4th of July Celebrations - Baby Safeguards

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

01 Jul 2006 08:43 AM

Wow, is it July already? It seems like just last week I packed up the Christmas presents and yesterday that we were going Easter Egg hunting - so it feels startling to say that least that we are celebrating the fourth of July this weekend in many areas from local community parties to city wide fireworks displays. It can be a great deal of fun to get together with friends and family and watch a parade, fireworks, concerts and more.

The following little tips are a reference to help enhance you and your baby's fun:

Pay Attention to the Temperature

Your baby can't tell you when they are getting overheated. But with 4th of July temperatures soaring into the 100s in many areas, it's important to remember that your baby can easily get heat exhaustion. This is even more important for toddlers who are down and running around.

Try to keep them out of the direct sun and be sure to encourage them to drink plenty of water. Don't worry if you are nursing or bottle-feeding your baby - they are getting plenty of fluid through their feedings - keep an eye on it. Also be aware, if the baby is sleeping in their car seat - they are going to be very prone to overheating.

Depending on where you are, you might consider a baby cot or netting that allows baby to sleep in a cooler area that isn't their car seat - or take a break mid day to return home and let them sleep in the coolness of the house. You and your baby will both be happier for the cooler atmosphere.

Fireworks Can Be Scary

Remember that your little one has no idea what those big booms are. They can easily frighten babies. Though older children and toddlers may enjoy the light show, the thunderous booms associated with detonating fireworks can very easily startle your little one. If they are afraid, comfort them and don't be surprised if you need to leave the celebrations a little early. The same can be said for parades and large noisy crowds.

Also, it's worth mentioning that large crowds mean lots of exposure to potential colds and viruses. It's also not uncommon to having dozens of people reaching out or talking to baby. Carry some hand sanitizer in your purse that way you can keep your own hands clean and as well as have it ready to offer friends or family who may have been celebrating but want to hold and hang out with baby.

Encourage other children who may be fascinated by baby to only touch the baby's feet. This keeps dirty hands away from the face and mouth and hands - it also discourages potential damage to the baby's head from inadvertent force.

What other tips can you offer to help make celebrations fun and safe?

Related Articles:

Citizenship Fun

Fireworks Art

Designing A Home Fireworks Display

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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Yosemite (133) 01 Jul 2006 08:55 AM

By the title, I thought the article would be about fun activities for baby. I think it's more about summer safeguards.

Heather Long (16954) 01 Jul 2006 09:00 AM

Good point, I'll fix that. I do have some baby fun activities to put up later today!