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Babyproofing 101: 10 Household Safety Hazards
The danger: They give young children easy access to sharp knives and forks, and the racks have pointy spikes that can hurt your baby if she falls on them. Dishwasher detergent can also irritate your child's skin and eyes and can burn the lining of her mouth and esophagus if she swallows some. "It's extremely corrosive and dangerous," warns Parents advisor Ari Brown, MD, author of Baby 411: Clear Answers & Smart Advice for Your Baby's First Year.
Safe strategy: Make sure your child isn't underfoot when you're loading or unloading the dishwasher. Point knives, forks, and other sharp items downward in the utensil basket. Don't fill the dispenser with detergent until you're ready to run the load, and wipe out any that's left over in the cup after each cycle. Always replace the cap on the bottle tightly, and store it in a locked cabinet. Keep the dishwasher closed and latched when it's not in use.
2. Latex BalloonsThe danger: Colorful latex balloons may look great at birthday parties, but since 1973, more than 110 children have choked to death when blowing up balloons or chewing on pieces of balloons. "Latex balloons are one of the worst things to choke on because they can conform to a child's throat and completely block breathing," explains Mariann Manno, MD, associate professor of clinical pediatrics and emergency medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, in Worcester.
Safe strategy: Buy Mylar balloons instead of latex ones. They come in a wide variety of fun designs and shapes and aren't a choking hazard. Always supervise your child when he's playing with latex balloons, and never allow him to bite on an inflated or uninflated balloon or put pieces of one in his mouth. Don't let him blow up latex balloons until he's 8 years old, and then watch closely to make sure he doesn't inhale one when he takes a big breath. When a balloon pops, immediately pick up the pieces and throw them away. In addition, never let a child play with thin latex or rubber gloves, which pose similar hazards.
Tell us what most worries you, and how you put your fears to rest.
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I personaly think that it doesnt matter what breed of dog they can attack. I have had a pit Bull and she was wonderful with childern. It is how they are raised.
5/4/2011 11:47:19 AM Report AbuseThe fact that you include golden retrievers in your statistics about dogs that are likely to attack is laughable. There is a reason Goldens are family dogs and pit bulls are fighting dogs...
12/16/2010 11:38:21 AM Report AbuseI personally have a pitbull and he does better with my 1 yr old that my mother's lab. It all depends on how a dog is raised, just like a child if you teach them that aggression is ok then they will be aggressive. I have no statistics, just personal experience, and that is good enough for me!!!!
10/25/2010 08:03:57 PM Report AbuseIt's not a question of if you can trust an animal (or breed). If it has teeth or a beak, it is fully capable of shredding someone. It makes no difference if an animal has never shown bad tendencies; it is pure stupidity to assume they will never have a bad day. Proper supervision is always imperative; any other philosophy is tempting fate.
9/9/2010 06:50:36 PM Report AbuseAs to jasvt1's comment. Your wrong ! Vet is right. Make sure your getting your statistics from the right source. Not only is there no warning, When it happens for small children, It can be deadly. It is not sterotyping, Pitbuls were bread to fight and kill. Maybe if humans were more humain, and did not have such a sick taste in entertainment the bread could have been a great family pet. If there is anyone to blame it man himself.
9/8/2010 02:46:52 PM Report AbuseThanks! As a middle aged brand new great aunt, I'm sure to be called upon to babysit. Also i'll remind my sister of these dangers, and every baysitter should have a copy of this!!
9/8/2010 12:36:51 PM Report AbuseAs a vet of more than 20 years I can assure you pitbulls account for 3 times as many attacks on other dogs and children then any other breed we treat. Even well trained, pitbulls are more dangerous because they do not give warning signs. They go from calm to attack mode at the blink of an eye and are known as they get older to turn on even animals and children that live in their own home. Furthermore, they are breed to kill and have a bite much stronger than the other breeds you mentioned.
7/1/2010 12:22:58 PM Report AbuseYour information is incorrect about Pit Bulls ect....Statistics have shown that Golden Retrievers, Poodles and Border Collies are more likely to attack than the poorly labeled "dangerous breeds". It's prejudicial stereotyping and just plain wrong.
3/10/2010 07:55:16 AM Report AbuseI Don't have a baby until next year...
10/14/2009 03:14:21 PM Report Abuse