Tag Archive | "toddler safety tips"

Teaching Children About Strangers


Your toddler’s safety is very important and it is your responsibility as a parent to ensure that. Part of your task is to teach your toddler about strangers. This is essential so you can supply your toddler with the knowledge and skills he will need to safeguard himself in dangerous circumstances. Here are some simple tips for teaching children about strangers.

Provide A Definition of A Stranger

First and foremost, your toddler has to understand what a stranger is. A stranger is an individual your toddler does not know. However, you also have to teach your little one to understand that there are good strangers. Good strangers are people he can turn to if he needs help, is lost or scared such as security guards, police officers, teachers and store clerks. Aside from those people, any individual he does not know is a stranger.

Teach Your Toddler Rules

Discuss with your toddler stranger danger safety by teaching him the following rules –

•    Grown-ups who need help should ask another grown-up.
•    It is okay to talk to a stranger if a trusted adult is with him or if you say it is okay.
•    Never tell someone your name or where you live.
•    Do not accept candies or anything that is being offered to you if you do not know the person.
•    Never answer the door.
•    Never go with a stranger no matter what the stranger tells you.
•    If a stranger comes too close, he should run or shout as loudly as possible.

Show Your Toddler What To Do

Teach your little one that whenever a stranger comes close to him no matter what the reason is, he should hold up both hands in front of him and scream, “Stop!” as loudly as he can. If the stranger continues to come forward, the child should yell again, “No!” and “I do not know you!.”. If your toddler is within arm’s reach of the stranger, he should run and yell as loudly as he can. Generally, this action will alert any individual in the area and help ensure the safety of your toddler.

Practice Makes Perfect

Teaching children about strangers will not be effective if they do not practice it. Give your toddler different scenarios. For instance, “You are busy playing at the park while mommy is busy pushing your little sister on the slide when suddenly a friendly woman you do not know walks up to you and gives you a candy. What should you do?”. Role playing is an ideal way to test your toddler’s stranger awareness. The more your toddler practices, the more aware and confident he will feel, the lesser he will be scared when faced with such situation.

Use Different Resources To Teach Your Toddler About Strangers

Teaching children about strangers does not have to be boring. Read books together with a stranger theme. Try books such as “Little Red Riding Hood” and “The Berenstein Bears Learn About Strangers”. After reading, discuss the story. Ask questions such as “What would you do if a stranger approaches you?”, how he felt and what he learned from the story. Rent or purchase DVDs about stranger awareness. Provide your little one printable coloring pages or activity sheets (visit Activity Village) to emphasize concepts.

Buddy System

Talk to your toddler about the significance of always having a buddy with him, whether he is playing or walking. Ask your little one to draw two people on a piece of paper. Have him write how each person on the paper can help the other if a stranger approaches. Let your toddler know that a buddy can always ask for help if something happens to them.

Teach Your Toddler To Stay Close To You

Another way of teaching children about strangers is to instruct your little one to hold your hand or stay within your visual range whenever the two of you are in a public place. Better yet, strap your toddler into his stroller if he likes to wander from place to place.

Have Your Toddler Memorize His Contact Information

Help your toddler write his name, emergency contact number and address in an index card. Encourage him to practice saying it aloud. Memorizing contact information would be very helpful for your toddler in case he ever needs access to it.

Toddlers should be taught stranger danger safety as early as possible. These safety measures will teach your toddler how to react when dealing with this type of situation.

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Fire Safety Tips For Children


Fire safety is a subject rarely discussed by parents to their children. Toddlers are explorers and there is a huge possibility that they will find themselves playing with fire. This simple guideline about fire safety tips for children can help parents keep their children well-informed and out of danger.

