K-State Research and Extension Douglas County

Grandparent’s Guide to Child Safety

by Ginny Barnard
Executive Director of LiveWell Douglas County


“I didn’t have to worry about all this safety stuff when my daughter was little,” said a grandmothertwo sets of grandparents with their grandchildren with text of stay safe at a Safe Kids Car Seat Check hosted by LiveWell Douglas County. It’s easy for grandparents to be nostalgic for the “good ol’ days” but today we know more about how to make a child’s environment safer. Here are a few guidelines:

  • Cribs made before June 2011 do not meet the most recent federal safety standards (16 CFR 1219). Older cribs may have too much space between slats, drop-down side rails, or decorative cut-outs in the headboard and footboard that can trap a baby's head. A crib made before 1978 may have a finish that contains lead, so a crib that has been in the family for generations, or an older used crib, is no longer safe.
  • A bare bed is best. Don't place bumper pads, soft bedding, or soft toys (blankets, fluffy comforters, pillows, plush toys) in your grandbaby's crib. Any of these items could cause a baby to suffocate. Always place babies on his or her back to sleep.
  • Place baby’s crib and other furniture away from windows and blinds. A baby could fall or become entangled in window blind cords.
  • Don't leave children unattended in the tub, shower, or pool. Small children can drown in two inches of water within seconds.
  • More than 20% of pediatric poisonings involve a grandparent’s medication and the overall percentage of all child poisoning deaths due to medications has nearly doubled, from 36% to 64%. Lock medicines up high and out of sight. Don’t be tempted to “keep them handy” in a purse, backpack, briefcase, or an unlocked cabinet within a child’s reach.
  • Keep small button batteries, used in hearing aids and some remote controls, out of reach of children. When children swallow or inhale these batteries or put them in their noses, they can cause life-threatening chemical burns.

Before your grandchild comes for a visit, walk through your home and take steps to keep that little one healthy and safe. Keep in mind current ages and abilities. Grandbabies grow up quickly!