From the moment we learn we’re expecting, the safety and well-being of our children become paramount. We steer clear of unpasteurized cheese, monitor baby kicks, and dutifully take our prenatal vitamins. Once our little ones arrive, we schedule regular checkups, ensure they sleep on their backs without any bedding in their cribs, and invest in the safest car seats, high chairs, and swings available. We read countless safety recalls and notices because keeping our babies secure is our number one priority. The constant worry is part of parenthood: What if they choke? What if they have an allergic reaction? What if a blanket covers their face? What if they fall?
Falls are a legitimate concern for parents, especially for those with infants. According to research from Cleveland Clinic, falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in children. In fact, over 50% of nonfatal injuries in infants under one year old are due to falls. Although serious injuries are rare, babies have fragile skulls, making any fall potentially more dangerous.
This is why we appreciate an insightful Instagram video from @milestones.and.motherhood, run by a physical therapist named Jamie. In her post, she encourages parents to teach their babies how to safely dismount from furniture, addressing the common fear of falls from high surfaces. The video is particularly remarkable because Jamie, a mother of three children under four, begins teaching her baby these skills at just a few months old—far earlier than many parents consider.
Jamie notes, “I know stairs & furniture safety can be intimidating. We often avoid it because the worry of an accident can be so overwhelming. But what if, instead, we started teaching our babies the safe way as soon as they’re mobile? I promise, they will get it, & it’ll be one less thing for us to worry about as parents! Because don’t we have enough as it is.”
The method is simple: Once your little one starts moving, encourage them to flip onto their bellies and slide down from furniture. This technique can also be applied to stairs, making it a versatile safety lesson. Jamie emphasizes that repetition is key. Initially, parents will do most of the work, but with time and consistency, babies will learn to navigate safely on their own.
Jamie starts training her child at six months, recognizing that they are completely reliant on her for safety at this stage. By 11 months, her child shows significant progress and nearly masters the skill, although supervision is still necessary.
When discussing her motivation for sharing safety tips on Instagram, Jamie explained that in her region, there is a significant shortage of pediatric therapists, leaving many parents on long waiting lists for professional help. Her goal is to empower parents to educate themselves and their children on safety, particularly as accidental injuries can happen quickly and unexpectedly.
Of course, parents must also take additional safety measures, such as anchoring furniture to the wall and staying updated on CPR and emergency procedures. According to Cleveland Clinic, any signs after a fall such as loss of consciousness, vomiting, or unusual bruising warrant immediate medical attention.
The ultimate aim is for our children to grow up healthy, safe, and happy. Teaching them how to maneuver around their environment safely is a crucial part of that journey.
For more information on safe parenting practices, check out this related post and visit Make a Mom for authoritative resources on home insemination. Also, consider looking into Johns Hopkins Medicine for excellent guidance on fertility options.
Summary
In this article, we explore how a physical therapist and mom, Jamie, teaches parents how to safely guide their babies off furniture to minimize fall risks. With a focus on early education and repetition, Jamie empowers parents to instill safety skills in their children, alleviating some of the common anxieties surrounding infant safety.
Leave a Reply