Keep Kids Safe in the Bathroom

A friend’s grandchild slipped in the bathroom and crashed into the sink causing a bad bump on the lip and a lot of bleeding. If you have a child that has been recently potty trained that is now spending a lot more time in the bathroom, you may want to take some steps to child proof your bathroom.

If you’re contemplating updates to your bathroom, incorporating these safety features during bathroom renovations can provide peace of mind for parents. Sydney bathroom renovations, these professionals can assist in integrating child-friendly elements such as rounded corners on fixtures, non-slip flooring, and easily accessible storage solutions that keep potentially dangerous items out of reach.

Focusing on these safety aspects as part of your renovation plan, you can create a more secure space that accommodates the needs of your growing child while enhancing the overall functionality and style of your bathroom.

In addition to safety, these professionals can help you choose modern fixtures and finishes that elevate the aesthetic of your bathroom. By collaborating with Captivate Painting & Remodeling, you can trust that every detail will be carefully considered, giving you a stylish and secure bathroom that evolves with your family’s needs.

With a keen eye for detail, their brings innovative solutions that optimize space and improve overall flow, creating a bathroom that not only meets your practical needs but also offers a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere. From layout adjustments to expert craftsmanship, their team transforms your vision into a reality.

  • When planning a bathroom remodel, it’s essential to consider both aesthetics and practicality. Selecting the right materials can significantly impact the longevity and safety of your space. For instance, opting for durable, water-resistant surfaces not only enhances the look of your bathroom but also ensures that it can withstand the daily wear and tear of family life. Adding features such as a low-threshold shower or a bathtub with grab bars can further enhance safety while providing convenience for parents and children alike.
  • You can try installing a latch on the door to prevent entry without an adult but that can be a bit counterproductive if the child has just been potty trained. You should be sure that the child cannot lock themselves in the room or at least be sure that the key is easily accessible if the child does lock the door.
  • Even locking the toilet lid shut is a good idea for curious toddlers. They are top-heavy and if a toddler falls into the toilet, she may not be able to get herself out by herself.
  • Falls in the bathtub can be minimized if you use the no-slip strips on the bottom of the tub. You may want to remove throw rugs from the bathroom if the floor is a bit slippery. That could prevent a child from taking a hard fall against the bathtub, sink, or toilet.
  • Prevent scalds or burns by adjusting your water heater so that the hottest water available from the tap is no hotter than 120. Always test the bath water to be sure it feels warm and not hot. If your child runs the water by himself, teach him to turn the cold water on first.
  • When considering the overall heating system in your home, it’s beneficial to evaluate the fuel sources being used. For example, if you’re relying on heating oil for your hot water heater, obtaining a heating oil quote can provide insight into your expenses and help you budget accordingly. As families prioritize safety and efficiency, understanding the costs associated with different heating methods can lead to better decision-making.
  • All medicine should be placed out of reach for small children. Even if the bottles are out of reach, they still should have child-proof tops. Toothpaste, shampoo, and soap should also be kept out of sight or on a high storage shelf.
  • Electric appliances like shavers, radios, electric toothbrush chargers should be stored inside a cabinet; preferably a locked cabinet. Curious toddlers could easily place them into a tub or sink of water. Electricity and water do not mix. You will also want to be sure you have GFI circuits installed in your bathroom. The circuit breaker for the bathroom should also be GFI.

These are just a few basic ideas to keep your family safe in the bathroom. Let us know if you have any other suggestions.

Page Content

Liz Meimann

I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science at Iowa State University. I love to quilt, sew, cook, and bake. I spent many years gardening, canning, and preserving food for my family when my children were at home.

