When you’re traveling with your children, you have the most precious cargo along for the ride. Even if you are driving in the safest model vehicle on the road, parents are responsible for some of the actions to ensure their children are safe inside the car. We’re sharing some tips for staying as safe as possible with your little ones in tow.
November 07, 2016
Childproofing around the house
Safe and sound
Parents worry endlessly about how to protect their children from stranger abduction and violence, but many overlook one of the biggest threats to their children's safety and well-being — their own home. Experts say that children between the ages of 1 and 4 are more likely to be killed by fire, burns, drowning, choking, poisoning, or falls than by a stranger's violence.
November 05, 2016
Child Safety: Keeping Your Home Safe for Your Baby
How can I make my baby's crib safe?
Choose a crib with bars no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. If the space between the bars is too wide, your baby could slip through and strangle between the bars.
Use a ruler to check the width of the space between the bars. Weave a cloth between the bars if they are too far apart.
The crib should not have corner posts that stick up. Corner posts are an area of the crib that can catch on items that may be wrapped around a child's neck or catch on clothing worn by the child. Unscrew the corner posts or saw them off.
The mattress should fit snugly against the sides of the crib. An infant can suffocate if its head or body becomes wedged between the mattress and the sides of the crib. No more than 2 fingers should fit between the mattress and the side of the crib. Place rolled towels between the mattress and the crib if the mattress is too small.
In 2011, a new U.S. crib safety standard did away with the option of having one side of the crib drop down, because this drop-side “feature” was responsible for infant deaths. If you buy a new crib, this will not be an issue, but a crib manufactured before 2012 may have the drop-side “feature” risk built in. You can defeat the risk in an older crib if you can use screws that permanently attach the drop side into the end posts (or otherwise modify the crib) in a way that the drop-side can no longer drop down.
When your baby can push up, you should remove bumpers, pillows, and toys from the crib, including toys that are strung across the crib or a playpen. Your baby can step on these things or use them to climb out of the crib and fall.
What else can I do to keep the bedroom safe?
Remove any cords that could get around the baby's neck. Keep the crib away from electric cords, drapes and curtain cords, or tie up the cords so they are less than 6 inches long and out of your child's reach. Mobiles and hanging crib toys should also be kept out of your baby's reach. Remove strings on crib toys and pacifiers.
How can I make the kitchen safe?
Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove. Use the back burners on the stove for cooking.
Keep hot foods and drinks out of reach and away from the edge of a counter or table. Keep knives and other sharp objects out of reach or in locked or "childproof" drawers or cabinets. Wind up appliance cords and keep them out of reach.
How can I keep medicines and poisons out of reach?
Keep medicines, vitamins, cleaning supplies and other poisons in locked cabinets. Children can't tell the difference between medicine and candy.
If your child swallows something he or she shouldn't, call a poison control center right away. Keep the telephone number by your phone. The national poison control hotline number is 1-800-222-1222.
How can I make bath time safe?
Since children can drown in very little water, you should always stay with your child when he or she is in the bathtub. NEVER leave your child alone or with an older child in the bathroom or tub – not even for a minute. If you have to answer the phone or door, take your child with you.
Always test the water before putting your child in the tub. Young children have tender skin and are easily burned if the water in the sink or bathtub is too hot.
Set your water heater to 120°F or less. To check the temperature of the hot water from the faucet, run the water over a meat or candy thermometer for 3 minutes.
Keep electrical items such as hair dryers away from the water. Unplug them when you aren't using them. They can cause an electric shock if they fall into the sink or bathtub while they're plugged in.
How can I be sure toys are safe?
- Choose carefully when shopping for toys. Look for toys that are well made and appropriate for your child’s age.
- Watch out for toys that have sharp edges, small parts, or sharp points.
- Young children pull, prod, and twist toys. Look for toys with tightly secured parts.
- Look for safety information on the toy or label such as "Not recommended for children under 3 years of age," or "non-toxic" on toys likely to end up in a child's mouth. Look for "washable/hygienic materials" on stuffed toys and dolls.
- Avoid marbles, balls, games with balls, and other toys that have parts smaller than 1 3/4 inches in diameter or smaller than 2 inches long. These products can choke young children if swallowed.
- Keep toys meant for older children away from babies and toddlers.
What about houseplants?
Plants should be placed out of your child's reach. Some houseplants are poisonous. Call your local poison control center to find out if your plants are poisonous.
How can I make stairs safe?
Use toddler gates at the top and bottom of stairs. Do not use gates with big spaces between the slats – children can get trapped in the openings.