Educate Your Toddler

The number one fire safety tip for children is to make sure a toddler understands that fire is for grown-ups. Fire is bright and it flickers which will most likely grab your toddler’s attention. As soon as you detect that your toddler has any inkling of an interest in fire, be sure to tell your little one that fire is not a toy for children, he should not play with fire and that fire is something that adults use to heat things and cook with. See to it you stress the fact that fire can burn and is very hazardous. When explaining this to your toddler, make sure you use words that your toddler can comprehend. Use words from his own vocabulary such as “boo boo”, “hot” and “ouch” to let your toddler know that fire will hurt him if he touches it.

Keep Fire Sources Out of Reach

Out of sight, out of mind. This adage is especially true when it comes to fire. Children are very inquisitive by nature so despite your best efforts to educate your toddler about the dangers of fire, he may get the urge to test it out for himself. To ensure this does not happen, put fire sources where your little one cannot gain access to. Cover outlets that are not in use. Keep electrical wires secured. Keep the fireplace covered with a screen. Stash matches, lighters and candles in a drawer with a lock.

Explain The Use of Smoke Detectors

A home with a smoke alarm cuts the risk of dying in a fire in half. Teach your toddler about smoke detectors – why they are important, how they work and what sound they make. Toddlers should be able to link the sound going off with a fire as part of fire safety for children.

Develop An Escape Plan

It is very important for every family to have an escape plan in case of fire. Find two ways out of every room in case one way is obstructed by fire or smoke. Practice escaping by both routes to make sure windows are not trapped and screens can be taken out easily. In addition, choose a meeting place outside such as a big tree or the house across so you will know that everyone has gotten out safe and sound.

Teach Your Toddler What To Do In Case of Fire

Knowing what to do in case of fire is something toddlers have to learn early. Teach your little one to:

•    Cover his mouth and nose with a damp towel or clothing to avoid inhaling smoke while evacuating.
•    Fall and crawl under the smoke to safety.
•    Stop, drop and roll in case his clothes are on fire.
•    Test if a door is hot before opening it using the back of his hand.
•    Never hide, stop to take any belonging or make a call. He has to go outside as fast as he can.

Practice

Most importantly, practice fire drills frequently (once a month if possible). Rehearsing what to do during a fire is very essential so your little one is aware of what he has to do instead of crying for help and hiding under the bed which will only increase his chances of getting trapped in the house. To make learning about fire safety more entertaining for your toddler, why not take him to a local fire station where he can learn fire safety lessons in a fun way. Watching videos about fire safety can also encourage your toddler to practice it at home.

Be Cautious Around Fire Yourself

Children learn by example and there is no better way you can instil fire safety awareness to your toddler than by showing him that you are following preventive measures as well. You can have your toddler participate in this by asking him to give you oven mitts or help you make sure the candles are blown out before going to bed.

Do not wait until it is too late to teach your precious one about fire safety. As soon as your toddler can understand household directions, he is  ready to learn fire safety tips as well.

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Sports Safety For Children


Encouraging a toddler to take part in sports is a great way to boost a toddler’s development and health. However, there is always a risk of injury. Parents can follow these sports safety guide for children to help reduce that threat.

Choose Age-appropriate Sports

The number one sports safety rule for children is to pick a sport that suit a child’s age and capability. Children under the age of five are still not ready to play organized sports such as martial arts, gymnastics, golf and track and field. This is because it puts too much pressure on a child who is still developing his dexterity. Sports such as running, kickball, biking (with training wheels or a tricycle), climbing and soccer are best for smaller children.

Have A Physical Examination

Before going into any sport, child health experts recommend children to go through a physical examination. A physical examination is necessary to determine whether or not a child is fit enough to play sports. An overweight, underweight, out of shape or a child with restricted mobility is at risk for injury as compared to children who are more physically competent. Having this test also helps point out any problems early on so the toddler’s doctor can come up with methods to treat these deficiencies.

Use The Right Gear

Every sport has its own gear. It is very important for parents to provide gear that protects, fits correctly and is appropriate for the sport. Protective eyewear is recommended for a toddler who will play soccer, knee pads and helmets with an adjustable strap for biking and for other sports that can bruise or scratch a toddler’s face and mouth guard for basketball. See to it that the child understands the proper use of the gears.

