Tips for Grandparents

• Always keep all medication out of child's reach
• Never leave children in the kitchen unsupervised.
• Store dangerous items out of kids' reach. (Provide safety latches, if necessary.)
• Keep hot food and drinks, glassware, and knives away from counter edges.
• Use only back burners on the stove; if front burners must be used, turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.

In the bathroom:

• Keep medicine cabinets locked. Adult prescription medicines are very hazardous to young children.
• Use child-resistant packaging for any prescription medication in use while children are visiting. Local pharmacists can provide the proper containers.
• Call the local poison-control center if you have any questions.
• Remove sharp utensils and appliances, such as razors, scissors, and blow-dryers from the bathroom. Store them where the children cannot reach them during the visit.
• Lower the temperature of the hot-water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit so that children cannot scald themselves when taking a bath.

In the bedroom:

• Beware of old cribs that do not meet current safety requirements. (To be safe, use a portable crib.)
• Make certain beds and cribs are well away from windows and blind and drapery cords.
• Remove matches, lighters, medications, and breakable objects from the room in which children will sleep.

Around the house:

• Check that all toys are safe and age-appropriate for children. (Grandparents may need help with this.)
• Cover all unused electrical outlets with outlet covers.
• Make sure smoke detectors are in working order.
• Comb the house for reachable items that can be swallowed.
• Post emergency numbers by the phone if they are not already posted.
• Consider pets, if there are any. Some pets, used to living only with adults, become nervous or jealous around young children.