Dictionary For Dads

Each year, nationwide, more than 300 children under 5 years old drown in residential swimming pools, usually a pool owned by their family. In addition, more than 2,000 children in that age group are treated in hospital emergency rooms for submersion injures. All bodies of water especially pools are very dangerous for children.
See Our Page on Pool And Water Safety

Infants under 6 months:

• The two main recommendations from the AAP to prevent sunburn are to avoid sun exposure, and dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn. However when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of suncreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands. If an infant gets sunburn, apply cold compresses to the affected area.

• Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. The SPF should be at least 15 and protect against UVA and UVB rays.

• The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
• Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen - about one ounce per sitting for a young adult.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
• Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.

Playground And Park Safety
 
Every year over 200,000 children enter hospital emergency rooms due to injuries that occurred in playgrounds. Playground injuries can be minimized and prevented with this guide. Use this guide to examine your children's playground so that they can climb, run, jump, swing and play safely.

Please See Our Guide On Playground Safety 

• Never push your child to ride a 2-wheel bike until they are of age which is usually 5-6 years old. This all depends on your child's level of coordination and desire to learn to ride.
• Always bring your child with you to the store when you shop for a bike, so that you can get an appropriate size bike for them. Follow these guidelines when fitting your child for a bike. 1) When your child is sitting on the seat with hands on the handlebar the child must be able to place the balls of both feet on the ground if not the bike is too big.  2) Straddling the center bar, your child should be able to stand with both feet flat on the ground with a 1-inch clearance between your child's crotch and the bar.                                                          3) If your buying a bike with hand brakes for your child make sure that the child can comfortably grasp the brakes and apply sufficient pressure to stop the bike. We recommend that younger children do not get hand brake bikes.
• Always purchase a bike that is the right size, not one your child has to "grow into." Many bikes have an adjustable seat to accommodate for growth. Over sized bikes are  dangerous to your child.
• Teach your child to wear a helmet on every bike ride, no matter how short or how close to home. Many accidents happen in driveways, on sidewalks, and on bike paths, not just on streets.  Children learn best by observing you. Whenever you ride, put on your helmet.
• When purchasing a helmet, look for a label or sticker that says the helmet meets the CPSC safety standard.
• A helmet protects your child from serious injury, and should always be worn.
• Never allow your child to ride a bike while wearing a music devices such as an Ipod or MP3 player.

• Avoid using any scented soaps, gels or hair sprays on your child they attract insects.
• Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant ponds food areas and dog parks.
• Combination sunscreen/insect repellent products should be avoided because sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, but the insect repellent should not be reapplied.
• Insect repellents containing DEET are most effective against ticks, which can transmit Lyme Disease, and mosquitoes, which can transmit West Nile Virus and other viruses.
• The Center for Disease Control recommends for children over 2 months of age use 30 percent DEET. DEET should not be used on children under 2 months of age.
• The concentration of DEET in products may range from less than 10 percent to over 30 percent. Ten percent DEET only protects for about 30 minutes – inadequate for most outings.
• The concentration of DEET varies significantly from product to product so read the label of all product you purchase. Children should always wash off any and all repellents when they go inside.
• To remove a visible stinger from skin, gently scrape it off horizontally with a credit card or your fingernail.

• Children should never ride skateboards or roller blade in or near traffic.
• All skateboarders and roller bladders should wear a helmet and other protective gear; helmets, wrist guards and knee pads are important.
• While in-line skating or wearing Heelys, always have your child wear appropriate protective equipment. and only skate on designated paths never in or around the street.
• Never let your child learn how to Skateboard on their own
• Never assume your child knows how to stop roller blades the brakes can be tricky
• Develop a safety plan in case of emergency brakes fail on any devices that your child use
• Never allow your child to roller blade or skateboard while wearing an Ipod or mp3 players.