More Posts - Website

Freezer food for after baby arrives

Last week, we had another grandson. That brings my total number of grandchildren to 13.   It also means that it is time to make my traditional baby gift for the family. I like to prepare and freeze meals for the family. I plan enough meals to feed the family for an entire month. I know what you are thinking, but it isn’t as much work as it seems. When I make a recipe, I divide it up into amounts that the family will eat in a single meal. I may get 4 meals out of a pan of lasagna. I use disposable pans to eliminate dishwashing. Lasagna or other casseroles can be put into disposable loaf pans. I tightly wrap the pans and put all cooking instructions on the foil. This allows either mom or dad to bake dinner. The meals can be taken out of the freezer the day before and allowed to thaw in the refrigerator overnight for quicker cooking. Sometimes, the day doesn’t quite go as planned and the family decides mid-afternoon that they want a frozen meal that same day. No problem, simply cook the meal one and a half times as long as a thawed meal.

I also make some rolls or garlic bread to accompany a meal. These too can be easily thawed or cooked at meal time. I like to make rolls from scratch and then freeze them before baking. The rolls can be thawed and baked while the rest of the meal is baking. Fresh rolls and a home cooked meal can make life with a new baby so much easier.

About a month before the baby arrived, I asked my daughter just what food they might enjoy after baby number three arrived. This way, I can prepare and purchase ingredients as I see them on sale. They can purchase vegetables or other fruits and salads to accompany the meals and have them on hand. This is a project that I do while staying with the new family and helping out with meals and cleaning after the baby arrives.

I thought you might like to see some suggestions for foods that work well for new families.

  • Chicken noodle casserole
  • Pepper Steak
  • Beef and noodles
  • Beef Stroganoff
  • Breakfast casserole
  • Lasagna
  • Goulash
  • Tater tot casserole
  • Cheesy potatoes
  • Beef pot pie and chicken pot pie
  • Enchiladas

This is not a complete list of appropriate foods, just foods that are popular in our family. I can’t wait to get started.

 

 

 

\

 

Liz Meimann

I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science at Iowa State University. I love to quilt, sew, cook, and bake. I spent many years gardening, canning, and preserving food for my family when my children were at home.

More Posts - Website

When should I harvest garden crops?

You may have noticed when reading canning recipes list only unblemished fruits and vegetables at their peak size and degree of ripeness. You may wonder what the best size and degree of ripeness is for some of the vegetables you planted.  Sometimes it is hard to keep up with the weeding and regular care of the garden and it is easy to let some vegetables grow past their prime.  Here is a short list of common vegetables and descriptions of when they are at their best for food preservation.  I’ve used some information from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension; you can check with them for more information.

  • Cherries: Sweet cherries should be fully colored with the stems firmly attached. Sour cherries should be sampled to determine proper harvest time. Be sure they are fully colored and flavorful as they will not ripen further after harvesting.
  • Peaches: The background color of the peach skin is your best guide. Pick when the background color changes from green to yellow. The reddish color on the skin is not a good guide. Taste to be sure.
  • Plums:   Pick when the flesh begins to feel soft. The skin changes color before the fruit is ripe.
  • Strawberries: Pick when the fruits are uniformly red and beginning to soften.
  • Beans:  Pick when they are small in diameter and crisp enough to snap when picked.
  • Beets: Pull when the roots are between 1 ¼ and 2 inches in diameter. Some, but not all, beets will still have good quality when a bit larger.
  • Broccoli: Harvest when the head is fully developed but before the yellow blossoms open.
  • Carrots: Pull carrots when they are ¾ to 1 inch in diameter. Larger carrots can become woody.
  • Cucumber: The end use of the cucumber will determine when to pick. Pickling cucumbers are ready for sweet pickles when they are 1 ½ to 2 inches long. Dill pickles require 3 to 4 inch long cucumbers. For slicing choose cucumbers that are 7 to 9 inches long. Do not allow the cucumbers to yellow or become too mature.
  • Kohlrabi: Harvest these when the stem is 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
  • Okra: The pods are best when they are 3 to 5 inches long. Be sure to wear gloves when harvesting as the plants are spiny.
  • Onions: Green onions can be pulled any time. Onions for storage should be pulled with half of the tops are dried and the bulbs are at least 2 inches in diameter.
  • Summer Squash/Zucchini: Pick these when the fruit is young and tender. Your fingernail should easily pierce the skin of the squash. Use zucchini when they are 1 ½ inches in diameter and between 4 to 8 inches long. Check your garden every day as zucchini grow so very fast.
  • Sweet corn: Pick when the cob is filled with kernels and still in the milky stage. Use a fingernail to pierce a kernel. A milky liquid should be released. The silks should be dry and brown. Preserve within 4 hours of picking for the best possible result.
  • Tomatoes: Pick when the fruits are fully colored and firm. During hot weather you may want to pick tomatoes that are only pink and allow them to finish ripening inside the house.

