Now that the days are so difficult parents have to be particularly careful to not let their stress keep them from being vigilant about the safely of their children.
I remember one patient I had where the mother laid a baby on a bed while she did something else. It did not occur to her that the child might roll over onto the floor. But that is what happened. The baby did O.K. but we all worried for several hours. Now it has been reported by the CDC that there are about 2.8 emergency room visits a year because of falls by infants when the doorbell rings or a parent or caretaker needs to use a bathroom or do something else. Also remember that babies should always sleep alone and on their backs. I shudder when a grandparent tells me that a grandchild sleeps with the parents. Do the parents have any idea how risky that can be? It is very tiring to care for infants or little children, but a single mistake can have a life-long effect.
With this awful pandemic, I worry about all the babies being born and wonder if they will survive their parents' stress level. This is a particular problem if there are other children in the family and they have either not been immunized or not yet able to go to school. I am certainly thankful that my children and grandchildren are adults. It is very important that parents find ways to take time off, have a little fun and relaxation. Parenting is hard work and it never over, but the rewards are immense.
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