Make Sure There Is A Warm-up and Cool-down Period

Warm-up and cool-down periods are necessary for any sport. The warming up period is essential to get the body ready into good condition and prepares cardiac function for increased activity and minimizes the threat of stress being placed on the heart. The cooling down period is vital for slowly cooling the body down from rigorous physical activity and also help normalize breathing and heart rate.

Hydrate

Also one of the most important sports safety tip for children is to stay hydrated. Playing physically demanding activities can be draining and inadequate water supply in the body can lead to dehydration. Hence, it is imperative for parents to ensure that they provide their toddlers plenty of water or sports drink to replenish the lost fluids in the body.

Use Sunscreen

Children who are into sports must use sunscreen. The sun’s harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays can cause damage to a child’s sensitive skin and may cause skin cancer later in life. Make it a habit to apply sunscreen to the toddler’s skin at least 30 minutes before he goes out. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and has UVA and UVB protection.

Practice A Healthy Lifestyle

No, this does not mean a child who is active in sports can only eat fruits and vegetables forever. A bar of chocolate or a glass of soft drink every now and then is fine as long as the toddler has a healthy diet. In addition, getting plenty of rest is also very important to allow the toddler to recuperate after a rigorous event.

Seek Medical Care

Never let a child who is tired or hurt (no matter how minor) to participate in a sporting event. A toddler can develop bone fracture and a sprained muscle can easily become a torn muscle. Consult the doctor at once if the toddler is injured or develops symptoms that impedes with the toddler’s aptitude to play.

Sports can be a source of enjoyment for children, help them develop their skills and learn values. But, parents should always remember these sports safety tips for children to ensure their precious ones are safe and sound.

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Bicycle Safety Tips For Children


Your toddler’s bicycle will serve as his first vehicle and will also help him hone and strengthen his motor skills. Because your toddler will probably spend most of his time with his bike, it is important to teach him bicycle safety from the very beginning. The following are some bicycle safety tips for children.

Make Sure The Child’s Bicycle Is The Proper Size

One of the most important bicycle safety tips for children is to ensure that your toddler’s bike is properly sized. A bicycle that is too big for your toddler can be a safety hazard. To check whether your toddler’s bike is the right size for his height, the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) suggests standing over the bicycle. There should be a space of 1 to 2 inches between your body and the top bar (tube) for a toddler bike. The seat must be proportionate front to back and the seat height must be adjusted so that there is a slight curve at the knee when the leg is completely extended. The handlebar must be aligned with the seat. When your toddler is sitting on the seat and clutching the handlebars, he must be able to place the balls of his feet on the ground.

Check The Bike

Before your little one hops on his bicycle, see to it that the bike is in excellent working condition. Wheels and handlebars should be tight, tires are inflated well, the brake is working and the chain fits fine and is not busted. If your new rider is still using training wheels, make sure that they are installed properly and that they still are in good order. Many bikes for toddlers are made cheaply, especially the training wheels.

Set Rules

Even if your little one will not cruise busy streets, it is still very imperative that your toddler knows bike safety rules and his limitations. Have your toddler attend a bike safety class for kids. Inform him that he is not allowed to ride his bicycle at night, without adult supervision, without a helmet and that he should always inform you before he rides his bike. Make sure you make these rules very clear.

Dress Appropriately

Another bicycle safety tip for children is to dress them in bright clothes so they can be seen by others. Do not let your toddler wear white colored clothes or a white helmet since wearing white has never been confirmed to make a person more visible. Rather, dress your little rider in bright, neon or fluorescent tops and have him wear knee pads. Avoid loose-fitting pants. The right footwear is also important. Do not let your toddler wear flip flops or sandals. Have him wear sneakers with Velcro closure. If shoes have shoelaces, see to it that you tie shoelaces securely as they may be trapped in the bike chain and cause an accident.

