<![CDATA[Kids Travel Safely - Keeping Kids Safe On Holidays - SafetyMum Blog]]>Sun, 26 May 2013 02:41:29 +0000Weebly<![CDATA[Summer Sun Protection for Kids]]>Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:54:54 GMThttp://www.kidstravelsafely.com/3/post/2013/04/summer-sun-protection-for-kids.htmlPracticing proper safety procedures during the warm-weather months is vital to the safety of everyone. Those that are the most vulnerable, however, are the elderly and small children. Only a few serious sunburns can enhance your child's risk of skin cancer later in life. Frolicking at the pool or beach, or playing outdoors on days when the sun is the most extreme aren't the only times when kids are liable to get too much sun and need adequate protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

It’s best to exercise caution and reinforce summer sun safety protocols whenever your children are outdoors.

So what can you do to protect your little ones from the sun’s dangerous rays? Here are a few tips for keeping your children safe when they are out in the sun.


Pile on the Sunscreen

Always carry sunscreen with you when you are outdoors with your children on sunny days. Be sure to reapply often, particularly if your children go for a swim or exercise as some sunscreen lotions wear off in water or when you sweat, and although there are a variety of waterproof sunscreen products available, waterproof and water-resistant sunscreen should still be applied often. Sunscreen should have at least SPF 15 and UVA and UVB protection, and must be generously applied before going outdoors and touched up frequently while your children are playing in the sun.

For babies six months and under, pay close attention to the directions on the label as all products are not made with the same ingredients and some can cause a bad reaction on your child’s skin. If you are unsure about what sunscreen is chemically safe to put on your children, consult their pediatrician. Your baby's best defense against sunburn is avoiding the sun or staying in the shade. Keep in mind, sunscreen is not meant to allow children to spend more time in the sun than they would otherwise; therefore, it’s important to use sunscreen in addition to other options that decrease the risk of UV damage.


Cover Up Your Kids

Dressing your children properly for sunny days is a great way to guard against sunburn and protect them from UV rays. Along with sunscreen, put your children in tops, long shorts, or beach dresses when you plan to spend a lengthy period of time outdoors. Although you may think that long-sleeved shirts and long trousers are the best options for your kids on sunny days, these pieces have the potential to cause your children to become overheated and uncomfortable, especially if they are actively romping around in the sun. Retailers, such as Marks and Spencer, carry plenty of spring and summer attire that can guard against harmful sun exposure. Don’t forget to cover your children’s heads with hats that shade their heads (this is especially important for babies), ears, and necks. Big, floppy hats are the most suitable as they provide the most sun protection. 


Take a Shady Break

UV rays are the strongest and most menacing midday, so it’s best to keep your kids indoors or in a shaded area during this time. Always seek areas with a lot of shade, or bring your own covering like an umbrella or tent. Sunglasses aren't just for style. You and your children should always don sunnies that block both UVA and UVB rats to preserve your eyesight and guard against getting cataracts later on in life.
]]><![CDATA[Swim Safety]]>Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:50:25 GMThttp://www.kidstravelsafely.com/3/post/2011/09/swim-safety.html
Stearns Puddle Jumpers
As fun as swimming is there are some very important pointers you should always remember regarding water safety, you never know what could happen.

"Children drown in silence, remember that. The don't yell or flail their arms, they sink...."

Yes, it is scary and yes it could happen to anyone. It has happened summer upon summer, I have read just about every sad case in the news and on many blogs from mothers who have experienced it. I just don't want to hear it happen to anyone especially someone close to me so read up:

NEVER leave a child alone in or around any water. That's a given, accidents happen even in shallow water and little ones wander.
Those supervising children should not be intoxicated, this includes alcohol. Wait until the kids are in bed to have a drink by the pool, always remember to drink responsibly.
If you own a pool, it would be a good idea for your family to take swimming lessons and CPR lessons just in case, especially with small children in the house. You can never be too prepared for an emergency.
If you own a pool, make sure it has proper fencing that is at least 5 feet high with a locking, self-closing and self-latching gate. So many accidents have happened from gates not being shut properly and a little one wandering in.
Make sure to always have emergency gear close by the pool like a buoy or a life jacket.
Younger, inexperienced swimmers should always wear a floatation device of some kind. This cannot be stressed enough, even if you are right beside your child, it just takes them a second to go under water too deep.

We have never really experienced anything seriously scary except for the kids choking on water (which in my opinion is scary enough) and honestly we don't want to. That's why we have always made sure our kids are wearing safety gear while we swim but I always felt our gear wasn't safe enough. At least not for our youngest.