How can I make windows safe?
Keep children away from windows to prevent falls. Screens are made to keep bugs out – not to keep children in. Use window guards to keep children from falling. Keep chairs and other furniture away from windows so children can't climb up. If possible, open windows from the top, not the bottom.
November 03, 2016
Child Safe Tips
According to crime statistics from the F.B.I. there are nearly 650,000 missing kids reported every year in the U.S.
Frustrated by trying to install child safety seats in your car? Are you a first-time parent worried that you aren’t doing it right? You are not alone. But there is some reason for hope, at least for those parents who are buying new vehicles.
October 30, 2016
Top 10 Home Safety Tips for Kids
Home -- it's where children grow and learn, the place where they find comfort, love and care. It's where they can see, touch, explore and experience the world around them, so their minds and bodies develop properly. It's also a place where children need to feel safe.
October 28, 2016
7 Things I Wish I’d Known During My Baby’s First Year
In a few weeks, my firstborn child will have her 1st birthday. I have reflected quite a bit about this past year — about things I wish I had known or done differently, what I will or won’t do if I ever have another child, and what I might tell another person if my advice was solicited.
In truth, these thoughts are more of a reminder to myself for when I’m racked with guilt or feeling like an inept parent that I’m doing the very best I can, and that is enough. Here are the things I wish I’d known about my baby’s first year before I was in it:
1. Newborns = Not the most fun ever.
I wish I would have known that lots of other moms feel this way too. It’s difficult enough being four seconds postpartum (and everything that comes with that), but then having to be joyous at all times at all hours of the day about being a brand new parent to a brand new human is a lot to ask for. I personally asked myself, “What have you done?” many times in the first few weeks. That thought would lead to guilt, which would lead to feeling bad, which would turn into a vicious cycle. If there ever is a “next time,” don’t feel bad about feeling every feeling, whether positive or negative — they both come with the territory. Your life just changed in probably the most dramatic of fashions. Cut yourself some slack and feel away.
2. The baby will get fed.
By breast or by bottle, whether it’s breastmilk or formula or even a combo, the baby will get fed, and they will grow and thrive. Whatever you decide and for whatever reason you decide it, don’t waste a moment feeling guilty about your choice. The baby will get fed, and that’s all that matters.
3. “The moment my baby was born, I felt…”
I was waiting for “the moment” when my daughter was born. That moment when the doctor would hold her up and I would cry and be filled with this overwhelming sense of joy and love. Well, she came out, the doctor held her up, and I felt only a sense of relief that the labor and delivery were over and that she was healthy and happy. It was late and so I told myself, “Yeah, you love her, obviously, but you are really tired. You’ll have ‘the feeling’ tomorrow.” But as tomorrow came and went, and the next day, and the next day, I began to wonder what was wrong with me. There must be something wrong with me. The truth is there was nothing wrong with me. “The moment” comes at a certain time for each person. It doesn’t mean that you are less of a mother if it doesn’t happen immediately.
4. “It gets better!”
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this over the last year from well-intentioned, caring individuals, especially during those first few months. Heck, I’ve said it to others. And while the truth is it really does get better, something about that statement has always bothered me a bit. It’s kind of like when people tell you that it will be okay. I’m not doubting that the end result will turn out okay, but in this current moment, I’m not thinking about that. I’m thinking about when it will get better, how exactly it will get better, what I have to do or not do to make it better, etc. So I’ve committed to myself to no longer saying “It gets better!” to other newly minted parents. Instead, I’ll put in a word of encouragement or offer my support in some way.
5. Help ≠ weakness.
I’ve asked for help more this year than I have in my whole life. Needing help does not mean you are weak. It doesn’t mean that you don’t know what you are doing. It doesn’t mean that you aren’t fit to be a parent or that you are less than. Again, once more for the people in the back: Needing help does not mean that you are weak. So ask for it. If you see someone who might need help, offer it up.
6. Time is not infinite.
Your baby’s first year goes by so fast. That sounds so trite, but it is still so true. So take it in the best that you can. Take in the good times and the bad times. Take in the times when you are so tired that you can’t function or so frustrated that you can’t think straight. Take in the times that you are filled with so much happiness you might burst. Take it all in because you can’t get that time back.
7. Make peace with it.
A year later, I’m still in the process of making peace with lots of things. I’m making peace with the fact that my life is different than it was a short time ago. The days of taking off and doing whatever I want, whenever I want, are no more. I’m making peace with being a working mom. It is what it is, and it’s something that I have to do for my family. I’m making peace with the fact that my body may never look the same again. Enough said about that one. It’s a process, but I’m making peace with it.
