If you are American, you are undoubtedly preparing for your 4th of July celebration. Either you are going elsewhere to celebrate or you are getting ready to host your own big party. Lucky me, I’m going to go to the courthouse today to attempt to get out of jury duty next week. But with that aside, we too are planning on traveling tomorrow and partaking in my father in law’s company’s large Independence Day picnic.
However, did you know that the 4th of July is one of the busiest times of year for emergency room physicians? After our incident last week, I am starting to go through my house again for other potential safety hazards. . .why don’t you take a few moments today and plan for a safe holiday for your baby? Here are a few tips to keep everyone safe and having fun.
With a baby in the house, it’s better to watch firecrackers.
In many states, fire crackers are illegal. Just the same people still get a hold of them thinking that it would be a fun way to celebrate the 4th. If you have a baby or toddler in the house, consider skipping the home fireworks fun (if it’s legal) and go out and watch a show instead. Not only is there potential danger as you’re lighting them, but even the storage of such things presents a serious safety hazard when you have toddlers in the house.
Cook Your Meat Thoroughly
This is not something I would’ve thought of on my own. But apparently food poisoning causes many people to make a trip to the ER and celebrate Independence Day with their doctors. So be safe and refrigerate meat until you’re cooking it. Make sure to cook it thoroughly. Also, make sure to keep raw meat and other things you might be grilling, separate. (Check here for more safety tips on outdoor cooking.)
Hotdogs are a Choking Hazard
I am sure we are having hotdogs tomorrow. It’s one of those all American foods. However, they are also a choking hazard. They are just the perfect width to get stuck in a little throat. Rather than simply cutting up a hotdog cross ways (so that you have small ‘coin’ shaped pieces) first cut the hotdog vertically into 4ths. Then slice it the usual way and you will have smaller pieces that are much harder to choke on.
Keep the Baby Out of the Sun
The AAP does NOT recommend using sunscreen on infants under the age of 6 months. Why you ask? Because babies that young really need to be kept out of the sun and in the shade. So if you’re planning, like we are, to be out of doors today and/or tomorrow, make a point to provide plenty of shade for the baby.
I hope everyone has a happy and healthy Independence Day!