Always Wear A Helmet

Of course, wearing a helmet is another very essential bicycle safety tip for children.  Always make your toddler wears a helmet each time he rides his bicycle even if he only rides in the driveway or your backyard. Get your little one a well fitted bike helmet. Make sure it fits securely, has adjustable straps, does not block vision, is the correct size for your toddler’s head and has been approved by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission).

Keep An Eye On Your Rider

Toddlers should never be left alone while riding their bikes. There should be someone who will stay close to your toddler every time he is on his bicycle and to ensure that your toddler is riding on a smooth and even surface. Or better yet, bike with your toddler. Not only will you be able to supervise him but this also creates an opportunity to increase bonding time.

Bicycling is one of the greatest joys of childhood. So make sure to always keep these safety tips in mind to keep this activity fun, safe and healthy for your precious one.

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Helping Your Toddler Prepare For An Emergency


Being prepared for any emergency is something every individual must learn, including toddlers. Helping your toddler prepare for an emergency is not as hard as you think. Here are some basic tips about emergency preparedness for children.

Talk To Your Toddler

Instead of protecting your toddler from possible tragedies, educate your toddler about the different kinds of disasters. This is the best way to alleviate his fears. Talk about the difference between a problem and an emergency. A problem is something that he needs help with but does not need emergency services while an emergency requires immediate assistance. Encourage him to ask questions about fires, floods, earthquakes, etc. and make sure you answer them as clearly as possible. Provide various scenarios and ask your toddler how he would react to it. For instance, you can say “What would you do if there is an earthquake?” or “Who will you call if there is an intruder in the house?”. Doing this will help you evaluate what your toddler already knows as well as give him appropriate actions he must do during an emergency.

Come Up With A Plan

Plan escape routes with your toddler. Determine how you can get out of your house quickly, which exits to use and who to call in case of an emergency. Assign a meeting place where everyone can gather in case there is a need to evacuate and do a head count to ensure all members of the family are present.

Prepare An Emergency Kit Together

Organize an emergency kit with your toddler. Show him each item and explain its purposes. Items that must be present in an emergency kit include:

  • Flashlights
  • Battery-operated radio
  • Extra batteries
  • First-aid kit
  • Bottled water
  • Cash
  • Important documents stored in a water-resistant and fireproof container (e.g. birth and marriage certificates, passports, insurance papers)
  • 3-day supply of non-perishable foods for each family member (formula milk, canned soup, vegetables, meat and juice, granola bars, candies, dry pasta, crackers and cereals)
  • Extra clothes
  • Blankets
  • Sanitation items (diaper, toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.)
  • A few books and toys

Practice

It is very important that you do practice runs on a regular basis. Act out what should be done if an emergency came up. Practice going to your basement to prepare for a tornado. Teach him to crawl out of your house, get under a sturdy table during an earthquake or how to tell if someone is breathing so he can pass the information to the 911 operator.

Conduct a surprise drill. Being under pressure is the best way to determine whether your toddler truly knows how to act during an emergency. Play “Black Out” one evening. Turn off all the lights in your home and get out flashlights. Spend at least 2 hours without electricity to see what your toddler would do.

It is normal for your toddler to feel scared during an emergency. But, by preparing your toddler at an early age, your toddler will likely be less anxious because he knows how to react.

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Toddler Safety – Childproofing A Toddler’s Room


Toddlers love exploring the world around them, but sadly, that world can hurt them. Luckily, there is one place where you can have total control over your toddler’s security – his bedroom. Here are some toddler safety tips to help you make sure your toddler’s room is as safe as possible.

Make An Assessment

How can you determine whether your toddler’s room is safe or unsafe? By getting down on the floor and examining things from your toddler’s height. What do you see that could pose a risk to your child’s safety? Are his toys out of reach? Are there tall furnitures that can collapse on him? Are electrical cords hidden or spread on the floor? Placing yourself in your toddler’s point of view is the best way to identify hazards.

