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Toxins in household dust may be harmful to kids
Most of the dust that coats your furniture and floors comes from outdoors and can pose a health threat, a new study suggests.
BPA in canned foods could harm children, group says
Measurable levels of the chemical additive bisphenol A (BPA) were found in a variety of canned goods, including some that claimed to be BPA-free, according to an analysis released this week by the nonprofit advocacy group Consumers Union.
Toxic toys? Health group finds high lead levels
Children's toys carrying the Barbie and Disney logos have turned up with high levels of lead in them, according to a California-based advocacy group — a finding that may give consumers pause as they shop for the holiday season.
39 Summer Safety Tips
39 Summer Safety Tips

For little ones and older ones, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

 

For Little Ones:

  • Babies under six months of age should be kept out of the direct sunlight. Move your baby to the shade or under a tree, umbrella or stroller canopy.
  • Dress babies in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs, and use brimmed hats.
  • Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. The SPF (sun protection factor) should be at least 15.

For Older Kids:
  • 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 to 100 percent of ultraviolet rays) and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
  • Stay in the shade whenever possible, and avoid sun exposure during the peak intensity hours -- between 10am and 4pm The risk of tanning and burning also increases at higher altitude.
  • Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 should be effective for most people. 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.
  • Some self-tanning products contain sunscreen, but others don't, so read the labels carefully. In addition, tanning oils or baby oil may make skin look shiny and soft, but they provide no protection from the sun.


POOL SAFETY

  • Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.
  • Make sure adults are trained in life-saving techniques and CPR so they can rescue a child if necessary.
  • Surround your pool on all four sides with a sturdy five-foot fence.
  • Make sure the gates self-close and self-latch at a height children can't reach.
  • Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd's hook -- a long pole with a hook on the end -- and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool.
  • Avoid inflatable swimming aids, such as "floaties." They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security.
  • Children are not developmentally ready for swimming lessons until after their fourth birthday. Swim programs for children under four should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning.
  • Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm's length, providing "touch supervision."TRAVEL SAFETY
    • Buckle up car seats and seat belts.
    • Keep supplies with you, such as snacks, water, a first aid kit and any medicines your child takes.
    • Always use a car seat, starting with your baby's first ride home from the hospital. Help your child form a lifelong habit of buckling up.
    • Read the manufacturer's instructions and always keep them with the car seat. Read your vehicle owner's manual for more information on how to install the car seat.
    • Put your child in the back seat. It is the safest place in the car because it is farthest away from a head-on crash (the most common type of crash).
    • The harness system holds your child in the car seat and the seat belts hold the seat in the car. Attach both snugly to protect your child.
    • Children in rear-facing car seats should never be placed in a front seat equipped with an air bag.
    • Children traveling alone to visit relatives or attend summer camp should have a copy of their medical information with them at all times.


    BOAT SAFETY

    • Your children should wear life jackets at all times when on boats or near bodies of water.
    • Teach your child how to put on her own life jacket.
    • Make sure the life jacket is the right size for your child. The jacket should not be loose. It should always be worn as instructed with all straps belted.
    • Blow-up water wings, toys, rafts and air mattresses should never be used as life jackets or life preservers. They are not safe.
    • Adults should wear life jackets for their own protection and to set a good example.PLAYGROUND SAFETY
      • Carefully maintain all equipment.
      • Swings should be made of soft materials such as rubber, plastic or canvas.
      • Make sure children cannot reach any moving parts that might pinch or trap any body part.
      • Make sure metal slides are cool to prevent children's legs from getting burned.
      • Parents should never purchase a home trampoline or allow children to use home trampolines.


      BUG SAFETY

      • Don't use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child.
      • Repellents appropriate for use on children should contain no more than 10 percent DEET because the chemical, which is absorbed through the skin, can cause harm. The concentration of DEET varies significantly from product to product, so read the label of any product you purchase.
      • Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods and gardens where flowers are in bloom.
      • Avoid dressing your child in clothing with bright colors or flowery prints.
      • To remove a visible stinger from skin, gently scrape it off horizontally with a credit card or your fingernail.