The problem:  Falls represent a problem that just gets worse as a child ages and becomes more active.  Emergency rooms see far too many accidents involving newborns that fell while their parents were watching them. Newborns will start to move very early on and during that split second that a parent looks away, they can fall off a changing table, a bed or sofa and have a severe trauma.  While we cannot always be there or stop children from falling, we can reduce the incidents.

The solution:  How we handle and prevent falls is the key to reducing the serious injuries that can occur. The example of an infant that rolls over for the first time and falls from a changing table without any previous warning that they could even move that far. To help prevent the problem you will need to do more than just think you can always watch every movement. It only takes two seconds to reach for a diaper, but the fall needs just one second to occur. One thing we can do is plan by having all of the items needed within arm’s reach so we are not looking away for anything. Another is to either buy a changing table that has safety straps and a small ledge to help secure the baby. If a changing table is not available or used try using the floor instead of a sofa or standard height table. Through a thick blanket on the floor as a cushion and falling is one less thing to worry about.

As your child grows and begins to stand and walk, remember to move furniture with sharp corners out of their path. Cocktail tables are a leading cause of injuries among children. I have often recommended that parents literally crawl around the room where your child will be, so they can see things at the same level as their children.  Remember to also remove obstacles that can lead to tripping such as scatter rugs or small decorative objects.

If you live above the first floor make sure all windows are either securely locked or have safety guards in place. Use safety gates at the tops of stairs and make sure you check the width of railings to make certain that a tiny head can’t squeeze through.

Even after doing everything right, accidents will happen and kids will fall. Always keep a first aid kit handy and take a First Aid class so you know what to do and when to call for help. You do not want to be sitting there reading a first aid book while you child is in pain, take a class now.

The problem:  Food and toys are very common causes of danger for little children.  Tiny parts fit into tiny mouths and within seconds your child is choking.  Hard to swallow foods create another hazard.

The solution:  Following the warning labels on most toys is a good first step, but make sure that you also consider the size of your child.  Four year olds may be old enough to play with small objects based on warning labels, but is the child large enough and mature enough to understand what does and what does not go into their mouth?  Mom can avoid many problems by keeping small objects away from curious little hands. 

It is equally as important to consider hard to swallow foods, including raw carrots, peanuts, popcorn, hard candy and hot dogs which can get lodged in a young child’s throat.   Teach kids of all ages to take small bites and chew food thoroughly before swallowing.  Refrain from talking or giggling when food is in their mouths, and to sit upright while eating.

If something does get caught in your child’s throat, quick thinking and swift actions can save their life.  Administer short back slaps or perform the Heimlich maneuver to clear breathing passage ways.  The time to learn those simple techniques is now, before you need them.  While CPR and First Aid classes are always recommended for families with young children, at the very least check with your doctor or nurse and have them show you what you need to do.

Of course today that barely buys a condo in midtown Manhattan, and with inflation factored in your buying power would be less than $24.00.  But that is a different story.  It is still important to save for as long as you can.

Do any of us really need a five pound box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day?  Do we need two dozen sugar filled pink cupcakes with extra creamy frosting on top?  Okay, maybe a handful of Godiva chocolates and a couple of cupcakes.  I can’t go cold turkey on sweets.  However, anything we can do to reduce our intake of non nutritional foods and increase the heart healthy diets that doctors recommend has got to help. 

Even when going out for that huge five course dinner, try to plan a walk after to help burn off some of the calories.  While it would be nice to say we are going to eat healthy all of the time, very few of us mortals have the willpower to pass on a favorite dessert.  The best advice that I have heard is to just do the best we can and every day try to do a little better. 

Heart disease is still the number one killer of both men and women in this country.  Let’s try to work together to come up with ideas to help reduce this deadly disease.  Staying healthy is something we owe to ourselves and our children.

Have a very Happy and Healthy Valentine’s Day.

Create an exercise program that includes the children so it becomes part of a regular routine.  It is easier to stick to a program of exercising when everyone is involved.  Even infants and young children can take part, when you carry them or wheel them you are burning more calories then just walking empty-handed. Just remember that adults need different levels of exercise than children.  Young children need more breaks and fluids than adults in addition to more time to rest between walks or jogs.  Start good habits early, just don’t over do it. 

Keep eating healthy meals and exercising regularly and you won’t need to worry about dieting again.

Let us know what exercise routines work best and some of your favorite recipes so we can share them with other parents in future tips.

We have all heard it many times, but we then get excited about some new flashy toy and we forget.  Christmas is all about giving, but not just toys and candy.  Christmas is about giving from our hearts and finding ways that we can help others that may be less fortunate.  Many times it is not about monetary things, but the time we spend keeping someone company that may be otherwise alone for the holidays.  Volunteering to help others, whether it be kids in a local hospital or sending care packages to our troops overseas.  Sometimes the biggest gift we can give is just being there for someone in need. 

How many of you still have that shiny new truck you got for Christmas, or that fancy doll with the flowing dress.  Most of us can’t even remember all the stuff we received let alone still have any of it.  But I will bet that all of you remember both the good and bad times with family and friends at the holiday table.  The best gifts are the ones that we give with our hearts and they will stay in our memories forever.

Best wishes for a very happy holiday from our family to yours.

Jeff and Eloisa Nelson

• Water - no matter how much water you think you will need, on hot days you can dehydrate very quickly. Bring several refillable bottles so you can save the planet while saving yourself.
• Sunscreen – even if you are going to the park and not the beach the sun is just as powerful as it peaks through the trees.
• Change of clothes – even afternoon outings can be cut short by minor spills or water gun fights. They don’t call some of today’s water guns “Super Soakers” for nothing.
• Light jackets - while not planned, sometimes your afternoon fun can extend into a cool evening.
• Garbage bags – bringing a banana is good. Shoving the peel under the seat is not good, nor is tossing it out the window. Why waste time looking for a receptacle when you can bring your own.
• First Aid Kit – kids will be kids and having fun at the park or beach means running, jumping and scraping something.
• Books – even kids run out of steam sometimes and having a book to read or have read to them for some down time can be very relaxing.
• Games – have some planned activities or games to get things started otherwise you will hear; “this is boring, there is nothing to do here”.
• Games for the car – depending on the length of the drive, kids get bored easily.
• Water – did I already mention “water”? Yes it is that important to be listed twice.

Have fun!

Besides the schedule you should consider what you need the person to do. 

·         Do you just need someone to watch your children or do they need tutoring skills to be able to help with the homework? 

·         While most nannies will help with light housekeeping, they will not scrub you bathroom.  If deep cleaning is what you really need, you may want to find a good housekeeper.  And while some housekeepers will keep an eye on older kids occasionally, I am sure you do not want someone with chemicals on their hands from scrubbing the toilet to start changing a diaper.

·        Does the nanny need to drive the kids anywhere or to run errands?

·        Will they need to use their own car or will you provide a car?

·        Have you planned on a mileage allowance, insurance or both?

·        Do any of the children have special needs that a nanny should be prepared for?

·        Are you a stay at home mom that just needs extra help or are you planning to be out of the house and need a full charge nanny?

·        Does the nanny need a passport to travel with the family?

·        Will the nanny need to be flexible for overnight stays?

As you can see, there are many questions to think about before hiring someone.  The above is just a short list of common questions.  The more you think through what you are looking for in a nanny or housekeeper the easier it will be to find the right person for you.   Give us a call at Dedicated Domestics and we will be glad to review your needs and help point you in the right direction.