Remember that if you need any advice or recipes to preserve these or any other fruits and vegetables you can call us and we will be happy to help. Happy gardening.

 

Liz Meimann

I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science at Iowa State University. I love to quilt, sew, cook, and bake. I spent many years gardening, canning, and preserving food for my family when my children were at home.

More Posts - Website

First Aid tips for kids

A friend’s grandchild was recently injured in a fall. Since the wound was to the mouth, there was a lot of blood involved. Accidents happen so quickly and sometimes adults are not present at the scene of the accident. As summer begins, it may be a good idea to review some basic first aid tips with your child.

A really important skill for a child is the ability to call 911 effectively that has the best crew to do first aid and CPR on the spot. The child needs to know their numbers, in order to recognize 9-1-1. You can also pre-program the number into your phone but make sure the child understands how to use the pre-programmed feature of your phone. The child also needs to be able to speak to the operator and describe the problem. It is even better if the child knows their address or the address of the accident.

In addition to knowing how to call for emergency services, it is also important to have a well-stocked first aid kit readily available. As a parent, you can create a kid-friendly first aid kit that includes essentials such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, and tweezers. You can also add some extra items such as ice packs, disposable gloves, and a thermometer to be better prepared for any situation. At eFirstAidSupplies, you can find a variety of first-aid kits that cater to different needs and situations. Having a well-prepared first aid kit can be ensuring that your child receives the necessary care before medical help arrives.

For young children accidents often involve bleeding. Whether a scraped knee, nosebleed, or a cut, bleeding can be a bit frightening for younger children. Teach them that when they see blood, they should apply pressure. Then they are likely to stop the bleeding before an adult can help. Teach them to use a clean cloth, if available, but if not available a bare hand will work. If they have the injured friend apply the pressure to themselves then your child will be free to go for help.

Teach the child that treating a burn means getting to some water to cool the burn. They should run cool water over the burn. Later, an adult can clean the wound and bandage it if necessary.

Review these first aid techniques with your child or grandchild so they will be prepared for the bumps and bruises of summer.

Liz Meimann

I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science at Iowa State University. I love to quilt, sew, cook, and bake. I spent many years gardening, canning, and preserving food for my family when my children were at home.

More Posts - Website

Prevent Clothing Moths

The warm weather makes me want to finish up cleaning and storing winter items. I typically wash all our winter coats, hats, mittens, and scarves.  The flannel sheets and heavy blankets are clean and stored away.  The next thing I need to do is wash or dry-clean all our woolen sweaters and shirts and store them to prevent damage from clothing moths.

Once cleaned, I store them in a cool, dry place, away from any potential sunlight or moisture that could warp or discolor the fabric. When you’re looking to expand or refresh your hat collection, it’s a good idea to consider adding versatile pieces that will carry you through multiple seasons. One great option is headwear from TheGoodwellCompany.com, offering a selection of high-quality hats made from durable, stylish materials.

Whether you’re in need of a chic summer hat or a cozy winter option, their collection provides a range of styles to match any look or occasion. Investing in well-made hats can help elevate your wardrobe while also providing the protection you need from the elements, so you can enjoy them year after year.

I did a little research on clothing moths since it has been a while since we had any questions from AnswerLine callers on this topic. These moths like to lay eggs on woolen and other animal fiber articles of clothing.  There are actually two different species of clothing moths.

