Happy National Baby Safety Month! As parents, ensuring the safety and well-being of our little ones is our top priority. To shed light on the critical aspects of baby and child safety, we recently had the privilege of interviewing Shannon Sullivan, the preschool director at St. Michael school in Grand Ledge, Michigan and former childcare director. As a childcare expert, she has a wealth of knowledge to share, having dedicated her career to nurturing and protecting children of all ages.
In part two of VAVA’s Babycare Expert Series, we'll explore Shannon’s insights on common safety concerns, home safety measures, and much more, as well as dive into a few baby safety-related questions from our followers.
Baby Safety in the Home
For many, parenthood may seem daunting, especially where baby safety is concerned. Fortunately, Shannon had a wealth of information and helpful baby and child safety tips to share with you.
1. Home Safety Products: When it comes to home safety products, Shannon recommends investing in a quality baby monitor, car seats, FDA-approved mattresses, baby gates, and reliable strollers. Peace of mind for parents is crucial because when parents feel secure, their babies do as well.
2. Overlooked Hazards in Homes: Parents often overlook hazards such as chemicals in cleaning cabinets, standing water, and improperly placed baby gates. However, she also noted that it’s important to “take time to make sure kids are doing risky things in a safe way.” For example, once your baby becomes mobile and you have stairs in your home, teach them how to safely crawl up and down. This has an added bonus of instilling confidence in your child from a young age. She said, “confidence can change the world!”
3. Selecting Safe Toys and Play Equipment: When selecting toys and play equipment, Shannon suggests ensuring they are FDA-approved and checking for recalls. Most childcare providers regularly monitor recalls and prioritize safety.
4. Teaching Personal Safety to Children: Teaching personal safety, including stranger danger, should be honest and age-appropriate. Shannon recommends avoiding fear tactics and noted that turning it into a game can make it more engaging for children.
5. Further Resources: For parents seeking more information on child safety, Shannon recommends state resources like LARA, ISD websites for special services, local libraries. Family members and other parents can also be great wells of knowledge.
Questions from Our Fans
In celebration of National Baby Safety Month, we asked our fans to submit questions they had related to baby safety. Shannon was all too pleased to offer her advice and tips to the following two fans:
@Pinkwithsprinklesontop asked:
“What are your tips for 2 under 2? Letting them interact but giving them their own zones?”
Shannon: It’s never too soon to explain or show your children what personal space is. This is also a good time for early lessons in sharing and respect. Explain to your children the importance of respecting each other and their spaces but also be mindful that kids need to learn to make personal space themselves. There might be a bit of sibling rivalry as the two interact with each other, but with healthy monitoring and boundaries, they’ll learn self-regulation. Self regulation is good and allows children to become good problem solvers as they get older.
@sandjlife asked:
“Should I ever wake my children up from naps? When is it appropriate?”
Shannon: It depends on the age of your child. I’m old school and like the old saying, “never wake a sleeping baby,” unless absolutely necessary. With older children, waking them up from naps is okay, especially if they’re getting enough sleep at night. What many parents might not realize, though, is that naps aren’t just for babies and young children. They allow moms and caregivers to refuel and recharge. Whether you choose to nap when the baby naps or tackle work and household tasks, naps can help ward off mommy burnout, which often makes for a happier household overall.
During our interview with Shannon, VAVA gained valuable insights into the various aspects of keeping our little ones secure. Her wisdom and experience serve as a valuable resource for parents. By prioritizing child safety, we can provide our children with a nurturing environment where they can thrive and develop to their fullest potential.
Shannon Sullivan is a highly dedicated and experienced Preschool Director and former Childcare Director at the St. Michael Childcare Center in Grand Ledge, Michigan. With over two decades of invaluable experience in the childcare field, Shannon brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Despite her recent promotion to the position of Preschool Director, Shannon's commitment to the well-being and development of children remains unwavering. She frequently lends a helping hand in the various childcare rooms, showcasing her hands-on approach and genuine passion for nurturing young minds.
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