Choking Hazards

When it was just Babycake and me going to play dates, I sometimes found myself questioning other parents' safety awareness or carelessness. Often times if there was an older sibling in the house, there would be an abundance of toys that were potential choking hazards. I honestly tried to keep an open mind in most cases since I like to look back on my own childhood for parenting reference and I can remember so many toys that were choking hazards or had sharp edges that were "the" toys every kid wanted. Sometimes though, the parents whose awareness I was trying not to question, just really didn't seem to care about keeping the safe toys out and the older children's toys out of reach of the younger children. Those were the houses that I would get frustrated at. Play dates are supposed to be fun for both the parents and kids, but when a parent has to continually follow his/her kid around making sure they don't touch this or that thing left out which is too dangerous or too fragile, the kid gets frustrated they don't get to play with what they want to play with, and the parent doesn't get to have a nice time talking with the other mom or dad.

As I've mentioned in posts before, I was a nanny for two children the same age gap and gender of my two coincidentally. The mother of these children was very aware of choking hazards and kept the entire house free of them. It was really impressive, but I'm just not that determined to rid the house of every toy w small parts. Babycake is now 3 so many of her toys come w multiple pieces that if broken would be cause for choking concern. Most of these toys she received from friends and family as gifts. I don't want to rid the house of gifts from loved ones.

My dilemma: our house has a 3 yr old and a 4 month old. Buddyboy is now grasping, holding, and chewing on anything and everything in his reach. Before Bubbyboy was born, my husband and I discussed the importance of choking hazards around babies w Babycake so that once he arrived we wouldn't be implementing new rules b/c of the new baby which could then lead to resentment of the new baby. I slowly started moving certain toys from the living room or other public rooms, to Babycake's bedroom. This way she became accustomed to certain toys in certain areas, and if she tried to bring those toys out into the living room, I would explain that toys which are choking hazards need to stay away from where the baby would be and she could still play with those toys in her room where it was safe.

This explanation suites Babycake fine most of the time, but she's three. So, you know, there have been some tantrums thrown b/c of this rule. Babycake loves her baby brother. She is an amazing helper and second mommy. If he's upset she's the one that gets him to start laughing. It's really a beautiful relationship they have. So when she throws these fits or doesn't think about the danger of leaving a ribbon right next to her brother's head, I know it's not b/c she doesn't care about his safety or well being. It's b/c she's three and her mind jumps from one thing to the next at lightening speed often times without thinking of her surrounding environment or cause and effects.

toilet paper roll wrapped in
pink duct tape, taped to the
wall next to her door for
quick checks before
leaving the room

So to help Babycake get a better grasp on the size of toys that are allowed in public spaces, I helped her make and hang her very own "choking hazard tester." This has been very helpful for all of us! Babycake often tests her toys. If she wants to bring out a toy from her room which I deem too dangerous for public spaces, all I need to ask now is "would you mind checking that with the chocking hazard tester? I'm not sure that is safe to be out of your room." SHE then has the power to check the potential danger and inform me if I was right or wrong. This of course works wonders for my strong minded - independent little girl. There have been fewer and fewer tantrums over toy dangers. Instead, she gets to take charge and be the safety keeper of the house.

checking wood block
choking safety

Babycake's become so accustomed to testing her toys she really doesn't need it for much anymore. If we are out somewhere, she'll point out small objects, or toys for children her age, and explain to me that "Buddyboy can't play with that b/c it's a choking hazard." (I'm so proud!!)

All in all, this has been a great little invention for us. Everyone is happy with it's results and the home is a bit safer.