On last week's Secret Mom Hacks episode, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with my friend and former co-worker Haley Montgomery to learn more about her non-profit and how it's helping parents in the music industry. [Tune-in here if you missed our chat!]

This week, she's re-joining us to discuss a scary experience every parent needs to hear, especially parents of children in (or planning to be in) daycare.

Listen to today's full episode HERE.

Let's rewind back to November 2023. Haley smells something odd when dropping off her daughter. Trusting her instincts, she reports it, but it's dismissed as a typical gas heater smell. Fast forward to January 2024—Haley’s husband pulls up to the daycare to find kids and teachers standing outside with fire trucks on the scene. A fellow parent had to use their portable CO monitor, revealing dangerous CO levels.

Can you imagine the shock and horror? Haley’s story opened my eyes to a terrifying reality: many daycares, not just in Nashville but across the U.S., don’t have mandatory CO detectors. How could this be happening in 2024?

Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

  1. Trust Your Gut: Never ignore your instincts when something feels off with your child's daycare environment.
  2. Learn About CO: Haley shares that despite CO being odorless and invisible, it has signs like unusual skin coloration, increased sleepiness, and fussiness. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for regular baby behavior, making it crucial for us to be extra vigilant.
  3. Advocate for Policy Change: Haley's relentless effort to push for policy changes in Tennessee daycares was successful. This is a powerful reminder that our voices truly can drive change.
  4. Invest in Portable CO Monitors: These devices are inexpensive and can help ensure the places your child spends time in are safe.
  5. Research Daycare Ownership: Some daycares are run by large investment groups more interested in profits than kids' safety. Understanding who owns and manages your child’s daycare is essential.

Haley transformed her frightening experience into a mission to protect not just her daughter, but all children from the silent threat of carbon monoxide. I'm inspired by her bravery and resilience.

Beyond CO safety, Haley is doing amazing work with Family Alliance in Music (FAM), as we discussed last week. They are focused on providing grants for IVF, shipping breast milk, and elder care assistance—essentially stepping in where help is needed most.

Wrapping up our conversation, I was left in awe of Haley's determination. She’s turning a nightmare into a relentless drive for positive change—a true testament to the power of a mother's love.

Connect with Haley Montgomery

Check out more regarding Haley's story...

Here’s what we can do next:

  • Spread the Word: Share Haley’s story! Awareness is key.
  • Check Your Daycare's Safety Measures: Ask if they have CO monitors and insist on it if they don’t.
  • Stay Engaged and Informed: Follow Haley’s advocacy journey and continue to push for required safety regulations.

Hugs,
-Krista-

P.S. Do you have a story similar to Haley’s? Please share it in the comments below or reach out on social media. Let’s keep this critical conversation going and ensure the safety of all our kiddos.