Heavy displays, escalators, elevators and more can be major hazards for small kids at the mall. Add in distracted parents, and a day of shopping can turn into a disaster. Getting lost may be a concern of parents whose kids tend to wander. Before you leave the house, be sure your child knows your cell phone number, or put it in her pocket so that if you're separated, she can call you. Give her an action plan if she can't find you that includes finding a security guard or store employee. If she's too young to understand, then ask her to look for another "mommy" - a woman with children is more likely to want to help. As you shop, keep a close eye on where your child is at all times. It's easy to focus on something else, and in that time, your child can pull a heavy display or items down on herself or disappear under a rack of clothing - and perhaps pull that down on herself as well. When traveling by elevator, move as far away from the doors as possible - the sensors that pick up movement by the door and keep it open may not pick up smaller limbs and fingers, risking children getting caught in the door.
As you exit the elevator, mind the gap - be sure the elevator and floor are level, stepping over that gap and being cautious of kids' feet. Moms with strollers should opt for the elevator - escalators are not meant for safe stroller travel. Only two wheels fit on each step, and you can easily lose control of the stroller. Smaller kids should be taken by the hand and guided onto a step. Don't let your child sit on the steps, where fingers and arms can get more easily caught in machinery. Check your child's clothing before boarding the escalator. Be sure shoes are tied and that no clothes are dragging the floor, becoming a safety risk. If your child gets stuck, hit the emergency stop button located at the top and bottom of the escalator, or yell for someone else to do it if you're not close enough. Keep shopping safe and fun for the whole family.