Child Safety: Gates and Bells

In my Village class tonight, a little 11 month old picked up a set of bells recommended for a 3 year old that I had set up for the next class. She started playing them right away and had a wonderful time. It got me to thinking about child safety. I am not really expressing an opinion but making an observation and perhaps asking a question. One of my 2 year old students broke her arm by climbing over the baby gate her parents had blocking the stairway. I have heard so many stories like this. Her parents took away the baby gate and decided that it was time to let her go up and down the stairs. They felt that less risky than keeping up the baby gate. The bells that Kindermusik recommends for 2 year olds, the babies love and the 2 year olds find boring. Try to find developmentally appropriate drums for a 6 month old and you will find some instruments that barely sound like the real thing. First time parents are generally very careful to buy everything considered "safe" for their baby. After a while, though, most change their ways to what they feel is more realistic. So, mom bought some 3 year old bells for her 11 month old tonight and I am sure she will have a rockin' 11 month old experience with her 3 year old bells!!!