not to install an array of devices and gadgets to keep little fingers from questing into unsafe territory. If your employers fall into the latter category you’ll have to be extra-vigilant in your supervision and eliminate as many of the potential hazards in a room as possible. Even in homes that are childproofed to the hilt, you should make sure that you keep an eye out for danger, and make sure that you’re not creating hazards through your own behavior. Keep the handles of pots and pans turned inward, spills wiped up to prevent slippery spots on the floor and dangerous chemicals under lock and key.
• Insist on Safety Equipment – Getting an elementary or tween-aged charge to wear a bicycle helmet alone can be a battle; convincing them to go whole-hog with the elbow and knee pads, wrist guards and other safety equipment can be near impossible. Though insisting on these safety measures might not make you the most popular nanny on the block amongst the kids you care for, it will keep them safe from major injury when they take the inevitable spill on their bike or skateboard.
• Prepare Food in a Kid-Safe Manner – Healthline states that approximately 17,000 children are treated for choking and related injuries annually in the United States, and that more than 80% of those episodes occur in children under the age of four. In addition to helping little ones learn to chew thoroughly, take small bites, and eat slowly, nannies should also be sure to prepare food in such a way that there is less of a choking hazard in the first place. Hot dogs should be cut both width-wise and lengthwise, rather than served in small, round slices that can easily block a child’s airway, for instance.

In addition to taking the proper precautions to prevent common injury, nannies should also make a habit of checking for product recalls to ensure that toys and other items marketed for use by children are in proper working order and as safe as possible. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is the single most reliable source of recall information, which can be found on their website.

P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Nancy Parker,  I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

http://www.enannysource.com/blog/index.php/2012/08/13/steps-nannies-can-take-to-prevent-common-childhood-injuries/

Should I Let My Nanny Drive My Kids Around?

When it comes to having someone else transport their children from place to place in a vehicle, many parents have justifiable apprehensions. But as is the case with many personal decisions, when it comes to allowing your nanny to transport your children, there isn’t one answer that’s right for everyone.
As with most every choice, there will be pros and cons to your decision. When you allow your nanny to transport your children around it opens up the door to a new level of customized, personalized, and individualized childcare. Nannies who are allowed to transport their charges can embark on a variety of age-appropriate outings that they may not otherwise be able to venture on. These include trips to the library, local museums, zoo, parks, and friend’s homes for play dates. When parents allow their nanny to transport their children, it also opens the possibility for their children to partake in other rich social experiences, such as attending ‘mommy and me’ type classes or playgroups. Nannies who can transport the children can also take their charges to doctor and dentist appointments, preschool classes, or to any other necessary appointments that otherwise would pose a scheduling conflict for the child’s parents.
However, granting transportation rights also may have some downsides. For parents who worry about their children’s safety, their worry may outweigh any potential benefits of their children leaving their home in a vehicle driven by their nanny. Parents may worry that their nanny will abuse the transportation privilege and embark on errand running or other unapproved outings. For some parents, worry about giving over control of where their child goes and when to their nanny is a real concern.
Before making your decision on if you’ll allow your nanny to transport the children, consider these 5 factors:
Driving record and experience. Part of your nanny’s pre-employment screening should have included a driving record check. If you didn’t do one prior to hiring, now is the time to conduct one. Reviewing a copy of your nanny’s driving record will provide information on driving patterns, citations, and violations. But, as you know, the record will only include instances of bad driving if your nanny was caught. Taking your nanny for your own test drive or two can help give you a sense of her driving style. Inquiring to past nanny employers about your nanny’s experience in transporting her charges could also provide helpful insight.
Car seat and passenger safety knowledge. Chances are, if your nanny pointed out that your car seats were installed incorrectly (which up to 90% or more are), she’s concerned and knowledgeable about child passenger and car seat safety. Other indicators would include if she suggests you have your seats checked by a child passenger safety technician or if she is a safety technician herself, points out any aftermarket car seat products you have and suggested that they not be used, and asks if you have the children’s emergency contact information affixed to their car seats.
Insurance. When anyone is transporting your children you’ll want to be sure that they have proof of the proper insurance. If your nanny would be using your vehicle to transport the children, you’ll also want to make sure she is added as an additional insured driver. If she’ll be using her own vehicle, you’ll want to ensure that her coverage allows for transporting children as part of her job duties. Whether your nanny would be driving your vehicle or hers, it’s important to make sure that it’s safe for transporting the children.
Boundaries. For some parents, allowing their nanny to transport their children is not a black and white issue. For example, in some instances driving back roads to the library may be acceptable, but driving on the highway to the zoo is not. Some parents won’t want their nanny doing any personal errands, and others will gladly allow their child to accompany their nanny to the bank or post office, where they can experience and learn about waiting in line, how the bank or post office works, and what the workers there do. Some parents may prefer that their nanny calls upon leaving home and arriving at her destination, while others view that as an added stress and prefer the nanny to just call if assistance is needed.  Establishing boundaries that fit your family and clearly communicating them to the nanny can ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to transporting the kids.
Your comfort level. Above all else, your comfort level must be considered as you contemplate allowing your nanny to drive your children. Evaluating your level of trust for your nanny, your realistic versus perceived fears, and how much discomfort you’re willing to endure if it means your children having the opportunities you want them to have will help guide you in your decision making.
When hiring a nanny, it’s essential to discuss the possibility of her driving the children during the interview. Many nannies expect that they’ll be allowed to transport the children, especially if they work outside the realms of public transportation. If your nanny has that expectation and it wasn’t uncovered prior to the nanny’s start date, it could be problematic. Few seasoned and professional nannies are willing to take on a position that requires them to stay in the home all of the time. If you’re against your nanny transporting the children, hiring a nanny without a license may be your best bet, as a nanny who doesn’t drive won’t have any interest in transporting your children.
  P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Lindsay Samuels. I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

