Today’s post is another edition of our interview series, where we speak some of the great minds behind our favorite families-friendly products.
We recently had the chance to speak with Carolyn Ziegler, Co-Founder and Product Development Director of global child safety at Dreambaby®. Carolyn has been involved in child safety for 35 years. Her work has extended to various affiliations with other child safety organizations and initiatives, and she is widely respected as a child safety expert and advocate. These days, Carolyn’s expertise is focused on product development, by proactively identifying and assessing risks posed to babies and young children and developing the solutions to deal with those dangers.
We hope you’ll enjoy reading some of our conversation with Carolyn below. We asked her about Dreambaby’s innovative safety gear, as well as other safety concerns.
MCA: You’ve developed lots of safety gear, including baby gates and safety locks at Dreambaby®. What led you to create the EZY-Check® Multi-Use Latch specifically?
Carolyn Ziegler: The Dreambaby® Ezy-Check Multi-use Latch® is part of a range of Dreambaby® products that uses Ezy-Check technology®. We developed this technology to give parents and carers additional peace of mind. The Ezy-Check® indicator shows whether the latch is locked or unlocked (green for locked, red for unlocked) so parents can tell at a glance if this latch is properly secured.
The Dreambaby® Ezy-Check Multi-Use Latch® is extremely safe and makes it hard for young children to open drawers, small cupboard doors, toilets and even some household appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators. Made from durable, flexible, non-toxic material, it’s also easy-to-use and can be used on multiple surfaces as its adhesive backing works on glass, timber, metal or laminate surfaces. No tools or screws required! Remember always install above the reach of small children and use the appropriate safety solution for the situation.
MCA: Your Dreambaby® EZY-Check® Multi-Use Latch really looks good and unobtrusive around the house. Obviously safety is your main concern, but how important is the style of a safety product to you?
CZ: There is a growing trend for making safety items look more contemporary and appealing or even hidden from view. To that end we have introduced a Style™ range of metallic hued safety solutions that has been designed to perfectly blend with stainless steel appliances and modern interiors. We have also launched an Adhesive Mag Lock® range – locks are hidden inside cupboards and drawers and can only be unlocked using the powerful magnetic key. it’s really part of the next -generation of child safety locks.
MCA: Aside from using Dreambaby® products, are there household safety suggestions that you would give to parents?
CZ: Once children become mobile, there are the obvious steps – block off power points with outlet plugs and move sharp objects, knives and poisons including medicines out of reach and securely locked. Watch out for the sharp corners on tables. Get down on all fours and look up at the world from the point of view of a crawling child. It’s amazing the hidden dangers you will immediately identify.
Keep children out of cabinets and drawers by properly securing them with child locks and latches. Prevent doors slamming on little fingers by securing them using a door stop or under door gripper. Preparation and recognizing the potential issues is what it’s all about. Remember though, every house is different, and every child is too. Your child may never even look twice at a cabinet, but what about that visiting cousin or friend? They may have other ideas so make sure your home is secured for all children not just your own.
Also remember children learn and discover the world by experiencing things and unfortunately that can sometimes mean getting hold of a knife from the drawer, or unplugging the computer, or pulling on that tablecloth – so be aware at all times. Preparation, moving things out of reach, locking things away, keeping sharps and poisons out of reach, using a gate, keeping children within site, and only allowing your child to be supervised by a trustworthy and loving adult are all important precautions.
For more on Dreambaby®’s extensive range and for more tips on safety, visit Dreambaby®’s website. Find them on Facebook here and Twitter here.
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5 Comments on “Interview: Carolyn Ziegler of Dreambaby® on Child Safety”
Thank you for sharing! Ever since became a parent, child sately has became one of main things that always in my mind!
Glad you enjoyed, David! Thanks for the comment!
This was great !! Well written. Thank you !
Thanks for sharing this post it’s so very important and with a grandson at 4 months it won’t belong before he is mobile and i want to help have all the safety issues addressed before then!
Thank you for the share this is something I feel that is so important :)