The Dear Dr.MOZ Baby Blog

It’s time for fireworks and grilling once again, so I wanted to highlight a few of the hidden dangers associated with the 4th of July. Be sure to consider the following safety tips so that everyone in the family has a great 4th.

Toddlers and Fireworks:
Despite the fact that you may have played with fireworks as a child, no form of firework is safe for a small child. This includes sparklers which burn incredibly hot and and where responsible for 1,100 injuries to children under 5 last year alone. Approximately 40% of all 4th of July injuries occur to children 14 and under, so try and find new ways for the little ones to participate in the light show. A few creative options might include giving your toddler the important position of “king of the flashlight”, or handing

out glow sticks which make them more visible in the dark and are great fun at night.

Pets on the 4th:
Our dogs and cats are particularly vulnerable during the 4th, and the main danger tends to be their own fear. They often panic when surrounded by the loud explosions and hurt themselves while attempting to escape. I recommend keeping both cats and dogs indoors during the festivities. In a perfect situation, owners would stay at tome with their pets throughout the day and night. If you decide to go to a fireworks show at night, leave your pets at the house and keep the blinds closed. The less chaos they are exposed to from outside the better off they will be.

Adults:
You’ve probably already heard the usual safety steps from all directions earlier in the week, so we’ll emphasize one single tip. Stay away from firecrackers! According to the last fireworks injury report provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2005, firecrackers were responsible for 1,700 of the 6,500 fireworks-related injuries and they grow each year.

Thanks for visiting and have a safe and healthy 4th!

Yours,
Dr.MOZ