http://www.nannybackgroundcheck.com/blog/should-i-let-my-nanny-drive-my-kids-around/

Baby Crib Safety: Before and After You Buy

For many expecting parents, visions of pastel, color-coordinated nurseries dance alongside mounds of fluffy pillows and luxurious baby bedding. Unfortunately, these bedding sets are almost always more stylish than safe, and in some cases they can be downright dangerous. There are some guidelines that new parents should adhere to when choosing a crib and bedding for their upcoming bundle of joy, making sure that certain requirements are met and dangers avoided before Baby’s first slumber in her new nursery.

• Avoid SIDS by Eschewing Soft Bedding – The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that new parents eschew all crib bedding apart from a fitted sheet for the first twelve months of their baby’s life. Opting for wearable blankets rather than loose blankets and placing babies on their backs to sleep with no pillows or plush toys can prevent the risk of suffocation. If you do choose to use a blanket in your infant’s crib, the Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests positioning your baby so that her feet are touching the bottom rails of her crib, tucking the blanket in at the bottom and sides of the mattress, and only pulling the blanket up to her chest. Keep in mind that babies can overheat much more easily than adults, and you should use only lightweight blankets to ensure that she stays warm.
• Make Sure Your Mattress Fits Tightly in the Crib – Your baby’s crib mattress should be firm, not soft, to help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and suffocation. It should also fit tightly into the crib to prevent suffocation or entrapment between the mattress and the crib’s sides. Ideally, you should be able to fit no more than two fingers between the side of the mattress and the frame of the crib. The surface of the mattress shouldn’t conform to an adult hand when pressed into the mattress, and it should snap back into place as soon as the hand is removed.
• Forgo the Antiques – The ornate, antique crib used by three generations of your family might be a beautiful piece of furniture, and every child that used it may have survived their infancy, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a safe choice. In addition to the unlikelihood of slats and bars being properly spaced on very old cribs, they may also feature drop sides, which have been banned, and even a layer or two of lead-based paint. Let good sense trump sentimentality, and choose a new crib that adheres to modern safety standards.
• If You Do Choose Decorative Bedding, Play it Smart – If you simply can’t bear the idea of skipping the magazine layout-worthy crib bedding to show off Baby’s nursery to the fullest, be smart about your decision and make sure that the fitted sheet is snug, thin, and breathable. When it’s time to put your baby down, be sure to pull every pillow, stuffed toy, comforter and any other soft objects out of the crib first. Parents determined to have a nursery ready for photographs as well as a lowered risk of their baby suffering from SIDS, suffocation, or injury are forced to compromise in just such a manner, but can have the best of both worlds by playing it safe and smart.
• Do Your Homework About Crib Bumpers – The city of Chicago has banned the sale of crib bumpers altogether, with advocacy groups across the country crying out for similar bans on a national level. Parents are largely divided into two camps these days: pro-bumper and anti-bumper. If you fall into the former, be sure to research the subject thoroughly and apprise yourself of all the risks before tying those bumpers onto Baby’s crib; namely, the risk of suffocation and the impediment of air flow in the crucial area at your baby’s face level on all four sides of her crib. Also, don’t be fooled into thinking that bumpers are safe once the threat of SIDS has largely passed; older babies and young toddlers have been known to use bumpers as a means of climbing out of their cribs, leading to messy falls and giving them access to dangerous situations. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have given crib bumpers a thumbs-down, so it might be wise to think twice before springing for those adorable but potentially-deadly accessories.
• Do a Recall Check – Before purchasing nursery furniture or bedding, make sure that you check for any recalls; repeat these checks regularly after you’ve made your purchase as well to ensure that safety hazards haven’t been discovered since the last time you looked. The Consumer Product Safety Commission website is a great resource for recall information.