We had been looking for a more reliable floatation device like a life jacket or something other than cheap, rubber blow up floaties. I have never trusted those things in a pool deeper than 4 feet. I couldn't imagine something tragic happening to one of our kids because we didn't have them properly secured and safe while swimming. 

Stearns Puddle Jumper Deluxe are great if you're looking for a more reliable alternative to armbands for your younger kids. What are puddle jumpers?

Whether they are splashing around in the local pool or heading off to the beach, Stearns Puddle Jumper Deluxe swim aids are comfortable and stylish for little swimmers, those rubber floats are a thing of the past. Their innovative design allows free range of motion and great stability while helping to boost confidence. They are made for children 30 to 50 lbs and allow freedom of movement for a comfortable fit. Made with woven polyester for softer fabric - less chafing with floatation bands around both upper arms and across the chest. Easy to take off when wet with one simple buckle at the back. 

We had the opportunity to try out our Stearns Puddle Jumpers for the first time today while the kids went swimming. Max chose to wear his blue turtle Puddle Jumper today. He was very excited. I like the fact that they surround his arms and chest, the strap is adjustable. It doesn't slip or slide off the child when in the water moving around. It's also easy to take off once wet, no air to have to deflate or anything plus they are foldable once dry for easy storage.

They made Max feel confident too, we had to take a break between swimming as he got a little cold. Once he warmed up he wanted to put his Puddle Jumper back on and go back into the pool with me and his sister. He was happy to have something of his very own to wear at the pool and I am happy he has something safe to wear at the pool.


Stearns Puddle Jumpers are definitely worth it for our child's safety and our peace of mind while all enjoy the water at home and on holiday.
]]><![CDATA[10 Carry-On Essentials For Flying With Babies & Toddlers]]>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 09:09:35 GMThttp://www.kidstravelsafely.com/3/post/2011/09/10-carry-on-essentials-for-flying-with-babies-toddlers.htmlTraveling anywhere with a very young child can be taxing, and it becomes even more complicated when you're hampered by the limits of air travel. You can only bring so much on to the plane with you, so it helps to know just the essentials.  We have broken down the list into two groups, one for traveling with infants and one for flying with toddlers.

Here are the 5 carry-on essentials for flying with infants and babies:
  1. Diapers and wipes: One for every hour of travel plus an additional five for unexpected delays.
  2. An adequate food supply: Babies are not limited by the liquid rule so be sure to bring enough formula, including some extra for possible delays.
  3. Extra clothes: Also bring a change of clothes for you in case the baby spits up.
  4. Ziploc bags: For soiled clothes, soiled diapers and leftover snacks.
  5. Flyebaby Airplane Seat for Babies – This ingenious hammock style seat keeps baby happy and sleeping and you stress and hands free. It easily packs into your carry nappy bag.

And here are The 5 carry-on essentials for traveling with a toddler:
  1. Snacks: "Think on the healthy side; save the sugar treat for your destination… You don’t want them doing somersaults in the aisle.
  2. LittleJetSetter Grab and Go pack Includes Reusable Sticker Sets, Magnet Play Scenes, Crayons and Doodle Area, Cuddly Toy, Disposable Bibs and Change Mats, All Natural Travel Baby Wipes, Hand Sanitiser Gel and a Travel Toy Clip to keep everything off the airplane floor
  3. Refillable water bottles with sports top Bring them empty through security and ask the air cabin crew to fill for you.
  4. Pillow and Blanket Something soft and familiar as often Airplane provided blankets can be itchy and prevent them from falling asleep
  5. A CARES harness: "This is an acronym for Child Aviation Restraint System. It's a one pound device that becomes a seat belt harness for kids 22-44lbs. It straps around the airplane seat and easily packs into your carry-on handbag."

Regards

SafetyMum!
]]><![CDATA[Welcome to KidStravelsafely]]>Sat, 23 Jul 2011 10:20:46 GMThttp://www.kidstravelsafely.com/3/post/2011/07/first-post.htmlKids Travel Safely was born out of sheer frustration and necessity.

From the first holiday we took with our daughter Ella then aged 5 months who was uncomfortable with no seat  on the plane and then bounced unsupported in the taxi again without a seat.  Fast forward a couple of years and on a flight with my 2 year old son Max who propelled terrifiyingly forward upon landing and instilled a fear of flying as we had to drag him onboard kicking and screaming for our return flight home.  I knew there had to be a better and safer way……

We have searched the globe and come back with  award winning innovative products to keep our kids as safe and happy on holidays as they are at home. We hope you enjoy your visit to  Kids Travel Safely. New products will be added as they become available but please let me know if I have left anything out or there is something specific you are seeking.

Wishing you safe & Happy travels.

Regards

SafetyMum ]]>