For years, we have been taught that 13 is an unlucky number:
Don’t go up to the 13th floor of a building and don’t go out on
Friday the 13th, our grandmothers used to say. But 13 is also a
sacred number due to its secret knowledge, mystery and tangible
powers.
This last revelation has been brought masterfully down by a
professional who is known for her experience in the study of
child safety. Author Debra Smiley Holtzman brings a particular
expertise of the number 13 to the pages of “The Safe Baby: A
Do-It-Yourself Guide to Home Safety.”
With this do-it-yourself manual, parents and thinking-to-be
parents will learn the essentials of protecting the baby. I took
this from the release of the book. Here’s Debra Holtzman’s List
of 13:
1. Balloons: More children have suffocated on uninflated
balloons and pieces of balloons than any other type of toy.
Balloon related deaths are more common among children ages three
and older than among younger children. Keep balloons away from
children under eight years of age.
2. Storage chests: Suffocation deaths occur in such places when
children crawl inside and cannot escape. The best choice is one
without a lid or one with a lightweight, removable one. If a
chest closes, make sure it has ventilation holes.
3. Bunkbeds: To prevent entrapment, all spaces between the
guardrail and the bed frame and in the head and footboards
should be less than three-and- one- half inches and there should
be guardrails on both sides. Children under the age of six
should never sleep on the top bed.
4. Stuffed toys: Be aware that seams can separate and allow
stuffing or plastic pellets to be released, presenting a choking
hazard to young children. Check also for small detachable parts,
security of eyes, nose and mouth of stuffed toys.
5. Art Supplies: Always look for this label: ASTM D-4236. This
label means the product has been reviewed by a toxicologist. If
it is necessary, cautionary information will be included with
this label. Children under age 12 should never be allowed to use
hazardous art materials, which can expose your child to toxic
substances, including lead, cadmium, nickel and organic
solvents.
6. Garage Door: Watch out for automatic garage doors. If your
garage door does not already have one, install a sensor such as
an ‘electric eye’ for the garage door. It signals the door to
reverse its motion if anything is in the way.
7. Entertainment Center: Use angle braces or anchors to secure
larger furniture-which presents a tipping hazard-to the wall.
8. Baby Walkers: Each year, an average of 2 children die as a
result of baby-walker related injuries. Holtzman recommends
using a stationary activity center instead.
9. Water faucet: Water with 140 degrees Fahrenheit will produce
a third-degree burn on a child in just 3 seconds! Set hot water
heaters no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. A lower water
temperature will reduce the chance of scald burns. Always check
the water temperature before giving a small child a bath.
10. Mouthwash: Many brands contain alcohol. Children are much
more sensitive to the toxic effects of alcohol than adults.
11. Window Treatments with hanging cords: Those that were
manufactured before 2001 may pose a strangulation risk to small
children. Consider replacing them with today’s safer products or
repairing them.
12. Antifreeze: It has a sweet taste. Children or pets will
drink large amounts of it if it is left out in an open container
or if it is spilled on your driveway.
13. Plants: As beautiful as they appear, decorative plants may
not be safe as you think. Two common household plants that are
frequently ingested by children are Dieffenbachia and
Philodendron. Both of these plants can cause very serious
symptoms. These plants contain oxalates, small crystals that get
released into the mouth when the plant is chewed, causing
extreme pain and inflammation. A popular Flower Garden plant is
the beautiful Oleander.