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| I have heating grates in the floor, which get very hot. Do you have any suggestions on how to cover them to protect my baby? —Kathy, Nevada | |
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I have an old-fashioned cast-iron heater in my baby’s room (which I know is not what you are talking about), and we built something around it, leaving the top open. Home Depot told us how to do it since we needed to know how to make it safe and still functional. Your best bet is to fence the grates off either with a gate or a well-vented and heat-resistant custom-made box. Talk to a carpenter about solutions. He can probably build a box out of a safe material that can cover the grates. He’ll probably build them with a hinge on one side, so you can access the heater when need be. It’s not too pretty of a solution, but at least the baby won’t get to the grates. I also suggest that you contact a local baby-proofing/child-proofing expert who could come to your home to assess the situation. |
| Can you recommend a good book on parenting? I love being a mom more than anything in the world, but I have so many moments when I think, ‘Am I doing the right thing?’ —Anonymous | |||
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We’ve featured a lot of books that can help ease your mind. In particular, you should check out our article called “The Mommy Diaries” for some top choices that are sure to give you a new—and much welcomed—perspective on life in the ’hood—motherhood, that is. When I first had my daughter, it was the best of times and the worst of times. Don’t worry about making the right decisions. Just focus on being happy and listening to your instincts. I am sure you’re doing a great job! |
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| The product I’m loving this month: |
The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child by Robert W. Sears, MD, FAAP ($11.19, www.amazon.com)  All parents must read this book. I feel like it descended from the heavens. Written by pediatrician and parenting expert Dr. Robert Sears, aka Dr. Bob, this pre-eminent go-to guide details the vaccines that our children are slated to get from birth on. The good doctor presents the facts in a very unbiased way, and he includes meticulous explanations of what the vaccines are, why your kids need them, why they don’t, what’s in them, which brands distribute “safer” options and so much more. At the end of each chapter, Dr. Sears gives his expert opinion—but not in a preachy or fearmongering way—that is founded on his very modern approach to pediatrics: the fusion of alternative and traditional medical care. His recommendations, along with the book at large, empower parents with the information they need to take a more active role in the health and preventative health of their children.I took notes while reading it and felt confident and assuaged by what I learned. I’ve used my newfound knowledge to get a handle on the vaccines that my son is getting, and I’m working with his pediatrician not only on the shot schedule (choosing to space some out and demanding that shots with a higher aluminum content not be given on the same day), but on the brands and specific products used. It takes some work and I’ve had to go out of pocket a few times, but it’s worth it. I feel very good about navigating this sticky (bad pun!) situation with my eyes wide open—versus the first time when I just kind of went along with things because I didn’t have the first clue about my rights as a parent or where to find unbiased, agenda-free information. Whether you are or think you are for or against shots, this book is essential to your research. Whatever your stance, it’s important to be educated before you accept or deny something. With all the information and misinformation saddling parents today, it’s nice to have a tool that can truly help you make the right decision for your family. For more from Dr. Sears, go to www.askdrsears.com/thevaccinebook. |
