Car crashes and other safety tips<\/p>\n
Donya Betancourt, Pediatrician, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Cars can pose a great danger to your child's health and safety.
\nMost injuries and deaths caused by car crashes can be prevented
\nby the use of car seat belts.<\/p>\n
Since the safest place for all children is the back seat of a
\ncar, an infant must always ride in a rear-facing car safety seat
\nin the back seat until he or she is at least one year of age and
\nat least 10 kilograms.<\/p>\n
Your child should use a car safety seat or a booster seat
\nuntil the lap belt can be worn low and flat on the hips and the
\nshoulder belt can be worn across the shoulder rather than the
\nface or neck (usually at about 40 kilograms and one meter 45
\ncentimeters tall). Set a good example. Make sure you and other
\nadults buckle up, too!<\/p>\n
Do not leave your child alone in a car. Keep vehicles and
\ntheir trunks locked. Death from excess heat can occur in a closed
\ncar in warm weather in a short time. Do not leave your child
\nalone in the car.<\/p>\n
Always walk behind your car to be sure your child is not there
\nbefore you back out of your driveway.<\/p>\n
Bike safety<\/p>\n
Your child should always wear a helmet when riding a bike. The
\nbike should be the right size, which means your child must be
\nable to place the balls of both feet on the ground when sitting
\non the seat with hands on the handlebars.<\/p>\n
Your child's first bicycle should have coaster brakes. Five
\nyear olds are often unable to use hand brakes correctly. Now is
\nthe time to teach your child the \"Rules of the Road.\" Be sure he
\nor she knows the rules and can use them. Watch your child ride to
\nensure he or she is in control of the bike.<\/p>\n
See if your child uses good judgment. Your 8-year-old is not
\nold enough to ride at dusk or after dark. Make sure your child
\nbrings the bike in when the sun starts to set.<\/p>\n
Fire safety<\/p>\n
Teach your child not to play with matches or lighters, and
\nkeep matches and lighters out of your child's reach. Also, do not
\nsmoke in your home. Most fires are caused by a lit cigarette that
\nhas not been put out completely.<\/p>\n
Sport safety<\/p>\n
Children aged eight and older may start playing baseball,
\nsoccer and other sports. Ask your doctor which sports are right
\nfor his or her age. Be sure your child wears the protective
\nequipment designed for that sport, such as shin pads, mouth
\nguards, wrist guards, eye protection and helmets. Ask your
\nchild's coach what is needed.<\/p>\n
Remember that from the ages of one to four, your child can
\nwalk, run, climb, jump and explore everything. Because of all the
\nnew things he or she can do, this stage is a very dangerous time
\nin your child's life. It is your responsibility to protect your
\nchild from injury. Your child cannot understand danger or
\nremember \"no\" while exploring.<\/p>\n
At age five, your child is learning to do many things that can
\ncause serious injury, such as riding a bicycle or crossing a
\nstreet. Although children learn fast, they still cannot judge
\nwhat is safe. You must protect your child by constantly
\nreinforcing safety rules.<\/p>\n
From age eight and up, children begin testing their wings and
\ntaking off on their own. They look to friends for approval. They
\ntry to do daring things and they may not want to obey safety
\nrules. During this transitional age the safety lessons learned at
\nan earlier age with your help and reminders will keep your child
\nsafe.<\/p>\n
Dr. Donya<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/car-crashes-and-other-safety-tips-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }