Tips for Keeping Kids Safe
(ARA) - Keeping children healthy and safe is a primary concern for parents and guardians, and finding a reliable resource for information can sometimes feel overwhelming. They want their children to be safe, yet they don't always know how to begin protecting and preparing their kids.
"For parents and guardians, thinking about child safety begins the moment their children are born and there are steps they can take even then to help their children begin a lifetime of safety. Being prepared and openly discussing child safety tips as a family are the keys to helping protect your kids," says Robbie Callaway, co-founder and current board member of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Parents and guardians can prepare for potential risks the moment their child is born by learning about teaching them safe practices. NCMEC child safety experts offer families the following tips and appropriate safety measures to help protect young children:
* Understand potential risks before placing birth announcements in the local newspaper or online. Birth announcements should never include the family's home address and be limited to the parents' surnames.
* Have at least one recent color photograph of your child. For infants a full, front-face view is recommended along with footprints and a written description of the infant noting hair, eye color, length, weight, date of birth, and any unique physical characteristics.
* Choose babysitters with care by obtaining references, checking in unexpectedly during a session and noting any changes in your child's mood or behavior.
As your child matures and becomes verbal, NCMEC child safety experts offer the following tips:
* Ensure your child knows their full name, address and phone number.
* Teach your children how and when to call 911.
* Require that children ask permission before leaving home.
Additionally, take advantage of safety programs offered by local law enforcement, community groups and merchants. For example, select Wal-Mart stores across the country are partnering with NCMEC for a safety event. Parents and guardians who visit a participating Wal-Mart will receive a complimentary child ID kit that includes a DNA swab and a placeholder for an updated child photo, as well as child safety tips developed by NCMEC.
Event sponsors will provide additional safety tips and product samples. Sponsors include Similac Advance, Similac Organic, PediaSure NutriPals, Johnson's Bedtime Lotion, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes and Clorox Anywhere Hard Surface sanitizing spray, Nestle Good Start Natural Cultures, Grins & Giggles Sweet Pea lotion, Graduates Lil Crunchies snacks, Pampers Swaddlers, Johnson's SoftLotion Melt Away Stress Body Lotion, Triaminic Infant & Toddler Thin Strips Decongestant Plus Cough, Crayola Beginnings First Marks, Crayola Beginnings Crayon Buddies, Playtex Drop Ins System, The First Years Soothie Pacifiers & Bottles, and Disney.
To learn more about the Baby Days event visit the "In Stores Now" section of www.walmart.com. For additional safety information, visit NCMEC at www.missingkids.com or call (800) THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
Courtesy of ARAcontent 