Tips for Parents from Dr. Christina Johns, Senior Medical Advisor for PM Pediatrics
The summer of 2020 may be unlike previous years in many ways, but common hazards seen at home remain the same. Here’s a quick list of frequent sources of injury and tips on how parents can avoid them:
GRILL INJURIES & SAFETY
Keep little ones away from the grill, especially after cooking and it’s still hot. A hot grill can burn skin in seconds. If a charcoal grill is used, make sure the briquettes are cooled completely and disposed of safely, out of the way of little feet that could potentially step on them and sustain a serious burn.
WATER SAFETY & ACCIDENTAL DROWNING
Please be vigilant about designating a responsible adult whose only job is to monitor children (and grown ups) swimming in a backyard pool or other body of water. Touch supervision for beginner swimmers is key — they should never be further than an arm’s length away from an adult swimmer.
BURNS FROM SPARKLERS & FIREWORKS
Sparklers can reach over 800 degrees Fahrenheit and can easily burn hands and eyes. Please avoid having young children hold sparklers or other fireworks altogether.
BITES & STINGS
Does your child have a known allergy to bee stings or other insect bites? Make sure to bring an epinephrine autoinjector with you and keep it nearby at all times. Planning an afternoon outside? Don’t forget insect repellent. Products containing up to 30% DEET are safe for children as young as 2 months old.
WINDOW SAFETY
Every year, children fall out of windows after pushing or leaning against a screen. Keep furniture away from windows and install window guards to ensure that they cannot be opened wide enough for a child to fit through and fall out.
PESTICIDES & LAWN CHEMICALS
Make sure containers containing pesticides or lawn chemicals are secured and stored on high shelves, away from the reach of children. Know the number to the National Poison Control Center (1.800.222.1222) in case of an accidental ingestion.
LAWNMOWER SAFETY & MAINTENANCE
Make sure to get your lawn mower serviced regularly and follow these tips:
- Clear your yard of rocks and large sticks prior to mowing, since these can become a projectile and cause injury.
- Always wear closed toe shoes and eye protection when mowing the lawn.
- Never allow children to ride on an adult’s lap on a riding mower.
- In general, a child should be at least 12 years old before operating a push mower, and 16 years old before using a riding lawn mower.
Stay safe out there everyone!
Thank you to Dr. Christina and our Museum sponsor, PM Pediatrics, for tips and advice on staying safe at home this summer.
To learn more about PM Pediatrics and their urgent care offices in Cherry Hill, Wynnewood, Springfield, Abington and Wayne, visit their website PMPediatrics.com.