Happy Autumn from all of us at
Angel Kids Pediatrics!
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At this time of the year, excitement starts to build up for Halloween! Dressing up in costumes, carving pumpkins and trick or treating brings families together and its almost guaranteed fun time. Nevertheless, it’s important to know some safety information to avoid problems and keep the holiday full of only the good memories. The AAP listed some tips to help keep your kids safe:
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- Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
- Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
- Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly. Makeup should be tested ahead of time on a small patch of skin.
- Costumes, wigs and accessories should have a label clearly indicating they are flame resistant.
- If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if he stumbles or trips.
- Do not use decorative contact lenses without an eye examination and a prescription from an eye care professional.
- Review with children how to call 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they ever have an emergency or become lost.
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- A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
- Consider purchasing non-food treats for those who visit your home, such as coloring books or pens and pencils.
- Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
- Try to ration treats for the days and weeks following Halloween.
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Pumpkin Carving:
- Small children should never carve pumpkins. Children can draw a face with markers. Then parents can do the cutting.
- Consider using a flashlight or glow stick instead of a candle to light your pumpkin. If you do use a candle, a votive candle is safest.
- Candlelit pumpkins should be placed on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects. They should never be left unattended.
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Home Safe Home:
- Remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
- Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
- Wet leaves or snow should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
- Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.
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On the Trick-or-Treat Trail:
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- A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
- Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.
- If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
- Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or-Treaters:
- Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
- Remember reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
- Carry a cellphone for quick communication.
- Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic.
- Never cut across yards or use alleys.
- Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom). Never cross between parked cars or out of driveways.
- Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will!
- Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
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Every year, approximately 3500 babies die in the United States of sleep-related deaths, including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Creating and maintaining a safe sleep environment is essential to lower the risks of SIDS. We gathered the most up to date recommendations for a safe sleep:
- Always put your baby to sleep on his back on a firm sleep surface that meets current safety standards.
- Don’t put any soft objects such pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskin, bumper pads and stuffed toys on the crib and don’t use loose bedding.
- Place your baby to sleep in the same room where you sleep for at least 6 months but not the same bed.
- Breastfeeding reduces the risk of SIDS, so do it as much and for as long as you can.
- Go to all well-child visits and give your baby all recommended immunizations.
- Keep your baby in a smoke-free environment and away from people that smoke.
- Dress your baby in no more than one layer than you would wear to keep her from getting too hot. Keep the room where your baby sleeps at temperature that is comfortable.
- Give your baby a pacifier at nap time and bedtime. Don’t use pacifiers that attach to clothes or objects as stuffed toys.
- There is no proof that home cardio respiratory monitors help reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Be cautious when buying products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS because many have not been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS.
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Tomi Tomson, PA, discusses SIDS, Co-Sleeping
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Infant Safety
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Bold City Best Pediatric Practice 2018
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Jacksonville, you chose us as Bold City Best Pediatric Practice for the third year in a row and for that we are truly honored and grateful!
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Extended Hours at our Bartram Park Location
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Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
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Click
HERE
for a list of all our convenient hours and locations!
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We are excited to announce our 6th location set to open this fall on the Northside!
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We are interested in knowing how you feel about your patient experience at our practice. Your assistance is extremely important in helping us continue to provide excellent patient care. Help us, help your angel.
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