TUCSON, Ariz. - While millions of people have been spending more time at home, some kids have been getting hurt as overwhelmed parents are more distracted.
Serious injuries require a visit to the ER, even now when some hospitals are busier than ever. But the best bet is trying to avoid any injury in the first place. Consumer Reports says you can start with sticking to a schedule.
“If you have a routine for everyone going outside and getting some exercise each day, then your child may be less likely to be bouncing off the walls later in the day and hurt themselves," says Consumer Reports Investigative Reporter, Rachel Rabkin Peachman.
Next, minimize new hazards.
“A lot of parents may be tempted to buy things that they may not have thought about buying before, like a home trampoline or a hoverboard," says Peachman. "Do you have the energy to establish rules around the use of that product, and are you going to be able to supervise your child while using that product?”
CR also says to store cleaning supplies carefully. Hand sanitizers pose an especially high risk to children because people are using them more. With companies expediting production to get more products on store shelves, some hand sanitizer bottles look different and could be confused for water, soda, or something else.
And anchor your furniture. Someone in the U.S. is injured about every 20 minutes when an appliance, a television, or a piece of furniture tips over.
CR also says it’s crucial to always provide a safe sleep environment for a baby. You can go to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ website to see their safe sleep recommendations for healthy babies up to one year of age.
