Parent Extremis

It’s no secret that I like to make a big deal about product safety. It’s a big concern of mine for many reasons of which I won’t bore you with now except to say that my dad is kind of a big deal and he makes decisions that are saving lives. Children’s lives.

When I come across some good data I like to share that with my readers. The best way to keep kids safe from inevitable product failures and product misuse is to spread the word.

There is no end in sight to the number of options you have when looking for baby gear. The stroller, crib and car seat options are endless and often mind-boggling for a mother-to-be. The price ranges are vast too, but expensive DOES NOT MEAN safer. There are $500 highchairs that collapse with kids in them. There are also $60 car seats that get recalled because the LATCH straps fails to tighten correctly.

There are 7,300 injuries a year caused by high chairs. (7,300 is the number that is REPORTED, there could be more) Most often, babies will tip over, and slip out through the bottom and get strangled by the waist belt in the process. When you are in the store looking for a high chair, ignore what the store says is the “mot popular” chair. Also ignore the cutest chair. There are more important safety guidelines to consider before you look at superficial details like pattern and style.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE IN A HIGHCHAIR

* Make sure the chair has a wide base, that the legs are spread out and sturdy, this gives the chair a lower center of gravity and a reduced chance of tipping over. In the store, give the chair a push and see if it can tip easily.

* Always lock the chair before putting your child in it.

* Buckle all the crotch straps and keep them comfortably snug.

* Don’t stray too far from a child in a high chair. It is only a semi-restraint. Children are flexible and curious and determined. Often they will get one leg out of a strap and then they can climb over the top.

* Don’t let other children play around the high chair while a baby is in it.

* Don’t trust a high chair to keep your child safe, you must keep an eye on the kid at all times.

SOURCE: Parenting Magazine April 2008