Use A Bed

A crib can no longer provide security once a child reaches toddlerhood. Toddlers can climb out of cribs increasing the risk of a fall. If your toddler has a convertible crib, you may still use it as this can be converted into a toddler bed. If not, you need to buy your child a toddler bed. Choose one that is sturdy and has a simple design. Just spruce it up with colorful or cartoon-themed beddings. Buy side rails (if the bed does not have one) so you can keep your toddler from rolling off the bed at night.

Secure Furnitures

Your toddler’s room should be spacious so your little one can freely wander around. Keep furnitures to a minimum - a dresser, cabinet, bookcase, a small play table and one or two child-size chairs. Secure cabinets, shelves and the dresser to the wall using safety brackets to prevent your little one from climbing or dragging the furniture down on top of him. Place edge guards on the corners of the furnitures your toddler might ran into. Make sure there are no fragile items in his room (e.g. glass).

Secure Cords and Electrical Outlets

Electricity is dangerous for everyone, most especially to a toddler. Your toddler’s curious hands can get him into big trouble. To avoid that, cover electrical outlets with sliding safety plates which are hard to remove. For cords and wires, tie them up or use a cord shortener or wind-ups to keep your toddler from grabbing them or wrapping them around his neck which can cause strangulation.

Evaluate Doors and Windows

Your toddler’s bedroom door should have a knob that does not lock to prevent your toddler from locking himself in his room and getting trapped. Secure windows with window guards to place a barrier between your toddler and open windows. Use window stops to prevent your child from opening them. As much as possible do not install curtains. But if you insist on using them, opt for cordless blinds.

Arrange Things Systematically

Proper arrangement can minimize the risk of exposing your toddler to danger. Place the items your toddler regularly uses such as toys, books and art materials in a place where he can easily reach them. Place them on low shelves or in colorful, easy to open baskets and plastic containers.

A toddler’s room is considered as a safe haven for children. Following these preventative measures will help keep your toddler secure in his room and give you peace of mind.

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Ways To Prevent Lead Poisoning In Children


Childproofing your home is one of the most important obligations you have as a parent. Follow these tips on how to prevent lead poisoning in children so you can create a safe abode for your toddler.

Get A Screening For Lead Poisoning

Most children around 2 years of age have to be screened for lead poisoning since over 1 million children in the United States have high lead levels in their blood which can result to seizure, anemia, hearing loss, kidney problems and even death. Hence, it is very important that you talk to your pediatrician about this testing. Generally, a lead screening is conducted by a simple blood test. Your doctor may perform this test by taking blood from the vein or pricking your toddler’s finger. If the test shows your baby has a high lead level, medical treatment such as “chelation therapy” may be necessary to eliminate lead from the body. For more information on lead poisoning prevention, contact the National Lead Information Center (NLIC).

Check Your House

Regularly wet-mop floors and windows since household dust is a number one source of lead. Test the paint inside and outside your home especially if it was built before 1978. Make sure furnitures and walls do not have any peeling paint. Use vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to clear the air of possible allergens. Check household items to make sure they are labelled lead-free. Visit the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) website for a list of recalled toys and dispose recalled items at once.

Have Your Soil and Water Tested

See to it you have your soil and tap water tested by your local health department to ensure they are not contaminated. Cover the soil with wood chips, mulch or grass. You may purchase a water filter to remove the lead from tap water. Run your faucet for a few minutes before using the tap water for drinking or cooking. In addition, it is best to use cold water for since warm tap water is more likely to contain lead.

Wash Hands Frequently

Basic hygiene is very essential in decreasing the risk of lead poisoning. Teach your toddler how to wash his hands properly especially before eating or after playing and using the toilet.

Serve Your Toddler Healthy Meals

See to it your toddler gets a well-balanced diet. Offer him foods rich in calcium, iron, protein, vitamin C and zinc as these minerals can reduce the absorption of lead by the body. Read food labels and avoid foods processed in other countries as much as possible.

