Safer Child Products

December 27, 2010

Look outside your window and it looks like a Winter Wonderland.  Walk outside and the wind chaps your cheeks, freezes your ears and yet the children want to stay out and play! I remember my mother smearing Vaseline on our cheeks when we were little, before going outside in this weather.

I worry about my kids being out too long, and I worry about them choosing a safe place to sled.  Are they old enough to play outside by themselves if I can eyeball them from my window? They like to sled down a neighbor’s hill on a cul de sac, yet it is still on a street.  When we have enough snow, they build a snow bank to land in.  Is this any safer?  Is it less safe?

I decided to look up some sledding tips from the experts and was enlightened by what I read. Allow me to highlight a few of the suggestions for you.

1.   Never sled down a hill head first. (This makes a lot sense, especially if the sledders are not wearing helmets).

2.   Only allow 1 person per sled at a time, except under 5 y/o who should sled with an adult.

3.   Avoid scarves and drawstrings which could get caught and cause strangulation.

4.   Do not substitute inner tubes, trays, trash can lids for a sled.

5.   Clothes should be layered and stay dry (change clothes when they get too wet).

For the complete list and answers to my questions (and hopefully yours) visit: http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/info/safety/outdoor/sledding.htm 

Safer Child Products

December 20, 2010

As parents, we are always looking for the best new toy, the new product that will make our kids happier and smarter. What we need to be aware of is the many small pieces that accompany or make up many toys and games.  Sometimes we do not realize it, or sometimes with our 2^nd or 3^rd child we tend to overlook it as the older children have complex toys with smaller pieces.

This holiday season let’s keep all our kids safer.  A good rule of thumb is that no piece should be able to fit through the hole in the cardboard toilet paper roll. If it does, it can pose a choking hazard for babies and toddlers.

In the American Academy of Pediatrics news, December 2010 issue, Tricia Korioth states that “For children under age 3, choose toys that are at least 1 ¼ inches in diameter and 2 ½ inches long, so they will not lodge in a child’s mouth or throat.”

For more safety tips on choosing toys for young children, see the full article at http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/short/31/12/31-b

Safer Child Products

December 13, 2010

With the holiday season fast approaching, and decorations swiftly being hung, I want to address possible dangers with common plants of the season. When hanging or sitting plants out, be aware of young, curious children who may get their hands on a leaf or a berry and put it in his/her mouth.  Watch children and remove any debris or fallen berries.

Mistletoe Berries, Holly, Poinsettia Leaves can all be harmful or toxic.

For detailed information about these and other poisonous holiday plants, go to http://chemistry.about.com/od/toxicchemicals/tp/poisonous-holiday-plants.htm

If you are concerned that your child may have ingested a part of a harmful plant, call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800 222-1222.

Safer Child Products

Some cars have as many as 11 airbags. Some airbags are not safe next to a child car seat.  Check your vehicle owners’ manual to be sure that you know all the locations of the airbags in your car and if you have side curtain or safety canopy airbags, versus side impact airbags.  Head/chest /torso side impact airbags may be more dangerous to a child passenger due to their size and the force of a deploying airbag. Look also for recommendations on best placement of a child car seat depending on the type of airbag system you have in the rear of the car.