Why Should I Hire a Professional Babyproofer?

Babyproofing means different things to different parents.  Some parents put up a stair gate and some electrical outlet covers and are satisfied, while others will do a lot more.

As professional Babyproofers, our job is to point out the hazards we see in your home and give recommendations on how to protect your child from them. Some parents feel comfortable using just a few of our suggestions, and others ask us for everything. Either way, the parent knows the child best, and we will never judge you upon your choices. Our ultimate goal is to work with what you as parents are comfortable with and make your home the safest possible place for your child.

Here are some reasons to hire a professional Babyproofer: 

We are educators first, taking the time to show you how you can create a safer environment for your child.

We have experience dealing with all sorts of hazards in all types of homes, and we can readily provide products and services to suit your specific needs.

We have access to hundreds of specialized safety products that you will not find in your local hardware or home supply stores.

We are professional problem-solvers and are able to devise safety solutions for even the most challenging situations.

We work closely with manufacturers to develop and enhance child safety products, ensuring that you get only the highest quality products that have been field-tested by experts.

We provide professional installation of products so that they function safely and conveniently.

We are committed to the IAFCS Code of Ethics to maintain high industry standards.

We can save you money by directing you to products that will work best for your needs, helping you avoid trial-and-error purchases and installation.

We can save you time by completing your childproofing quickly and efficiently, leaving you more time to spend with your family.

We keep up-to-date on new or hidden hazards in the home, safety recalls, and constantly changing governmental regulations.

Nap Nanny Recliners Recalled After 5 Infant Deaths

After several months of legal wrangling, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a voluntary recall of Nap Nanny and Nap Nanny Chill infant recliners and covers made by Baby Matters LLC.

 "From 2009 to the present, the Commission staff has received at least 92 incident reports involving the Nap Nanny and Nap Nanny Chill products, including five infant deaths. CPSC is aware of four infants who died in Nap Nanny Generation Two recliners and a fifth death involved in the Chill model. In the incident reports received by CPSC, there were 92 reports of infants hanging or falling over the side of the products, including some infants who were restrained in the product’s harness."

 "CPSC urges consumers to immediately stop use of all Nap Nanny and Nap Nanny Chill recliners. Baby Matters LLC is no longer in business and is not accepting returns.  In December 2012, four major retailers—Amazon.com, Buy Buy Baby, Diapers.com, and Toys R Us/Babies R Us—announced a voluntary recall of Nap Nanny and Chill models sold in their stores. Consumers who purchased a Nap Nanny from one of these retailers should contact the retailer for instructions on how to obtain a refund for the product."

Safe Nest Babyproofing has seen this product in use during our in-home evaluations and has been urging parents to stop using them based on previous CPSC warnings. Many of the injuries and deaths from the Nap Nanny happened when the product was not being used as intended but the CPSC does not believe their were adequate instructions and warnings in place to alert consumers to misuse. Always read the instruction manuals with any product you use with your baby and never use any product in a way it was not intended for.

Window screens are not safety devices

A four year old Mableton boy is in stable condition after falling 30 feet from a window. The boy was being watched by a teenage sibling and the homes windows were open when the child apparently pushed a chair against the window sill and then fell through the window screen. 

Window screen are easily pushed out by young children and should never be counted on as a safety device. Here are some window safety tips courtesy of safekids.org:

FALL PREVENTION TIPS

Install Window Guards and Stops

• Screens are meant to keep bugs out, not children in. Properly install window guards to prevent unintentional window falls. For windows above the first floor, include an emergency release device in case of fire.
• Install window stops so that windows open no more than four inches.

Open Windows From the Top and Close After Use

• If you have windows that can open from both top and bottom, make a habit of opening just the top to prevent accidental falls. Keep in mind that as kids grow, they may have enough strength, dexterity and curiosity to open the bottom.
• Keep windows locked and closed when they are not being used.

Keep Kids From Climbing Near Windows

• For your crawlers and climbers, move chairs, cribs and other furniture away from windows to help prevent window falls.
• Never move a child who appears to be seriously injured after a fall — call 911 and let trained medical personnel move the child with proper precautions.

- See more at: http://www.safekids.org/tip/falls-prevention-tips#sthash.jWsvt7bk.dpuf

We pray that this child makes a full recovery.  If you need assistance or have questions about childproofing your windows please contact Safe Nest Babyproofing.

Is your child's car seat installed correctly?

It is estimated that 73% of car seats in use are not installed correctly. Is yours?

Here are five important tips to ensure your car seats are used and installed properly:

1. Right Seat. Check the label on your car seat to make sure it's appropriate for your child's age, weight and height. Like milk, your car seat has an expiration date. Just double check the label on your car seat to make sure it is still safe.
2. Right Place. Kids are VIPs, just ask them. We know all VIPs ride in the back seat, so keep all children in the back seat until they are big enough to ride without a booster seat.
3. Right Direction. You want to keep your child in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, usually until around age 2. When he or she outgrows the seat, move your child to a forward-facing car seat. Make sure to attach the top tether after you tighten and lock the seat belt or lower anchors.
4. Inch Test. Once your car seat is installed, give it a good shake at the base where the seat belt fits. Can you move it more than an inch side to side or front to back? A properly installed seat will not move more than an inch.
5. Pinch Test. Make sure the harness is tightly buckled and coming from the correct slots (check car seat manual). Now, with the chest clip placed at armpit level, pinch the strap at your child's shoulder. If you are unable to pinch any excess webbing, you're good to go.

If you still aren't sure, or just want a professionals opinion there are several car seat inspection stations in the Atlanta area. Many of these can be found on the Safe Kids website or try contacting your counties police or fire department to see if they offer car seat inspections. If you are located in Cobb County you may even find a Safe Nest Babyproofing employee volunteering at the Cobb Safety Village. You can even schedule your appointment online!