Renovate With Caution

If you decide to renovate your home, make sure you are well-informed about the guidelines. Contact the EPA (Environment Protection Agency) for more information about home renovation and make sure you follow the rules dutifully. You can also have your newly renovated home undergo a risk assessment to be 100% sure your home is lead-free.

Lead poisoning is a fatal health hazard. Thus, care should always be observed to avoid exposing your precious one from danger.

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How To Treat Burns In Children


Burns in children are common and are classified in three degrees – a first-degree burn only involves the external layer of the skin, a second-degree burn affects the second layer of the skin, causing blistering and swelling which is very painful and a third-degree burn is the most severe as it affects the entire layer of the skin. A toddler will feel numb because the nerves on the skin are damaged. All burns require immediate action. Here are some tips to treat burns in children.

Take Immediate Action

Remove your toddler from the source of the burn as fast as possible. If his clothing is on fire, wrap him in a blanket or coat and roll him in the ground to put out the flames. For electrical burns, remove the power source with a non-metallic object (e.g. rope or wooden spoon). Never use your bare hands.

For First-degree and Minor Second-degree Burns

  • Get rid of any obstruction around the burned area.
  • Apply cool compress or cold water in the affected area for at least 20 minutes or until pain subsides. This will help stop or reduce inflammation. Do not apply butter, ice, lotion or powder to the burned area since this could exacerbate the injury.
  • Gently pat the area dry with a clean washcloth. Dab a small amount of triple antibiotic or 100% aloe vera gel (e.g. Bacitracin or Neosporin) to ease the pain and avoid bacterial infection. Cover it loosely with a non-stick sterilized bandage or gauze.
  • Give your toddler the right dose of pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce his discomfort. Never give aspirin to your toddler.
  • Change the bandage twice a day or whenever it gets dirty or wet.
  • Once the burn begins to blister, apply an antiseptic ointment over the area. Never try breaking a blister.

For Major Second-degree and Third-degree Burns

  • For major second and third-degree burns or if burn is caused by chemical substances, do not remove clothing especially if it sticks to the wound. Doing so can cause major pain to the child. Run cool water only to the burned area (to avoid hypothermia and shock) for several minutes before removing your toddler’s clothes.
  • Next, lay your toddler flat and elevate the burned areas to his chest level. Cool compress the area using a clean washcloth for 10 to 15 minutes. Again, do not apply butter, ice, powder and lotion.
  • Wrap the area with a clean, moist gauze or washcloth.
  • Call 911 or take him to the emergency room as soon as possible. Serious burns need immediate medical attention. Your toddler may need to undergo early debriding (extraction of dead skin and tissue from the affected area) and skin grafting (to fully treat a major burn).

After you have treated the injury, call the doctor if the following situations arise – your toddler has a major second-degree and third-degree burn, your toddler has stopped breathing and if the burned area is bleeding, oozing or extremely red.

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Toddler Safety – Storing Medicines Properly


Children love to explore their surroundings and they have little understanding of what is safe and unsafe, making them prone to mishaps. Medication is one safety hazard toddlers are exposed to every day. This guide will teach you how to store medicines correctly to ensure toddler safety.

Store Medications In A Locked Cabinet

The safest place to store medicine is in a high cabinet or a closet that you could lock. This way, it is out of your toddler’s sight and reach. Securing medicines may be inconvenient but it will stop your giddy toddler from climbing and jumping, preventing accidents. Also, do not place your purse, medicine pouch, diaper bag and the likes near your toddler. Out of sight, out of mind.

Use Child-resistant Safety Caps

See to it all your medicine bottles have child-resistant safety caps for extra security. However, keep in mind that child-resistant does not mean childproof. A persistent toddler can break into these caps so keep them locked and away just to be sure.

Do Not Switch Containers

Never remove the products from their original containers so you do not confuse the medicines for something else. This also allows you to easily keep track of expiration dates and instructions. Make sure each medicine bottle is accurately labelled.

