It Happened to Me! Babyproofing and Parenting Mishaps

Despite your best babyproofing efforts and diligent supervision, your little one will get hurt from time to time. Sometimes a bandage and a kiss is all that’s required, but most kids will manage to earn themselves a trip to the urgent care clinic or emergency room before you send them off to college, so go ahead and be prepared: post the phone numbers for your pediatrician, Poison Control center, and local hospital on your refrigerator and know how to drive to each one so you’re not fumbling for directions when you’re in a rush.

Keep a basic first-aid kit in your car for bee stings, scrapes, and sports injuries. Store a bag of frozen peas or a baggie filled with rubbing alcohol (it doesn’t freeze solid like water so it’s flexible and conforms to sore body parts like knees, faces, and elbows) in the freezer to reduce pain and swelling.

Kids are resilient creatures and bounce back quickly from their misadventures. But whenever you’re concerned about an injury, never hesitate to call your doctor.