Like most moms, I have struggled at times during my baby’s first year. But what’s important is that I’m learning to roll with the unexpected struggles and self-doubt. And from what I’ve heard about the terrible-twos and threenagers, I’m going to need to keep on rolling.
In truth, these thoughts are more of a reminder to myself for when I’m racked with guilt or feeling like an inept parent that I’m doing the very best I can, and that is enough. Here are the things I wish I’d known about my baby’s first year before I was in it:
1. Newborns = Not the most fun ever.
I wish I would have known that lots of other moms feel this way too. It’s difficult enough being four seconds postpartum (and everything that comes with that), but then having to be joyous at all times at all hours of the day about being a brand new parent to a brand new human is a lot to ask for. I personally asked myself, “What have you done?” many times in the first few weeks. That thought would lead to guilt, which would lead to feeling bad, which would turn into a vicious cycle. If there ever is a “next time,” don’t feel bad about feeling every feeling, whether positive or negative — they both come with the territory. Your life just changed in probably the most dramatic of fashions. Cut yourself some slack and feel away.
2. The baby will get fed.
By breast or by bottle, whether it’s breastmilk or formula or even a combo, the baby will get fed, and they will grow and thrive. Whatever you decide and for whatever reason you decide it, don’t waste a moment feeling guilty about your choice. The baby will get fed, and that’s all that matters.
3. “The moment my baby was born, I felt…”
I was waiting for “the moment” when my daughter was born. That moment when the doctor would hold her up and I would cry and be filled with this overwhelming sense of joy and love. Well, she came out, the doctor held her up, and I felt only a sense of relief that the labor and delivery were over and that she was healthy and happy. It was late and so I told myself, “Yeah, you love her, obviously, but you are really tired. You’ll have ‘the feeling’ tomorrow.” But as tomorrow came and went, and the next day, and the next day, I began to wonder what was wrong with me. There must be something wrong with me. The truth is there was nothing wrong with me. “The moment” comes at a certain time for each person. It doesn’t mean that you are less of a mother if it doesn’t happen immediately.
4. “It gets better!”
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this over the last year from well-intentioned, caring individuals, especially during those first few months. Heck, I’ve said it to others. And while the truth is it really does get better, something about that statement has always bothered me a bit. It’s kind of like when people tell you that it will be okay. I’m not doubting that the end result will turn out okay, but in this current moment, I’m not thinking about that. I’m thinking about when it will get better, how exactly it will get better, what I have to do or not do to make it better, etc. So I’ve committed to myself to no longer saying “It gets better!” to other newly minted parents. Instead, I’ll put in a word of encouragement or offer my support in some way.
5. Help ≠ weakness.
I’ve asked for help more this year than I have in my whole life. Needing help does not mean you are weak. It doesn’t mean that you don’t know what you are doing. It doesn’t mean that you aren’t fit to be a parent or that you are less than. Again, once more for the people in the back: Needing help does not mean that you are weak. So ask for it. If you see someone who might need help, offer it up.
6. Time is not infinite.
Your baby’s first year goes by so fast. That sounds so trite, but it is still so true. So take it in the best that you can. Take in the good times and the bad times. Take in the times when you are so tired that you can’t function or so frustrated that you can’t think straight. Take in the times that you are filled with so much happiness you might burst. Take it all in because you can’t get that time back.
7. Make peace with it.
A year later, I’m still in the process of making peace with lots of things. I’m making peace with the fact that my life is different than it was a short time ago. The days of taking off and doing whatever I want, whenever I want, are no more. I’m making peace with being a working mom. It is what it is, and it’s something that I have to do for my family. I’m making peace with the fact that my body may never look the same again. Enough said about that one. It’s a process, but I’m making peace with it.
Like most moms, I have struggled at times during my baby’s first year. But what’s important is that I’m learning to roll with the unexpected struggles and self-doubt. And from what I’ve heard about the terrible-twos and threenagers, I’m going to need to keep on rolling.
October 26, 2016
When it comes to keeping children out of harm’s way, here’s how to be safe rather than sorry
The lists of possible hazards to children inside and outside the home can seem endless. But by taking sensible precautions and knowing what to do in an emergency, the chances of injury or death are significantly reduced. We round up common risks.
October 22, 2016
6 Unique Extra Curricular Activities for Kids
Archery
When to start
Age 6 for group classes
Why it’s hot
The Hunger Games, of course. USA Archery membership has jumped 25 percent since the movie came out.
