News from Taking the Kids-July 18, 2012

July 18, 2012
Keeping the family safe on summer travel

Dear family travelers:

Maybe it is because we let our guard down on vacation. Maybe it is because we are away from home. More kids get hurt in summer than any other time of the year. You don't want to end up in the ER when you could be at the beach, the lake or riding a roller coaster.

Here's how to keep your family safe on vacation this summer (and plenty of other travel tips on our website):

IN THE CAR:

Never leave young kids in or around the car alone, even for a second. The temperature inside a parked car in summer will rise dangerously fast, and a young child's core temperature can rise three to five times faster than an adult's will.
Don't start the car until everyone is securely buckled -- and that includes you. All kids under 13 should sit in the back -- it's typically the safest place in a crash -- and since 85 per cent of young parents don't install their car seats correctly, seek out a certified child safety seat technician to show you how.
Use a rear-facing seat until your child has reached two, according to The American Academy of Pediatrics which revised its recommendations because research has shown a rear-facing child safety seat does a better job of supporting the head, neck and spine of infants and toddlers in a crash
Whatever you do, don't graduate the kids from a safety seat to an adult seatbelt too early. Booster seats reduce the risk of injury by 59 per cent compared with the use of just seat belts, the Safe Kids USA reports.
Bring your own safety seat rather than renting one. You won't know its history or whether it was damaged in a crash.

IN THE PLANE:

Though not required, everyone from the American Academy of Pediatrics to the FAA recommends the use of safety seats for young children. Sure, kids fewer than two can fly free in their parents' laps, but babies and toddlers are far safer in turbulent skies restrained in their safety seats -- as well as more comfortable. Check out the FAA-approved CARES child aviation safety restraint.

IN THE SUN:

Use Sunscreen that has a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 15 and above and also says "broad spectrum." That's the FDA's way to describe a sunscreen that will block both types of damaging rays. Even with the best sunscreen out there:
Reapply every two hours, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, even on cloudy days and especially after the kids have been in the water.
Keep infants out of the sun as much as possible. Dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn. Make sure the kids drink plenty of water. (Check the Academy's website for more sun and safety tips.)

AT THE POOL AND BEACH:

Designate an adult to be a "water watcher," taking turns, even if there's a lifeguard. Adults should be "touching distance" to preschoolers and toddlers around the water. Don't rely on water wings or other inflatable toys either, pediatricians warn. They may give your child a false sense of security.
Insist older kids swim with a buddy and remind them to stay away from pool and hot tub drains where they can get sucked under water.
If visiting friends or relatives with a pool, make sure young children are carefully supervised at all times and that pool gates are locked.

ON A BOAT:

Insist that kids wear approved life jackets. If the kids gripe, tell them to check out this fun website from the National Safe Boating Council.

ON WHEELS:

Either pack the bike helmets or rent them wherever you're going. The kids -- and you -- should wear their helmets whenever they're on wheels -- rollerblading, skateboarding or on a scooter. Helmets can reduce the severity of injuries up to 85 per cent. Many accidents happen in driveways, on sidewalks, and on bike paths, not just on streets. When purchasing a helmet, look for a label or sticker that says the helmet meets the CPSC safety standard.
All skateboarders and scooter-riders should wear a helmet and other protective gear; wrist guards are particularly important.

IN THE HOTEL:

If you've got toddlers, make sure the room is properly child proofed.
Play the what-if game with older kids, showing them the quickest way to leave in case of an emergency. Make sure you know too!

Also on TAKING THE KIDS:

Eileen's exclusive interview with Michelle Obama on eating healthy

A Weekend getaway to Cape Cod

And from our partners Traveling Mom and Family Travel Network

London Sightseeing: Top Family Tours And Attractions

Seattle: Where the Sun May Never Shine

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