In addition to making sure that you’ve chosen furniture and bedding that adhere to the standards set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Juvenile Product Manufactures Association, parents should also take care to place cribs away from windows, and to secure blind cords and curtain ties to prevent strangulation.

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Kaitlyn Johnson. I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:


 http://www.newborncare.com/blog/baby-crib-safety-before-and-after-you-buy/

How to Childproof the Kitchen

Bringing a new baby home from the hospital is an eye-opening experience for first-time parents’, showing them a new world of lurking dangers that went entirely unseen while the house was inhabited solely by adults. Knowing that your tiny bundle of joy will be crawling, and then walking, is what makes the chore of childproofing seem like a fairly urgent one. The truth is, there’s no time too early to childproof, even if your newborn is still learning to focus their eyes; kids grow up quickly, and it’s better to be well-prepared in advance than have the need for childproofing measures present themselves after your pride and joy has already had a mishap.

• Place Safety Gates at Entrances – Whenever feasible, it’s best to keep babies out of the kitchen altogether. This holds especially true for times when you’re not in the kitchen to supervise, and placing baby safety gates at all entrances keeps a crawling baby or shambling toddler from slipping into this household danger zone without the knowledge of an adult.
• Install Cabinet Locks – Aside from the dangerous substances, utensils, and other items that are often stored in lower cabinets, there is also a very real risk of injured hands and fingers. Should tiny digits be smashed by a cabinet door they could very easily be injured more severely than you might imagine; to prevent this and accidental poisoning by household chemicals, install a set of cabinet locks on all lower cabinet doors.
• Consider a Drawer Guide System – Toddlers are usually just tall enough to open a drawer and close it again, though they may not have enough height to peek inside at the contents. Still, drawers can slam on small fingers too, inflicting painful damage to their fragile fingers. Installing a drawer guide system designed to insure that drawers close softly and smoothly every time might help to reduce this risk.
• Invest in Electrical Outlet Plates – The small, translucent plastic outlet covers that most adults remember from their own childhoods are still commercially available; they do, however, present a choking hazard and can also be quickly figured out by observant toddlers. Kids learn by mimicking adults, so it won’t take too many instances of watching you remove an outlet cover before using it for your child to grasp the concept. Since small outlet covers may not be ideal, it might be wise to consider full outlet plates that cover both sockets and immediately slide back into place after use.
• Install an Oven Lock – Ovens can be purchased with a factory installed lock, but if your oven doesn’t have one you can purchase after-market varieties that can be installed on your existing oven as well. This will prevent curious little hands from landing themselves in the emergency room with severe burns. They’re not always the most attractive feature in a kitchen, but sacrificing style in the interest of your baby’s safety is perennially en vogue.
• Move Cleaners and Other Chemicals to Higher Ground – Installing cabinet locks is a wise idea because they can keep kids from pinching their fingers or accessing dangerous items inside. However, parents can’t rely solely upon a cabinet lock to keep determined pint-sized investigators out, so it’s advised that all cleaning fluids and other potentially harmful chemicals be moved to upper cabinets, way out of kids’ reach
• Stow Away the Garbage Can – While a rational adult would assume that the off-putting odor of a garbage can would be repellent enough on its own, there’s something about the refuse heap that captures kids’ curiosity. To keep your baby or toddler out of the smelly, dirty, and bacteria-laden trash, move the can to a cabinet or invest in a model with a childproof lid.
• Train Yourself to Unplug Small Appliances – Unplugging a small appliance, like a blender, mixer, or toaster, can be a difficult thing for new parents to remember; after all, adults know the very real risk that dropping these items in a sink full of water presents. Small children may not be able to grasp this concept for a while, however, so it’s advised that new and even expecting parents get themselves accustomed to the idea of doing just that to prevent tragic accidents.

The earlier you install your cabinet locks and other security measures, the longer you’ll have to become accustomed to them before your child is actually in need of the safety they can help to provide. Frustration with the devices can cause parents to uninstall or disable them, leaving little ones open to danger; take the time to learn how they work and the best methods of boosting kitchen efficiency while leaving them in place to reduce the temptation of chucking them at the first sign of struggle.

