Relationships August 24, 2017
Five tips to keep your kids safe!
Photo via Instagram / @jessicamaysymesParents with children of any age can attest that their kids are their pride and joy and give meaning to their life. And while the world is a fascinating place for kids to discover, it can also be a dangerous one. Thus, one of the most important things when it comes to parenting is keeping children safe. That’s why November celebrates Child Safety Protection Month.
In honor of Child Safety Protection Month, ENTITY compiled a list of five safety categories and tips on how to keep your children out of harm’s way.
When it comes to feeding young children, a general tip is to stay away from unpasteurized and raw foods because kids are more vulnerable to food poisoning and infections. This includes milk and other dairy products, eggs, meat and poultry, undercooked fish or shellfish, juices, sprouts and honey.
Eat Right, an academy of nutrition an dietetics, says double dipping can also be an issue. Feeding your baby from a jar can transmit bacteria back and forth between their mouth and the food. Using a separate plate or bowl is a healthier option.
But aside from bacteria, one of the greatest dangers when it comes to children handling food is the choking hazard. This doesn’t just apply to babies and it should be considered when feeding children up to five years old.
Small hard foods like nuts, popcorn and chips, and slippery foods like grapes and meat should be avoided or broken into smaller pieces. Sticky foods like peanut butter and gum should be avoided altogether.
Child Safety Protection Month food pro tip: When it comes to toddlers, think in small portion sizes and also feed them food soft enough for a child with developing teeth to chew.
Car safety depends on your child’s age. According to the Healthy Children website, children under two years old should ride in rear-facing seats. Once they outgrow this option, toddlers should ride harnessed into forward-facing seats. Then after exceeding the height and weight limits set by the seat’s manufacturer, you should still be cautious with your child’s safety in the car.
Children should ride in booster seats until they are big enough to ride with just a seatbelt. The typical age range children can stop using a booster seat is eight to 12, but it really depends on their size. Children under 4 feet 9 inches should still use booster seats.
And when it comes to seat belt use, all children should utilize the lap and shoulder band. In addition, if they are under 13, they should ride in the back seat.
Child Safety Protection Month car pro tip: In 2017, the cars voted safest for families were the Kia Soul, Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Kia Cadenza, Cadillac CT6, Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Malibu and the Subaru Outback.
Toys are one of the most magical components of childhood that evoke imagination and wonder about the world. However, they can also be harmful if not chosen wisely.
When picking out toys for your kids, you should consider these five safety factors and avoid used toys that may no longer abide by safety standards or have become hazardous.
When looking at toys, look for fabric that is flame resistant or retardant, stuffed animals that are washable, toys that contain lead-free paint, non toxic art items and crayon boxes with ASTM D-4236 on the box, which notifies the buyer they’ve been tested.
Child Safety Protection Month toy pro tip: In 2017, the Lamaze Clip and Go Moose Mortimer was voted the safest toy for babies by Wiki.
Playing outside may seem like a thing of the distant past with today’s generation of kids attached to their cellphones. However, for the children who still enjoy the great outdoors, there are some precautions parents should take.
When it comes to bicycle safety, Kaiser Permanente advises parents to choose a bike that fits their child’s current size, always require them to wear a helmet and encourage them to wear bright colors and avoid riding when it starts to get dark. In addition, children should learn the rules of the road and make eye contact with drivers when turning or crossing the street.
In addition to playing outside, though, Healthline says involvement in sports is also important for children to learn team-building skills and stay active. When playing sports, kids should always wear the proper pads and footwear. In addition, they should become familiar with the rules of the game and report any injuries immediately.
Child Safety Protection Month outside pro tip: Non-contact sports like golf, tennis and swimming are safer options with less opportunity for injury and concussions.
A child’s innocence is one of the best things about them. However, when learning to navigate the world, their trusting nature can also land them into trouble. Because of this, teaching your children who they can trust outside of the family is very important.
It’s important children learn that strangers don’t always look mean or like the villains in kids shows and movies.
However, if they are in a dangerous situation, they also need encouragement that there are adults they can trust. Teaching them to seek out police officers, firefighters, teachers or other public officials and families in a public area will help them navigate a situation if they are hurt or lost and away from their parents.
Child Safety Protection Month stranger danger pro tip: Role play situations with your children to help them visualize and fully understand which situations and people are dangerous.
The children are the future and should be protected. Celebrate Child Safety Protection Month by sharing these tips with your kids and other mothers!
