Deadly Dose Of Daycare

[dArKeR]

In the U.S., there are more kids in childcare than ever before. In recent years, a number of infants have died at the hands of daycare providers who used over-the-counter medicines to quiet cranky babies without their parents' permission.

New York pediatrician Dr. Laura Popper tells The Early Show infants should never be given medication to make them sleep.

She says, “The only person who should be administering anything should be in an operating room and it should be an anesthesiologist. There are no sleep medications for babies.”

The golden rule for over-the-counter medication: “Don't give it unless you've talked to your healthcare provider.” Also, you should not give a baby medication that's meant for an older child.

Dr. Popper says to find safe, quality care, do your homework. On a personal level, get references, and evaluations. ”The bottom line is, know who's taking care of your children. It's very important that day care, be the state or the city or whatever your locality, is licensed.”

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/09/02/earlyshow/health/health_news/main571181.shtml

[bleedingheart]

1. The key is a LICENSED day care center

and even then you should ask around about it and the first few weeks of your child's care should be carefully observed by you.

My kids have attended daycare most of their lives...and I have to say that the providers have been great!!! I pay more because they go to a good center that serves meals...but they are worth it...they are my kids.

Another great sign is the fact that more than half the women at the center have worked their more than 10 years!!! which is amazing in the field.

[Missy Vixen]

3. Staff turnover in day care

>Another great sign is the fact that more than half the women at the center have worked their more than 10 years!!! which is amazing in the field<

Your day care is worth every penny you pay for it and more. This is absolutely unheard of. When I was working in this industry, the average staff member would stay a measly 90 days before moving on.

Good for your kids, good for the ownership of the center, and good for you.

Julie

[Missy Vixen]

2. Former child care provider here

>Dr. Popper says to find safe, quality care, do your homework. On a personal level, get references, and evaluations. ”The bottom line is, know who's taking care of your children. It's very important that day care, be the state or the city or whatever your locality, is licensed.”<

First of all, please note that I am not an objective voice; I am a former child care provider.

I don't condone anything, or anyone, who would harm a child. At the same time, the only 100% reliable form of day care is the one parents provide themselves.

I worked with parents so particular that BM's were described to the nth degree, baby's diet was designed by a nutritionist, etcetera. I also worked with parents who didn't care if the provider was a Satanist, as long as they were consistently available to babysit on Saturday night.

I am not bashing child care providers or parents. I am making the point that, unless the provider is not overworked and desperately underpaid, has bonded with your child, and thinks something of you as a person, they're not going to give the same level of care that a loving parent would.

My asbestos undies are on; hope I won't need them.

Julie

[pw]

4. Parents 100% reliable?

you just have to look at an average week of headlines to ditch that notion>