Babies and kids are notorious for putting things in their mouth – this is a major way that they explore the new world around them! But there are hazardous things out there moms need to look out for!
Now that my baby has just become mobile, I am now in shock at the things I find that she is trying to eat! Even sitting in the backyard on a blanket has been surprising precarious – with my baby trying to eat handfuls of grass, twigs and dirt….over and over and over again! No matter how many blankets I have laid out, how many toys she has, or how many times I say “no” and pull the grass out of her tiny, but tight grasp…. It kinda kills the fun of hanging out back! When we’re inside she eats every crumb or bit off the ground, anything that has fallen behind couches and between cushions is fair game! This has also shocked me to find such itty-bitty hazards lurking among us! I try to keep the house very clean, her contained in safe areas, and a close watch over her! BUT there’s only so much you can do!
Plus, when we’re out or people are over, sometimes you can’t keep little ones from getting their hands (and of course mouths) on some pretty gross things! Now that summer is here, say ‘hello’ to BBQs, outdoor outings and gatherings! This means fun outside, new environments, and parties with all kinds of things (that you cannot always control) for babies to put into their mouth!
With this being such a common and quietly threatening issue, I had to do some research and share with my peops! I looked up how the experts weighed in at What to Expect, Baby Zone and Baby Center.
So, to answer the big question is: What’s harmless and what is truly hazardous of the common things babies stick into their mouths?
ALERT!!!! When Your Baby’s Snack is Serious:
There are a few things that are most definitely dangerous. Call 911 if your child swallows a magnet; any battery;
nails, tacks, or any sharp objects (even something seemly harmless like an earring, staple or paper clip could damage the esophagus). Call Poison Control if your baby ingests toxic household cleaners, insecticides, bleach, or drain-clearing solutions; or vitamins or prescription medications. Call your pediatrician if your child ingests a coin, marble, button, rock, piece of toy or other small object. Basically anything sharp and a dime-size or smaller could be a choking hazard. If your baby swallowed something that’s not sharp or otherwise potentially dangerous and it doesn’t seem stuck in her throat, she’ll probably do just fine on her own – just keep a close eye. drool excessively, choke, vomit, or have abdominal pain, take her to the E.R. immediately.
* Here’s WTE’s take on the issue of those that are not to worry about:
http://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/photo-gallery/gross-stuff-babies-always-try-to-eat.aspx#
* Disney Baby Zone’s Top Things Kids Accidentally Swallow
http://www.babyzone.com/kids/kids-health-and-safety/things-kids-swallow_87724
* Baby Center’s Swallowed object or object stuck in windpipe
http://www.babycenter.com/0_swallowed-object-or-object-stuck-in-windpipe_11274.bc
—-
So, with that advice, I know what I’ll be doing this week (in addition to other baby-proofing)… I’ll be cleaning behind/under furniture, putting Poison Control on my emergency #s list, brushing up on/posting CPR and getting rid of as many potential treacherous “treats” that baby could find! Best of luck to you too!
Plants Power Purpose 