Safe and Sound
KEEPING YOUR KIDS HEALTHY TAKES DILIGENCE AND COMMON SENSE. HERE, DR. HENRY
RASCOFF OF RIVERSIDE PEDIATRICS NOTES HIS MOST CRUCIAL ADVICE FOR PARENTS.
1. Put babies to sleep on their backs
Incidences of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) have decreased since the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) began recommending all infants sleep on their backs. Though it may be tempting, you should also avoid letting your baby sleep in your bed, as this is another risk factor for SIDS. Instead, set up a bassinet with a firm mattress and keep it free of extraneous bedding and soft objects.
2. Limit contact with lead
The AAP recomm2ends testing all toddlers for lead exposure. The most common source is lead-containing paint in homes built before 1978—kids can ingest paint chips and lick or inhale lead-contaminated dust on toys and other surfaces. Children up to 2 years old are at greatest risk because they tend to put things in their mouths. Help avoid exposure by regularly washing their hands, avoiding use of crystal, pewter or cracked pottery for food and drink, and running faucets with cold water for one minute before drinking or using for cooking.
3. Beware of choking dangers
Toddlers are at the highest risk to ingest risky objects. Always be sure to check the floor, and behind and underneath furniture to discover choking hazards: Toys, coins and food, like popcorn, raisins and hot dogs are the most common choking hazards.
4. Initiate poison control
Lock up household cleaners, paints, varnishes and other hazardous materials. Keep over-the-counter and prescription medicines in a safe place. Keep the National Poison Control phone number, 800-222-1222, posted prominently somewhere in your home.
5. Educate kids about the dangers of strangers
Make sure you have discussions with your child so they know they shouldn’t go anywhere with anyone unless they’ve been given specific permission from you or a qualified caregiver. Look into Safety Town, a summer program sponsored by the local Red Cross, which teaches children about stranger awareness.
6. Sidestep scalds by setting water temperatures
Lowering your hot water heater thermostat to 120 degrees can prevent tap water scald injuries. It’s vital to wrist-test water when bathing children and infants, and never leave your child unsupervised in the bathroom.
7. Nip dog bites in the bud
About 400,000 American children seek medical attention annually for dog bites. Help prevent bites or other injuries by teaching your kids the basics of dog handling.
8. Get a jump on safety—ban trampolines
Trampoline-related injuries can be lifelong and devastating, up to and including paralysis. Home insurance policies usually won’t cover their damages, and owning one may disqualify your insurance policy altogether.
9. Protect kids from drowning hazards
Young children can drown in only an inch of water if left unattended, even briefly, so while pools should be a concern so should water in buckets, bathtubs, hot tubs, fish ponds, fountains and toilets.
10. Guard children from risky UV rays
According to the AAP, about 60 to 80 percent of a person’s sun exposure occurs before the age of 18. Practice a combination of sun avoidance between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., dress children in tightly woven fabrics like natural cotton and make sure you’re using an SPF 30. These precautions will prevent sunburn and minimize your child’s cumulative sun damage.*
Additional resources provided by Dr. Gretchen Crist and Dr. Svenja Resto
{AUTO SAFETY UPDATE}
Kids in the Car
The World Health Organization has cited traffic accidents as the leading cause of fatality for children under age 18. Protect your child by staying up-to-date with the latest research and recommendations:
+Children 2 and under are five times safer riding rear-facing in a car seat.
+Your child should be 4' 9" tall and at least 60 to 80 pounds to properly fit an adult seat belt.
+Children younger than 13 should always ride in the backseat.
+Connecticut requires infants up to 12 months and 20 pounds be in rear-facing car seats at all times.
+The state mandates children up to 6 years old or 60 pounds to be placed in booster seats in vehicles.
—Compiled by Dr. Caroline Martinez