The case making clothes moth and the webbing clothes moth both appear very similar.  They are both yellowish in color and about ¼ inch long.  They look a bit fluttery when flying and both avoid the light.  Their fully grown larvae are about ½ inch long and white when brownish-black heads.  Both will spin a feeding tube or protective case into the fabric that they are feeding upon.

This larval stage is the only life stage when the insect feeds; the eggs and adult moths do not damage clothing. The clothing moths prefer quiet dark areas like closets, attics and seldom used drawers or trunks.  If you store an item for a long time in one of those quiet spots the item is particularly at risk.  Moths typically will not damage anything in a high traffic or use area.

You may be wondering how to prevent a clothing moth infestation. The best answer to this is to be meticulous in keeping both the storage area and the garments clean.  Vacuuming will remove eggs and laundering or dry cleaning will also destroy the eggs.  Cleaning items will also remove food stains and body oils which will also attract moths.  You may need to brush or leave items in the bright sunlight to get rid of larvae or eggs.  Remember to brush the items outdoors so you don’t re-infest your home.

Freezing is another alternative to control the larvae or eggs in an item that you cannot wash or dry-clean. You must leave the item in a freezer set at 0F for at least 48-72 hours. This will be great if you have stuffed animals or items with feathers on them.

After your items are cleaned, store them in a tightly sealed container. You may want to choose a tightly sealed plastic tub.  Cedar does contain oil that acts as an insecticide but is only effective if tightly contained.  A cedar closet is not typically tight enough to actually kill the moths.  Moth balls can be effective if placed inside a tightly sealed container but they are toxic and you may want to avoid using them.  The odor of the mothballs is very long lasting so you may choose to just use the tightly sealed tub alone.

It looks like I have a project for this weekend, but once I get everything cleaned it will be safely stored for the summer.

Liz Meimann

I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science at Iowa State University. I love to quilt, sew, cook, and bake. I spent many years gardening, canning, and preserving food for my family when my children were at home.

More Posts - Website

Garage Sale tips part 2

Last spring at about this time we published a blog with some suggestions of items to avoid when buying or selling at a garage sale. That advice seems timely again but we also have some suggestions for those who want to make smart purchases at a sale.

  • It is important to know what an item is worth to know if you are indeed getting a bargain. If it is a collectable item, brush up on prices by looking at collectors’ magazines or webpages. Even eBay can be a quick resource.
  • Look for brand names that you trust for high quality items. Avoid overpaying on the strength of the brand name alone.
  • Be sure that your really need the item. A bargain is not worth it if it is something that will just take up space at your home but not be useful.
  • If you’re eyeing a big-league investment—be it a sleek car, a swanky boat, or a hefty appliance—pump the brakes and give yourself some room for contemplation. Think of it as checking out the Invest Diva reviews for your financial decisions. You may even want to consult a mechanic or repair person for advice. The repairman may know what part of the appliance wears the fastest and the expected life of the appliance.
  • Be realistic about the actual price of the item. If it requires a lot of repair before it is useable, it may not be a bargain after all.
  • Try to arrive at the sale early as you will have more of an opportunity to evaluate the item.
  • Don’t assume that the price marked is firm; be willing to negotiate for a lower price. Be realistic about true value of the item.

Taking some time to do a bit of research should help you know a bargain when you see one. Happy shopping.

Liz Meimann

I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science at Iowa State University. I love to quilt, sew, cook, and bake. I spent many years gardening, canning, and preserving food for my family when my children were at home.

More Posts - Website

Chores for Kids

It seems that summer will be here before we know it. On campus at Iowa State University, it is summer already.  My own grandchildren will be out of school soon and that change means that the kids will have a bit more time on their hands.  This makes me think back to when my own five children were out of school for the summer.  With a large family, that often meant reassigning some chores for the summer.

There are several schools of thought about children and chores around the house. One side thinks that since everyone is part of the family, all members should do things that contribute to the good of the family.  Everyone might be responsible for putting their own dirty dishes into the dishwasher or emptying the trash from their own bedroom before garbage collection day.  Others think that a good way to teach children the value of a dollar or the value of work is to pay them to do regular chores around the house.