What it teaches
“Archery helps develop attention span,” says Michael Usherenko, an archery coach who trained U.S. Olympian Khatuna Lorig. “By its nature, it demands focus and concentration, which can help kids do better in school.” Safety is emphasized above all, so kids are expected to be seriously responsible.
Cost
$200 to $600 for 12 weeks of 90-minute group lessons (with equipment rental) at a public range. Or turn to a private club (find both at
Teamusa.org/usa-archery). If your child takes to archery and advances, he’ll need his own bow, about $250.
Fencing
When to start
Ages 9 to 11
Why it’s hot
From Johnny Depp’s swashbuckling to Darth Vader’s light-saber moves, swordplay is timeless. Kid participation in fencing has doubled in the past decade, notes Seth Kelsey, director of USA Fencing and a three-time Olympian.
What it teaches
Problem-solving. “You can never predict what your opponent will do, so you have to be able to adapt quickly and make adjustments,” says Kelsey. “Concentration and focus are also key to maintaining composure under pressure.”
Cost
$80 to $120 a month for biweekly classes (with equipment). Go to
Usfencing.org to find a club. If she wants to go competitive, outfitting her will be about $300.
Cooking
When to start
It’s almost never too soon to start! “Our classes begin at age 2,” notes Cara Buffalino-Silman of Freshmade NYC, a family cooking school.
Why it’s hot
Child culinarians have never been cooler. Hadley and Delaney Robertson, 9-year-old twins, teach that healthy eating can be fun on their PBS cooking show,
Twice as Good. After 12-year-old Jack Witherspoon’s cookbook,
Twist It Up, took off, he appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. One 9-year-old even developed his own cooking app!
What it teaches
“Early exposure to cooking leads to a love of healthy food,” says Buffalino-Silman. On top of nutrition, kids pick up on sequential order, following directions, even literature appreciation. “We use
Rah, Rah, Radishes! by April Pulley Sayre,” shares Buffalino-Silman. “It’s fun to read aloud and inspires cooking!”
Cost
Varies widely by location. Young Chef’s Academy (
Youngchefsacademy.com) charges $25 to $35 a class, for example. But classes with the department of recreation or at the library are much less.
Golf
When to start
Ages 6 to 8
Why it’s hot
There have never been so many young stars. Kid golfers look to Ginger Howard, 18, the youngest female black golfer to go pro, or to champion Rickie Fowler, 24, known for his Bieber-esque shag.
What it teaches
“Golf is the only sport that requires you to call a penalty on yourself. It’s nearly impossible to play without developing integrity,” says Joshua Jacobs, founder of TGA Premier Junior Golf. “And you shake hands with your opponents before the first tee and at the 18th hole, which builds sportsmanship.”
Cost
$80 to $150, including equipment, for 6 to 10 weeks at an after-school program like TGA Premier Junior Golf (
Playtga.com). Their group lessons are held at schools or local community centers in 52 cities. If your kid enjoys it, try lessons or a clinic at your local course. Don’t invest in clubs—even a used set can run $150—until then, says Jacobs.
First Lego League (FLL)
When to start
Age 9
Why it’s hot
Robots, people! Building something that moves at your command is straight-up kid magic. And it doesn’t hurt that Legos are eternally popular, thanks to their ever-expanding lines for boys and girls.
What it teaches
The basics of robotics technology and teamwork. Kids are grouped into teams with one coach. They meet at schools, places of worship, and after-school centers. The teams work together to solve the (purposely embedded) glitches and bugs to build walking, talking robots for the competitive finale. “I learned computer programming with the LEGO robot we used, and then in school, I taught myself HTML,” recalls Adam Benzinane, 9, of Weare, NH. His team, The Copperbots, took first place in the regional championships.
Cost
$25 for an 8- to 10-week session. Then, if they choose, team members can participate in qualifying and championship tournaments. There’s a small charge per each additional round. Go to
Firstlegoleague.org/parents for the lowdown.
Chess
When to start
Age 5 or 6
Why it’s hot
More kids than ever play chess, encouraged by parents who know it boosts analytical skills. It’s easy to learn and inexpensive to start.
What it teaches
Confidence, for one. “Playing chess in her school club taught my daughter Fiona strategy skills,” says Jennifer Geddes, who lives in New York City. “She learned to think ahead, identifying when an opponent botched a move.”
Cost
Free at libraries, schools, and some town recreation departments. Club lessons run $10 to $60 an hour, depending on location and class size. Go to
Uschess.org for a directory of clubs.