10/15/2025
TIP TUESDAY with Dr. Delia! 💡 Everyone is sharing tips for how to have a fun fall with kids 🍁 There's even that joke that circulates asking "Got any plans for the fall?" as in the fall of civilization... 😆 Here's our own spin on "fall" – Let's talk about some ways to reduce FALL risks around the home! These tips will help bring some various hazards to mind, and hopefully, some measures can be taken to secure your home and your family! 🤓👍
•Secure Furniture and Windows•
– Anchor TVs and furniture to walls
– Move cribs or chairs away from windows
– Use window guards or stops
– Never rely on window screens to keep children in
– Use safety rails on beds that are more than a couple of feet off the ground
•Prevent Slips and Trips•
– Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower
– Put pads under rugs to reduce slip
– Clean spills immediately
– Keep stairs and hallways clear of clutter
– Use stair gates at the top and bottom of stairs, securing them to the wall if possible
– Especially watch children just after mopping floors, and if they're wearing socks, as floors might be extra slippery
•Supervise Children•
– In the bathtub
– Hold hands while they're on stairs
– Keep toddlers away from open windows
– Discourage toddlers from climbing on furniture
– Remind children not to stand in shopping carts in the store; buckle them in if necessary
– Don't put toys up in high places as punishment for children, as they may try to climb up to get it when you're not looking
•Outdoor Safety•
– Ensure playgrounds have shock-absorbing surfaces like sand or rubber mulch
– Teach children playground rules, such as steering clear of those on swings
– Scope out high openings of playground equipment, keep an eye on toddlers who play there
– Always wear helmets for activities like biking
– Secure backyard playground equipment so that it doesn't topple of during use
What other fall risks might we have forgotten to mention? Protect that noggin and other essential body parts and take extra measures to keep your home safe this fall, and all year long!
❤️👩⚕️
