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These fun and informative workshops will take place all over the 5 boroughs. Find one close to you- Register now!

Historically, society may have found it amusing to stereotype dads as having no clue about diapers, formula, and play dates, but it’s high time to update and share how exactly how involved dads are these days. We see how you care, give, play, make meals, shop, bathe, transport.. the list goes on!

The MEDBASICS team was glad to see that dads and pro-dad supporters spoke up about the recent commercial by Huggies that tarnished the role of the dad in the diaper department. We recognize that roles are shifting in this brave new world of parenting and we support dads who are taking an active role. Special kudos to stay-at-home-dads! Be strong and proud while those ‘mommy’ groups turn into ‘parent’ groups. Or find a dad group like NYC Dads Group where you can hang with other dudes while spending time with your kids. That dad is not baby-sitting, he’s being a dad!

Stair-related injuries are number one among injuries suffered by 1-year old children. Surprised your mostly non-mobile cutie is in such danger? The most consistent and most serious of fall injuries occur when a parent or caregiver trips down the stairs while holding their baby. And what’s more, the worry doesn’t stop at your baby’s first birthday, every year over 100,000 kids under age 5 are taken to hospitals after falling down stairs. So what’s a parent to do?

Here’s a quick reminder list that can help you keep your little one safe on the stairs:

1. Gates at top and bottom of stairs. Remember pressure mounted gates at bottom of stairs but never the top. Also, a gate does no good unless it’s closed. Close the gate, close the gate, close the gate.

2. Avoid carrying objects while going up or down stairs. Little ones alike can get distracted by what they are carrying, it can also block their view. This goes for adults too. Carry things for your child and use great care when doing so. Slow and steady.

3. Good lighting (so you can see!)

4. Nonslip surface, avoid loose or patterned carpet.

5. Hand rails, banisters on both sides is best but absolutely a must on one side. Ideally you should be able to wrap you hand around the banister. Teach your toddler to use the rail every time, up and down.

6. Spills and Stuff. I am as guilty as the next mom of placing my pile of “stuff to go upstairs” on the bottom stair. Although I’m working on this, #6 is a “do as I say not as I do” moment… don’t leave stuff on the stairs. If there is a spill, liquids or otherwise, clean it up immediately.

Just a friendly MEDBASICS reminder to be vigilant about seasonal items that may present a choking hazard to babies and small children.

Easter basket goodies and spring prizes such as jelly beans, hard-boiled eggs, and balloons are prime suspects to keep an eye on. Even the basket itself can be a hazard since wicker is brittle and might leave some small pieces behind.It might sound overly cautious, but it happened to one mom-

I turned around for a second when Jayden was a toddler. When I turned back, he was choking on something. I tried not to panic and the MEDBASICS choking diagram popped into my mind. I gave him the Heimlich without even having to grab it. Reading that little book prepared me to save my toddler. He coughed up the thing (which turned out to be a piece of wicker basket) and went on playing like nothing happened. I fell into a relieved heap.
Thanks, MEDBASICS!

GINA, mom of Jayden