Making Summer Safe For Kids At Play
Summer's the time for kids to have fun. But you want them to be safe, too.
As the weather warms, kids will be outside more and more, so it's time to do all you can to make sure they're not putting themselves at risk.
The new "Consumer Reports Guide to Childproofing & Safety" points out that dangers can lurk in parks, pools and backyards, and more. It contains 600 safety tips for parents on a wide variety of topics.
The book's author, Jamie Schaefer-Wilson, provided the answers for an Early Show "Summer Safety Quiz" on the plaza Saturday. Three audience members took part.
WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING SHOULD YOUR CHILD NOT BE ALLOWED TO WEAR WHEN PLAYING OUTSIDE?
A) NECKLACE
B) LONG BELT
C) BIKE HELMET
D) ALL OF THE ABOVE
"Think about your child's clothing and accessories before you head to the playground, and pay attention to both when you're there," Schaefer-Wilson writes. "She shouldn't wear necklaces, rings, bracelets, backpacks, scarves, or anything else that could get caught. ... Never let your child wear her bicycle helmet on playground equipment; the strap is a strangulation hazard. The helmet can also become wedged in openings on playground equipment, trapping your child's head."
HOW MANY SWINGS ARE TOO MANY FOR A SWINGSET?
"Older playgrounds might have three or four swings per bay or structure," Schaefer-Wilson writes. "This is dangerous because children running behind or in front of the swing set can get struck - and more swings equals greater congestion. Be sure there are only two swings per bay in your playground, and at least 24 inches between the swings."
WHAT IS THE APPROPRIATE SIZE OF A BIKE FOR A CHILD?
A child, Schaefer-Wilson says, should be able to sit on a bike seat and rest the balls of both feet on the ground and have his hands comfortably reaching the handle bars. Parents are often tempted to buy a bike that their child can "grow into," but this is a big mistake; kids have a hard time safely riding a bike that's too big.
IF YOU KNOW YOUR CHILD IS GOING TO BE IN AN AREA WHERE SHE MAY BE EXPOSED TO TICKS, SHOULD YOU DRESS HER IN A DARK OR LIGHT OUTFIT?
Although parents probably want to dress any kid heading outside in dark clothes that won't show dirt, "Dress your children in light-colored clothing," Schaefer-Wilson writes. "Ticks stand out on light-colored clothing," which means you'll have a much better chance of seeing them and plucking them off your child before they become a problem.
WHAT TYPE OF BACKYARD POOL IS SAFEST FOR YOUNG KIDS?
"Once your child is big enough for a larger pool, choose one with hard sides and rigid supports, rather than a larger inflatable pool," Schaefer-Wilson writes. "Because the sides of an inflatable pool are pliable, it's easier for a child to topple in if she leans on it."
TRUE OR FALSE: YOUR SWIMMING POOL IS A GOOD PLACE TO STORE YOUR POOL TOYS DURING SUMMER MONTHS
"Remove toys from the water immediately after use," Schaefer-Wilson writes. "Toys are enticing to a child. You don't want him to try to fish out his favorite ball or reach for the swim float ... Toys and floats near a pool can be dangerous attractions. If your child sees them she may want to put them in the pool or may inadvertently drop them into the water - and she may want to retrieve them."