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Lynda Albertson.  I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

 http://www.nannybabysitter.com/blog/how-to-childproof-the-kitchen/

10 Tips to Toddler-Proofing Your Home

As soon as infants become mobile they are suddenly gifted with the ability to get into everything that they can reach. When those infants then become toddlers that are able to walk, climb, and run through the house, parenting can feel more like a full-contact sport than anything else. Toddler-proofing your house requires more than slapping on a set of cabinet locks, though they are still a worthwhile investment. The average home is host to a staggering array of safety hazards, most of which aren’t immediately apparent to first-time parents of a newly-upright and mobile child. To keep your inquisitive little one safe and sound, here are ten tips for creating a safer home environment.

1. Amend Your Cooking Habits – When you’re childless, or when an infant is safely tucked away in a bassinet, there’s not much focus on making sure that you choose back burners whenever possible and that you turn all pot and pan handles inward. The moment your little bundle of joy starts walking, however, it’s imperative to condition yourself to do just that. Reducing the risk of dangerous spills that can land on a child, or scalding food splattering onto his skin, by adjusting your cooking behavior is an important part of toddler-proofing the kitchen.
2. Wrap and Conceal Electrical Cords and Wires – Wires that are visible, especially those hanging loose in bundles along the floor behind the entertainment center, should be wrapped tightly and concealed or secured so that little fingers can’t reach them. Pulling these wires can not only damage your appliances and components, but also send them toppling onto a curious child.
3. Cover Outlets – Every new parent receives a handful of plastic outlet plugs that are designed to keep little fingers out of the dangerous current. They’re perfectly capable of doing the job when crawling infants are at eye level with outlets, but observant toddlers can figure out how to pull them out of the wall by watching his parents remove them to use the outlet. Investing in slightly more complex full outlet plates can foil your little genius’s attempts to access the wall plugs, keeping them safe from harm.
4. Secure Shelving Units – It doesn’t take long for toddlers to learn that something that was previously out of reach of their questing fingers can be accessed by climbing. Shelves, dressers, and any other furniture that can possibly give a toddler an invitation for scaling it is subject to just that; while it’s best to discourage this type of behavior, it’s also a good idea to make sure that shelves are securely attached to the wall to prevent a dangerous tip-over if your child does climb onto them when you’re out of sight.
5. Use Non-Skid Mats in Bathtubs – The moment your child can stand up, he will start to do so in the bathtub. Though you should never leave any child unattended in the bathtub, a non-skid mat can help you prevent nasty falls resulting from little feet than can’t quite manage slippery, wet tub surfaces.
6. Lock Sliding Doors – Sliding a patio door open is, in many cases, easier for little kids to do than adults realize. Kids can slip outside in the blink of an eye by applying the slightest bit of pressure to the door, so make sure that you keep sliding doors locked at all times. It may also be wise to attach removable decals on glass doors at toddler-eye-level, to keep your child from running headlong into a transparent glass panel.
7. Keep Medications In Childproof Containers, Out of Sight and Out of Reach – Reuters Health reported in 2011 that the number of children who end up in the emergency room due to accidental poisoning with prescription medications do so as a result of  accessing them themselves. Keeping medications in purses or bags and under bathroom cabinets, especially in easy-to-open containers rather than the childproof variety they’re originally dispensed in, is a risky proposition. Instead, make sure that all medication remains in childproof containers, and that all of those containers are kept well out of reach and sight. A safe or lock box is an ideal place to store medication.
8. Use Safety Gates, But Realize That They’re Fallible – The baby gate is a perennial favorite of parents, especially those with stairs. While they can be very useful and effective, parents should remember that they’re not entirely foolproof, and that kids should still be supervised in an area with dangerous stairs.
9. Install Window Guards – Window guards prevent children from tumbling out of second and even first-floor windows, whether they’re deliberately opened for air circulation or lifted by a curious toddler. The Consumer Products Safety Commission reports that an estimated 4,000 injuries occur as a result of falls from household windows annually, so don’t overlook the windows while you’re toddler-proofing.
10. Set the Water Heater at 120° – If you didn’t turn your hot water heater’s temperature setting to 120° when your little one was born, it’s a wise move to do so now that he’s walking. Scalds are one of the most common types of burns that emergency room doctors see with their smaller-set patients, so making sure that your hot water never reaches excessive temperatures is best.

