National Burn Awareness Week, February 3-9, 2013

Car seat...Check.
Crib with no bumpers...Check.
Diapers, wipes, cute clothes...Check, check, check.
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors that work…Check (of course).

Can you guess where I’m going here? That’s right, in just a few weeks, we’re expecting the arrival of my brand new bundle of joy: a baby girl. I've been through this once before but that was seven years ago, so my family needs to re-learn how to be safe with a baby in the house. As my belly grows bigger and the countdown to baby grows smaller, sometimes I think I’m totally ready, and sometimes I think about the hundred new things I have to do to make sure I’m prepared. (As if I can ever truly be prepared.)

As a mom, with so much on my mind – work, a newborn, a 7-year-old, and a husband – it’s easy to get overwhelmed. I’ve heard the key is taking it one step at a time, and since this is National Burn Awareness Week, I thought today, my one step could focus on burns.

In 2010, more than 60,000 children ages 4 and under were treated in emergency rooms across the country due to fire and burns. I know how easily these injuries can happen so when my new baby comes, I’ll need to make some changes, especially in the kitchen.

Fortunately, we already have our water heater set so that it does not go above a temperature of 120˚F, so that’s one less thing to worry about. I’m also going to make sure to keep my new baby away from the stove while I’m cooking or using the microwave or drinking my morning coffee, even if it is tempting to wear her in a sling around my body while I go about my day.

I can also talk to my older daughter about the things she can do to be safe from fire and burns, and Safe Kids Worldwide encourages all parents, caregivers and educators to do the same. Be sure your young children know not to touch things that are hot and that older children understand the dangers of fire and practice burn safety as well. Safe Kids has a great program called Start Safe: Fire that teaches young children and their families about how to be safe from fire and burns in their homes.

Being a mom with a new baby, I have so many things to think about, but I’m ready for the challenge. I can’t wait for my new baby to make her debut into the world. But I feel good knowing that I’m a Safe Kids Mom.

So let’s see: learning the basics about fire and burn awareness…check.