Both sides make good points about teaching children and working together. The current research tends to support not tying allowance or pay with chores.  That being said, there should still be some sort of consequences for chores left undone.

Kids can gain a lot by performing chores around the house. If the chore truly contributes to the wellbeing of the family, a child will tend to feel more connected to the family group.  Completing a job gives a great sense of pride and accomplishment.  These chores can also teach life skills; eventually, everyone needs to know how to do the laundry or clean their home.  The ability to perform these chores successfully will also be a boost to the child’s confidence and self-esteem.

Additionally, requiring the kids to do chores frees up some time for the parents. It can also help provide some structure and routine in the life of the family.  Research has demonstrated that children thrive on structure and routine.

Parents must remember to assign chores that are developmentally appropriate. Of course children are all different but this list will provide some suggestions.  Younger children will require a bit more supervision, at least at first.  Resist the urge to redo chores that perhaps don’t meet your standards.  If you redo a chore you will undermine the child’s sense of accomplishment.  Over time, you can help the child improve their skills and you will both benefit.

Now is a great time to make some plans for this summer.

 

Liz Meimann

I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science at Iowa State University. I love to quilt, sew, cook, and bake. I spent many years gardening, canning, and preserving food for my family when my children were at home.

More Posts - Website

What if my rhubarb freezes?

A sure sign of spring at AnswerLine are the calls from people concerned about the safety of their rhubarb plants. It seems like every year we have a week or so of really nice temperatures that allow the rhubarb plants to grow vigorously. Then the temperatures take a dive and we have a frost or freezing weather.  There is an old wives tale that says rhubarb that has frozen is poisonous and that you should destroy or dig up your plants to stay safe.

That old wives tale is just that; a tale that is not correct.   If your patch of rhubarb freezes, the fleshy part of the plant will freeze.  After a day or two, the frozen leaves and stems will become soft and blackened.  This is a result of the damage that freezing and thawing cause to the plant.  Most people, when they pick rhubarb, are particular and choose the nicest, freshest looking stalks.  They would not choose softened, black, or mushy stalks.  Those stalks should be pulled and discarded; this is something most people would do without thinking.

Remember, only the stalks or petioles should be eaten because the leaves contain moderately poisonous oxalic acid.  It is generally recommended that home gardeners stop harvesting rhubarb in early to mid-June. Continued harvest through the summer months would weaken the plants and reduce the yield and quality of next year’s crop. The rhubarb stalks may become somewhat woody by mid-summer, but they don’t become poisonous. Sometimes we have callers wanting to harvest enough for a crisp or a pie during mid-summer.  We tell them to look for some smaller, tender stalks that could be pulled.  If the rhubarb patch is an older, established patch pulling a few stalks should not cause permanent damage to the patch.

Enjoy your rhubarb.

 

Liz Meimann

I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science at Iowa State University. I love to quilt, sew, cook, and bake. I spent many years gardening, canning, and preserving food for my family when my children were at home.

More Posts - Website

A bit of history

Did you know that AnswerLine is 42 years old? We were looking at some of the history of AnswerLine last week and Marcia thought that our blog readers might be interested in a bit of our history too.

A woman named Mary Jo Williams came up with the idea for AnswerLine. It was a part of her thesis in Graduate school.  She had an idea to help consumers get their questions answered quickly, while saving the time of the Extension Specialists that had many other duties, including presenting and writing programs.  When the toll free line was piloted, it was so successful that the trial was stopped and AnswerLine began.  We have had many different staff members over the 42 year span of operation.  One of the things that has remained consistent is that about 2/3 of our calls are food related questions; so operators have always needed a good background in Food and Nutrition.

Back in the day, the operators had four, four drawer file cabinets with little cards that contained answers to questions. They had a long phone cord and a good memory to be able to help consumers.  As the computer age began to take over, AnswerLine began an in-home data base.  The information from those cards was put into the computer, as well as other hard to find information.  We still use that data base today.  But we also do some advanced searching on the internet to find current research based information.