Rather than relying solely on your childproofing measures, it’s best to monitor your toddler and help him learn safe habits through direction and instruction. If you do, when he’s older and toddler-proof measures are removed, he’ll understand that some things are still dangerous to play with.

P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Paul Taylor,  I'm therefore publishing it by his invitation and under his permission. See also the link below fore more information: 

http://www.babysittingjobs.com/blog/10-tips-to-toddler-proofing-your-home/

Piercings: The Hidden Dangers

Many parents like to pierce their child’s ears while they’re still babies so that it’s out of the way while the child is too young to remember the pain, but that may not be the best option for your kids.  Before you take your little one in to get her ears pierced, you may want to consider some of the dangers associated with ear piercing.

For parents eager to get their baby’s ears pierced, the first place they may consider getting them done is at the mall. However, parents should use caution when visiting such a piercing site. Although the person piercing ears at the mall may have minimal piercing training, she is likely not a medical expert and the piercing conditions may be less sterile than desired.

Another common option for piercings is a tattoo parlor. While many tattoo parlors specialize in piercing, not all states regulate piercings in tattoo parlors.  You’ll want to check the licensing requirements of your state prior to visiting a tattoo parlor for a piercing.

Some pediatrician’s will pierce infants’ ears as part of their practice offerings. For parents considering piercing their baby’s ears, this is often the most hygienic place to have it done.

Regardless of where your baby gets her ears pierced, warnings should be given before the procedure and care instructions should be given after the procedure is completed. You’ll want to make sure that everything is sterile, that the piercer washes their hands before the procedure, and that they wear gloves.   If you have any concerns about the piercer or the place, don’t hesitate to go someplace else.  It’s not worth the risk.  If the instruments are not sterilized blood could transfer from one person to the other and HIV could be contracted.

Like adults, babies can get infections from pierced ears.  Babies can also be allergic to the metal that the earring is made of which could result in a rash, and they tend to explore their world with their hands, which could result in her grabbing at her ears. This could introduce bacteria to the piercing site.  Ear piercings, when infected, can disrupt your child’s sleep because it’s hard to find a comfortable place to lay her head.  Infection can also cause fevers. To prevent infection, parents should make sure to clean the earring and piercing site as directed.

When young children wish to get their ears pierced, timing should also be considered. Many sporting teams will not allow earrings to be worn on the field because they become a risk for the player with the piercing as well as other players.  Timing the piercing for a time when your child will have 4 weeks to leave the earrings in can avoid disruptions in athletic endeavors and reduce the risk of piercing problems.  Taking earrings out before the recommended time can cause the hole to close, infection, and pain when the earrings go back in, among other things.

Some adolescents and teenagers may dream of getting the upper part of their ears pierced. Piercing the upper cartilage of the ear hurts more than piercing the lobe.  The chance for infection in that area is higher than with an ear lobe piercing, and infections in the upper ear can result in nasty smelling puss being discharged, redness, and swelling.  The swelling can actually deform the ear permanently.  This infection is also typically harder to treat.

One of the most difficult piercing ideas for parents to swallow is the idea of piercing around and in the mouth. While tongue piercing seems to be popular among teens, there are some safety concerns regarding tongue piercings.  According to Dr. Hendry, complications of tongue piercing can include broken or chipped teeth, gum surgery, swallowing the bar which can result in the need for surgery, infection, long term pain, and possibly death. Lip piercing is somewhat safer than tongue piercing because there is less blood loss, but the back of the stud rubs on the gums, which can necessitate surgery in order to prevent tooth loss. These are serious complications that are worthy of in-depth discussion prior to a tongue or lip piercing decision being made.

For teens considering nose piercings, they should be well informed of the dangers associated with them. Nose piercings are dangerous because the nose’s primary function is to filter out germs and bacteria.  According to the AAFP (American Academy of Family Physicians) infection is the leading risk in nose piercings.  According to a study done at Rutgers and Texas Tech 46% of college students that got a body piercing had some problems with infection.  That’s almost 1 out of every 2 people so the odds are very high that those with nose piercings will encounter medical complications.

All body piercings come with risk for Hepatitis C, skin, blood, and bone infections, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).  This staph infection is resistant to antibiotics and very hard to treat.  If any pain, drainage, or swelling occurs seek medical attention as soon as possible.  There are some conditions that can be easily treated if caught early enough.

 P.S. This post was  proposed to me for publication by Debbie Denard,  I'm therefore publishing it by her invitation and under her permission. See also the link below fore more information:

 http://www.nanny.net/blog/piercings-the-hidden-dangers/