safety around the house

[infinity]

hey guys, just an update. my little guy had the tape removed from the incisions yesterday. now we can clearly see what was done underneath, a bit scary, but not as bad as i expected. he is doing beautifully. i just need some words of advice, he is getting into everything now, he just started crawling this week, and i am so afraid of him hurting his head by falling when he is attempting to climb something or bumping it into a wall!
my mom and mother and law both suggested getting a large gated play area, so i can go to the bathroom without a worry, but i always hated those things, i always thought those things looked like a "jail" ! but in this case, i may have to forfeit. i let my daughter go everywhere, but i did have safety things around the house like locks on cabinets, no table cloths hanging, etc. but this little one is so fragile right now, unless i am being paranoid. what do you guys think? any suggestions would be appreciated! thanks!

[Lauren]

Not really advice but this might make you feel better. Matthew was learning to walk when he had his surgery. The very night that we brought him home, we were both right next to him and he fell and hit his head on the wall. He was absolutely fine. I think we worry more about the damage he could do than we need to. Our NS told us that short of letting him fall off the bed, there really isn't anything that he could do that would do any damage (as long as the house is childproofed, which your is). Hope this helps!

[Jennifer]

Our NS told us that short of letting him fall off the bed, there really isn't anything that he could do that would do any damage (as long as the house is childproofed, which your is). Hope this helps!



:lol I can laugh now.....a week or 2 post op.....Emily wasn't quite 5 months...she had never rolled over....I sat her in the middle of my queen size bed...so I could do a few things in the bedroom....all the sudden...bang...scream.....yep, she fell off the bed- head first! Scared the crap out of me....my husband was furious....she swelled pretty good on the side she had surgery....called the ns...while waiting for the ns, decided to head to the ER...NS called while we were in route....told us to watch it, but if she's calm now, all should be fine- that side would swell more if 'injured' or sick....but she should be fine if she was showing no other symptoms.... (which she wasn't-- cried at the moment, but was quickly calmed)

Point being....they are so strong...they are going to bang their head...If there are any stairs, I'd gate those, but you aren't going to be able to control every situation....the docs would insist on helmets if they were concerned about it.....He'll be fine....

[Matthews Mommy]

As moms we always worry even while we sleep, but I really over did the carefulness when Matt came home he was 5 months and I was just at every whimper checking him...do the best you can to your ability without wearing yourself down. I really should have took that advice with Matt...lol. Maybe I would have slept better.

[mom2mykidos3]

I understand the worry. Our nurse told us that they had only one child ever have to come back to the hospital for an injury. I hope that gives you hope.

[lucsdad]

i understand your fears. lucas is crawling and walking while holding onto things. he falls constantly!!!! and of course always ends up hitting his head. what about an exersaucer? that's what we've planned to do with lucas. good luck!
hey, guys keep the tips coming, im taking notes!
lisa

[Melissa]

It's always scary after surgery, especially when they're learning to crawl, walk, or run. Bryson took off running down the hallway once and fell & hit his head on the wall (like Lauren's Matthew did) - it scared me half to death! He had a big goose-egg swell up on his forehead while I frantically called the NS, who said as long as it was swelling 'out' instead of 'in', and as long as he seemed okay otherwise, then he'd be okay. And he was...he had one heck of a bruise and knot, but he was okay. They really are tougher than they look...

[infinity]

boy, you all have quite some stories to tell! thanks for the ideas, it makes me feel better to know that these babies are sure tough little ducklings. jennifer - between your falling off the bed story and taking the kids out at a week old to target - you are quite fearless! anyway, i think i can live without that gated area, thank goodness!

[Doug]

We all have had a lot of the same concerns. Being fearful of your little one getting hurt is always on your mind. Dillon is quite fearless. I think I've have double the gray hair than I used to. Our CS and NS assured us that he would not be any different than any other child his age as far as his melon. Aren't they just opening up the skull pretty much in the same way they were supposed to be when they are born. We simply took the same precaution as if Dillon was any other toddler. The areas where there is hardware may be a little more sensitive is bumped, but short of falling out a window, their melons are just as tough as any other child.

[steff]

I understand your fears too. I remember telling my NS how scared I was after surgery of bringing Sofia home, since she was rolling over. I told him I was scared of her hitting her head on the railings of the crib or having her accidentally fall off a bed or something. He told me not to worry as long as I make sure not to drop her directly on her head she would be fine.

[laurensmom]

Don't worry - He'll be okay. I had to put all the bumpers back on Lauren's crib when she got home. I really wanted to buy her a helmet! Would you believe the only thing she wants for x-mas is a bike!! Yeah like that's gonna happen!