Making a home safe for toddlers and babies

make weau.com your homepage
News Links
News Tips

Posted: Fri 9:45 PM, Aug 17, 2012

A A

Reporter: Kevin Hurd

Updated: Sat 7:08 AM, Aug 18, 2012

Back to HomePage

Making a home safe for toddlers and babies

Eau Claire, Wis. (WEAU) -- Jessica Abbott's life revolves around kids. She owns a children's boutique and her son Alexander is a typical two-year-old toddler going on three this weekend.

He also loves climbing, adventure, and like other little ones, sometimes gets into things he should not.

One year ago, he got in an accident that mom says was too much of a close call.

"Ended up pulling the dresser and the tube TV on top of the dresser on top of himself," she said.

It was a radio that propped up the fallen dresser that saved him.

"I thank God every day that he didn't get hurt or worse," she added.

"Accidents are the number one cause of injury and death in toddlers all the way up to those teenage years," said Dr. Jennifer Strong, a Family Physician at Marshfield Clinic Menomonie Center.

She says she has seen kids come in after accidents of all kinds. And she says she will often see adults come in with burn marks from childhood accidents involving hot water or a stove.

"I've seen that more than I would have expected to have seen," she added.

She says the basics, like baby gates, cupboard locks, furniture, and TV straps are a must and making sure rooms are clear of hazards is a good first step.

She says getting down to ground level and seeing the world in toddler view helps as well. Simple strategies Jessica says she has adopted, too.

"You always think the house is the safest place for your child and you know who would have ever thought, a dresser," she added about the accident.

Next Story >