When it comes to keeping children safe, many parents rely on instinct and experience. This new year, make a resolution to be informed and proactive in order to safeguard your family and prevent accidents throughout 2019. Dr.STITCH has created a Calendar of Safety Tips to help get you and your little ones through the next year as smoothly and safely as possible.
January– New Year, same rules! As you celebrate around the fireplace with little ones, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Communicate to children the dangers of fires and the heat generated from them.
- Put fireplace tools and accessories, including lighters and matches, out of the reach of little hands.
- If you leave the room while the fire is burning, or the fireplace is still hot, take children with you.
February– Winter is almost coming to an end, but you can avoid the remaining cold and flu season with these health awareness tips:
- Teach your child how to properly cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Make sure little ones know how (and when) to effectively wash their hands.
- Set up a regular sleep routine because immune systems are stronger when kids are well-rested.
March– While the safest place for a child may be in their own home, no house is completely accident-proof. Take some time this month to review these basic household safety tips:
- Keep breakable, heavy or sharp items on higher up counters or shelves so children cannot reach or pull on them.
- Place non-slip mats inside your bath, and of course, never leave your child alone in the tub!
- Avoid leaving your child alone in the kitchen while the stove or other appliances are being used.
April– April showers may bring May flowers, but they can also bring injuries and sickness! Follow these rainy weather safety tips:
- If you must go out in bad weather, always send kids out wearing proper, waterproof rain gear.
- Don’t allow running or jumping in areas where the ground may be wet and slippery.
- Try to stay indoors during harsh weather conditions including lightning, large hail, damaging winds, flooding rain or tornadoes.
May– Spring weather means time to open up the windows and break out the cleaning supplies! Keep these tips in mind when cleaning around children:
- Keep them away from harsh cleaning chemicals that can cause irritation on contact.
- Do not let children lift or move heavy furniture, and be sure they are a safe distance away when you’re rearranging.
- Make your child aware when you are mopping to avoid falls on slippery floors or surfaces.
June– School is out, and summer activities are in! When driving your child to summer camp, soccer practice or even a friend’s house, always remember these important rules:
- NEVER leave children unattended in a car, even if you have locked the doors and left the air on.
- Teach your child to always wear a seatbelt, and buckle up little ones who can’t do it themselves.
- Keep children in the back seat until they are old enough and big enough to sit up front.
July– Swimming is one of the most popular warm weather activities, but safety is critical. Keep the pool fun and safe this summer with these top 3 tips:
- Make sure a lifeguard, parent or guardian is present to supervise at all times.
- Teach children the dangers of running by the pool, and encourage them to walk slowly.
- Check the depth of the pool, and do not let children jump or dive in shallow waters.
August– Looking for ways to beat the heat? That means your little one is too! Keep these tips in mind to help them keep cool (and safe!):
- Sunscreen! Apply sunscreen on your kids 20-30 minutes before they go outside, and reapply.
- Before playtime, check playground equipment such as slides and monkey bars to make sure they are not too hot from the sun.
- Safeguard car seats and seatbelts so little ones don’t get burned by hot metal pieces when buckling up.
September– Sending your child off on the first day of school may be nerve-wracking, but feel better knowing they’re aware of these important rules:
- Walkers- Make sure your child knows to walk on the sidewalk and wait for a crossing guard at busy intersections.
- Teach them to look both ways before crossing the street.
- Taking the bus- Encourage your child to wait for their bus to make a full stop before approaching. Once on the bus, tell them to buckle up and stay seated.
- Riding a Bike- Make little ones aware of the rules of the road so they know when to go and when to stop, and make sure they always ride with a helmet.
October– While Halloween can be an exciting holiday for kids, it’s important to prioritize safety during this time of year. Make sure your trick-or-treaters stay safe with these Halloween tips:
- Always carve pumpkins in a clean, well-lit area and use appropriate carving instruments.
- When trick-or-treating, dress your child in clothing that fits properly to avoid tripping, and stay away from masks that impair their vision.
- Always check candy before letting your child dig in, and throw out any open packages.
November– With Thanksgiving around the corner, we’re thinking about food more than ever this month! However, these food rules should be kept top of mind all year round:
- Remind children to always wash their hands before eating or touching food (especially when their little hands are helping in the kitchen!)
- Check the temperature of heated food items to make sure they are not too HOT to serve.
- If your child has any food allergies, make sure their school and their friend’s parents are aware.
December– The most wonderful time of the year can often bring us not so wonderful weather. When the kids want to go out to play in the snow, make sure they know these winter weather safety tips first:
- Don’t allow children to go outside without protective clothing to avoid frostbite.
- Teach your child to only throw soft, powdery snow. Icy snow or hard packed snow balls can lead to injuries and even facial lacerations.
- When sledding, keep kids away from hills that are too steep or lead to a street, parking lot, lake or other hazardous areas.
We hope you have a successful, safe year ahead! If an accident does happen we’re here for you. At Dr.STITCH, the experienced plastic surgeons of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group are available for the whole family 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to treat lacerations, burns, facial or hand traumas. Download our contact card to be prepared, and have a happy New Year!