Car crashes and other safety tips

Donya Betancourt, Pediatrician, Jakarta

Cars can pose a great danger to your child's health and safety. Most injuries and deaths caused by car crashes can be prevented by the use of car seat belts.

Since the safest place for all children is the back seat of a car, an infant must always ride in a rear-facing car safety seat in the back seat until he or she is at least one year of age and at least 10 kilograms.

Your child should use a car safety seat or a booster seat until the lap belt can be worn low and flat on the hips and the shoulder belt can be worn across the shoulder rather than the face or neck (usually at about 40 kilograms and one meter 45 centimeters tall). Set a good example. Make sure you and other adults buckle up, too!

Do not leave your child alone in a car. Keep vehicles and their trunks locked. Death from excess heat can occur in a closed car in warm weather in a short time. Do not leave your child alone in the car.

Always walk behind your car to be sure your child is not there before you back out of your driveway.

Bike safety

Your child should always wear a helmet when riding a bike. The bike should be the right size, which means your child must be able to place the balls of both feet on the ground when sitting on the seat with hands on the handlebars.

Your child's first bicycle should have coaster brakes. Five year olds are often unable to use hand brakes correctly. Now is the time to teach your child the "Rules of the Road." Be sure he or she knows the rules and can use them. Watch your child ride to ensure he or she is in control of the bike.

See if your child uses good judgment. Your 8-year-old is not old enough to ride at dusk or after dark. Make sure your child brings the bike in when the sun starts to set.

Fire safety

Teach your child not to play with matches or lighters, and keep matches and lighters out of your child's reach. Also, do not smoke in your home. Most fires are caused by a lit cigarette that has not been put out completely.

Sport safety

Children aged eight and older may start playing baseball, soccer and other sports. Ask your doctor which sports are right for his or her age. Be sure your child wears the protective equipment designed for that sport, such as shin pads, mouth guards, wrist guards, eye protection and helmets. Ask your child's coach what is needed.

Remember that from the ages of one to four, your child can walk, run, climb, jump and explore everything. Because of all the new things he or she can do, this stage is a very dangerous time in your child's life. It is your responsibility to protect your child from injury. Your child cannot understand danger or remember "no" while exploring.

At age five, your child is learning to do many things that can cause serious injury, such as riding a bicycle or crossing a street. Although children learn fast, they still cannot judge what is safe. You must protect your child by constantly reinforcing safety rules.

From age eight and up, children begin testing their wings and taking off on their own. They look to friends for approval. They try to do daring things and they may not want to obey safety rules. During this transitional age the safety lessons learned at an earlier age with your help and reminders will keep your child safe.

Dr. Donya