I just had a potentially scary lesson. Never assume that any other adult knows how to use a piece of equipment, no matter how obvious it seems.

[BranchingOut]

We went out last night and my son's grandmother was due to put him to bed.

I explained that she needed to take off the bed-guard and then put it back once he was asleep. This bed guard is fixed with clips at the side.

THis bed guard clicks into place, but (not realising this) what she did was to slide it out, including the base and some straps which can be used to fix it to the bottom of beds. SHe then slid it back in under the mattress and I realised just now that, of course, the straps didn't go back under properly so overnight there was a loop of strapping right beside where he was sleeping. Obviously he could have got his arm caught or worse. :(

My blood is running cold. I thought that she knew how to use the bed guard as it has been up for a couple of weeks when she has been putting him down for naps - but she was lifting him over it and had never taken it off before. I feel very guilty for not double-checking, letting my son down by not going into the detail.

I am writing this to get it out of my system and for the benefit of any other parents. Bed guards, car seats, prams, slings - any equipment, if it involves your baby or toddler don't assume anything. :(

[DrinkYourWeakLemonDrinkNow]

I remember my parents and inlaws struggling very badly with car seats. Mind you I struggled with the damn things too, so I don't blame them. One of these days I'm going to go on Dragons Den with an improved design

I think baby/toddler 'equipment' is often confusing, especially for older people who didn't use any of it when they were young parents. I do have a lot of sympathy for gp's who are usually only trying to do their best.

[Octaviapink]

I agree that I think you're overreacting/overthinking it a bit. Your toddler has a mark from a cut on his chin, but, umm, so what? My dd has a scar on her knee from falling over. My friend's DS has a scar under his chin from something or other. If you're trying to get him to adulthood without ever shedding a little blood you're on something of a hiding to nothing. Falling out of bed would be far from the worst thing that could happen to him - you may need to reassess your risk profile.

[MollieO]

Sounds like a lesson learned. I never assume knowledge of equipment etc with my mum on the basis that none of it existed when I was young!

[Sleepglorioussleep]

I have a problem with most stair gates-I wonder how many accidents are caused by tripping over the rail at the bottom of lots of them, and by not closing them but thinking you have. I was lucky in having children who learnt to climb up and down stairs safely before they could walk. We didn't have stair gates. Watched them very closely, as I would have in the house of someone without children. No bed guard either, although put mattress by bed for couple of weeks when they first went in. Always knot plastic carrier bags though. And knives straight into the sink after use.

[BranchingOut]

Octavia - I don't think it is that unusual for a parent to feel upset about a scar on their baby's face!

Yes, I do expect him to have some bumps and bruises, but I would prefer it if he didn't.

[CharlieBoo]

We used to use 4 pillows next to dds bed so she'd land on them if she fell out... Have a great picture where she had fallen out onto the pillows and stayed fast asleep!! I can relate hugely to your anxiety and it is extreme. Mine has always been over my kids health and safety.