Do Not Use The Bathroom Medicine Cabinet

The most hazardous place to store medicines especially when you have a toddler is the bathroom cabinet. This location is easily accessible by toddlers. Plus, the moisture and heat of the bathroom can cause medicines to lose their effectiveness before their expiration date which can be very lethal. Find a cool, dry place to store medications. A kitchen cabinet with a lock is an ideal place to stash medicines. If medications should be stored in the refrigerator, place them on the top shelf where your toddler cannot reach them, make sure your refrigerator is protected with a child safety lock and the lids are tightly closed.

Unload Medicines First

Once you get home from the grocery, always unpack the medicines first before your toddler starts rummaging through the grocery bags. Children can mistake a bottle of coated tablets or pills for candies.

Return Medicine To Its Proper Place

Make it a rule in your household to return medicines to their storage place right after taking them. Leaving medicine on the counter if you are giving your toddler another dose in a few hours may be convenient, but leaving them for your toddler to reach and consume is very unsafe.

Keep Your Toddler Informed

Most importantly, teach your toddler the importance of proper use of medicine. Refer to medicine as medicine, not as candy. Explain to your child that medicine is good but dangerous. Tell him not to play with it and that you are the only one allowed to use them.

Medicines can be a danger if used improperly. Follow these preventive measures to keep your toddle safe and sound so you can get the most from your medications!

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How To Keep Kids Safe This Winter


It is that time of year again for gifts, building snowmen, snowball fights, sledding and the flu. Having a sick toddler can take the fun out of this special season. But luckily, these tips can keep kids safe this winter.

Keep Your Toddler Warm

Keep your toddler warm by dressing him in layers. A long-sleeved shirt, pants and jacket or sweatshirt will provide adequate warmth to your little one. Do not forget to let him wear gloves, bonnet, a neck gaiter and closed shoes.

Offer Healthy Meals

A toddler who eats nutritious food has a stronger immune system. So make sure your little one is eating right by offering him full servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Foods that are immune boosters and rich in vitamins and minerals include broccoli, carrots, corn, potatoes, pepper, spinach, citrusy fruits (e.g. grapefruit, lemon, pomegranate and pomelo), fish, cereal, chicken, meat and milk.

Practice Regular Hand Washing

Regular hand washing is the simplest way to keep germs and viruses at bay. Teach your little one to wash his hands with soap and water before he eats, after he plays, uses the toilet and each time his hands are dirty. Handwashing should last for 20 seconds. Have him sing the “Happy Birthday” song so he will not get bored. Oh, and do not forget to wash your hands as well.

Get Flu Shots

It is hard to protect your toddler from cold and flu during winter season. Visit your doctor to see to it his vaccinations are up to date. Have your toddler and each member of the household vaccinated with the current flu shots.

Hydrate

Make sure your toddler takes plenty of fluids – chicken soup, milk, an electrolyte solution and water (at least 8 glasses of water each day). Having sufficient fluids into his system helps wash out toxins, keeping your little one healthy. Reduce intake of sugary and caffeinated drinks as these can cause dehydration.

Get Plenty of Rest

See to it your toddler gets enough rest. The more rest he gets, the better the chance for his body to develop a strong defense to fight off germs. An early bedtime during winter should be enforced. Encourage him to take at least 2 short naps each day.

Encourage Outdoor Play

Instead of making your toddler stay at home and watch TV or play video games, send him outside to play. Better yet, play outside with your child. He may not be able to stay out long, but at least the physical activity will get his heart pumping. Just be sure to clear your driveway and pathway first to keep accidents at bay.

Keep Your Home Clean

Moist air increases the chances of germs to breed and spread. Take time to clean your house regularly. Disinfect and keep surfaces dry as possible to avoid mold and mildew from growing.

Winter is one of the most exciting seasons for toddlers. So make sure to keep your toddler healthy and safe so he can enjoy the moment.

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