Safety Showcase
Toddlers and Upper Floor Windows
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As warmer weather approaches, I wanted to warn parents of a potential danger in their own home: windows. On Sept. 8 last year, my then 2-year-old son crawled on a couch that was pushed against a third-floor window, stood on the window sill, and leaned against the screen. The screen gave way, and Jacob fell the three floors, landing headfirst on the concrete below. He spent three weeks in the intensive-care unit, then three months in rehab. We are a lucky family. Although Jacob is a victim of a traumatic brain injury, he is on the road to a full recovery. Not everyone is so lucky.
I encourage parents to do what they can to prevent a brain injury in their own child: Helmets are a must when riding bikes, riding scooters, or skating of any kind. Always stay with your children when they are in a bath or a pool. If you have a couch pushed up against a window on the second floor or higher, make sure there is no way your child could fall out.