Tag team for safety

By Heather

by Heather

Our pediatrician is the perfect blend of one-who-knows-all and one-who-never-makes-you-feel-bad. She’s a mom of three and, with more than 15 years of practice under her belt, I’m pretty sure she’s seen it all. When my first son was her infant patient, I bombarded her with data on his every move and grilled her with a lengthy list of questions at each visit. She patiently answered my every question while somehow encouraging me to believe that I was already doing great. This approach held pretty much true for breastfeeding, sleep issues, CIO (cry it out!), and discipline.

But she doesn’t mess around with safety.

I leave each visit with a new checklist of safety tips for my kids’ current age. One of my favorite tips of hers applies to the crazy stage that starts with those first few steps: the clueless toddler (you know the type: totally fast and mobile but lacking all common sense… responds to shiny objects)

When you’re in a group of other capable adults — whether it is enclosed like a backyard barbecue or wide open like a day at the beach — it is easy to assume that Someone Else is watching this clueless toddler. And with the way those wobblers can get around, they almost look like they know what they’re doing.

Our doctor suggests creating a nametag (like “Hello my name is”) that you can stick on the person that’s currently in charge of the little guy. Following this technique, if you’re wearing the tag, then you’re on duty. Easy peasy. When you hand off responsibility to the other parent or caregiver, hand over the tag as well. This way, there’s no question about whose eyes are on the kid.

name tag

I’ll be sure to share more of my pediatrician’s good advice for other ages and stages. My two-year old has his check-up this week. Do you have any safety questions? I’m clearly not afraid to bring a list with me!

Photo by YTruly. Some rights reserved. Usage does not constitute photographer’s endorsement.