Our role as operators has changed from the early days at AnswerLine. It used to be that callers needed oven temperatures, times, and had quick questions about how to freeze different foods.  Today’s callers more often need assistance with more complicated procedures.  During this time of year, we get a lot of calls about home food preservation.  It is pretty common to talk someone through the method to freeze a vegetable fresh from the garden, or how to use the pressure canner or water bath canner.  Some of these calls can get a bit long as we often need to persuade someone to use safe, tested recipes instead of a recipe that has been handed down through the years. We appreciate your patience when we are busy answering one of these long calls.

We do have 4 operators on our line. Myself, Beth Marrs, Marcia Steed, and Marlene Geiger.  I’m sure you feel acquainted with all of us through phone calls and our blog posts.  We sure enjoy working with you and answering all of your questions.  Keep calling us.

Liz Meimann

I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science at Iowa State University. I love to quilt, sew, cook, and bake. I spent many years gardening, canning, and preserving food for my family when my children were at home.

More Posts - Website

Time saver meals

As we spring morphs into summer, one of the things that seems to disappear is time. Kids’ track meets, sports practices, and ballgames become more frequent and family dinner time seems impossible.  We all know that a drive-thru dinner is not good for our health or our wallet. At AnswerLine, we looked at the subscription meal services as an option and we know that various grocery stores are offering help making freezer meals.  The trick is to find something that works well for your family and the time you have available.

One summer the parents of my daughters softball teammates banded together to make pot luck dinners. She had a game nearly every weeknight and Saturday.  The JV team had to be there by 5:30 pm. which didn’t leave much time to get the family fed and our daughter ready and to the ball diamond.  Our solution was to take meals to the ball diamond that parents and siblings of the players could enjoy before the games.  Parents took turns providing the main dish and side dishes.  It wasn’t too hard to make one dish or to pack the portable gas grill on game days.  Everyone enjoyed the meals because when you only need to prepare one dish it is easier to make something special.  But even a simple picnic can be packed when the timing of a game or practice makes meals at home impossible.  Enjoying a meal together, even just sandwiches and fruit, after a game or practice can make it seem special.

Another possibility would be to make a list of the quick and easy meals that your family enjoys. Some families love the breakfast at dinner time meals.  It doesn’t take long to scramble some eggs or make omelets.  Add some fruit, vegetables, or toast and you can have a balanced meal ready in a flash.  If you make a list of the simple meals you enjoy, you are able to shop so that the ingredients you need to have on hand will be there when you need them.

You can also take advantage of some quick tips to make preparing those meals faster. Consider chopping and freezing some onions in advance.  The thawed onions will be soft and really best used in cooked dishes, but if you chop and freeze them in thin layers in a freezer bag, they will be easy to measure and use when cooking in a hurry.  You can also double the amount you make on a night when time isn’t a factor and freeze the extra.  Defrost in the refrigerator during the work day and enjoy on a busy night.

Don’t forget the slow cooker during the spring or summer either. Sometimes we think it is only for making some great soup or stew on those cold winter days.  The crock pot can make your dinner while you and the family are out for the day and it can keep the house cooler when used instead of the stove.  Our friends at Spend Smart. Eat Smart. have some great recipes. Check out their entire website for some great information.  They even have an app for your smart phone to make grocery shopping easier.

Just a little bit of planning in advance can keep your family and your wallet healthier. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liz Meimann

I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Food Science at Iowa State University. I love to quilt, sew, cook, and bake. I spent many years gardening, canning, and preserving food for my family when my children were at home.

More Posts - Website

AnswerLine

Connect with us!

AnswerLine's Facebook page AnswerLine's Pinterest page
Email: answer@iastate.edu
Phone: (Monday-Friday, 9 am-noon; 1-4 pm)
1-800-262-3804 (in Iowa)
1-800-854-1678 (in Minnesota)

Archives

Categories