Bicycle, Scooter and Scooter Safety

Hi all, I thought since the weather has turned nicer and we are all spending more time outdoors I'd have a few posts around summer safety.  During this past week (or so) of beautiful weather I have encouraged my kids to be outside as much as possible, to burn off extra energy, and promote physical activity. Obviously, this means we have to address bike and other outdoor vehicle safety since our little and big kids spend so much time biking, tryking, scooting and skating during the summer months. Here are some tips and reminders befitting the kids (and grown ups)! 




BICYCLE SAFETYSource: http://www.aap.org/family/bicycle.htm
Source: http://www.aap.org/family/tbikmyth.htm

• Do not push your child to ride a 2-wheeled bike until he or she is ready, at about age 5 or 6. Consider the child's coordination and desire to learn to ride. Stick with coaster (foot) brakes until your child is older and more experienced for hand brakes.
• Take your child with you when you shop for the bike, so that he or she can try it out. The value of a properly fitting bike far outweighs the value of surprising your child with a new one.  For more information on finding the proper fit, go to http://www.aap.org/family/bicycle.htm#choosing
• Buy a bike that is the right size, not one your child has to "grow into." Oversized bikes are especially dangerous.
• Your child needs 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. Set the example: 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. And remember, wearing a helmet at all times helps children develop the helmet habit.
• A helmet should be worn so that it is level on the head, not tipped forwards or backwards.  The strap should be securely fastened, and you should not be able to move the helmet in any direction.  If needed, the helmet’s sizing pads can help improve the fit.

SKATEBOARD, SCOOTER, IN-LINE SKATING AND HEELYS SAFETY
Source: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/marskate.htmChildren should never ride skateboards or scooters in or near traffic.

• All skateboarders and scooter-riders should wear a helmet and other protective gear; wrist guards are particularly important.
• Communities should continue to develop skateboard parks, which are more likely to be monitored for safety than ramps and jumps constructed by children at home.
• While in-line skating or wearing Heelys, be sure to wear appropriate protective equipment and only skate on designated paths or rinks and not on the street.

Here Comes The Sun...I Think!

Well you wouldn't know it to look (or walk) outside, but summer really is coming. If you are like me, it takes a set of really pink cheeks, before I remember, "oh yeah, it's summer, I need to be applying sunscreen." So this year I thought I'd get a jump on summer safety tips!! Check the blog each week for more safety ideas.

For sun safety the American Academy for Pediatrics recommends:

Avoiding 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, 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.

For All Other Children:

• 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.
• On both sunny and cloudy days use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater that protects against UVB and UVA rays.
• 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 and sand (and even snow!) as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.