Keeping your child safe in the car can feel overwhelming. Many parents have questions about how to make sure their child is properly secured. What kind of car seat do you need? How do you install it? When do you need to change car seats? When will your child be ready for a seat belt? 

The law in Ontario says that the driver is responsible for making sure any person less than 16 years old is properly secured according to their weight, height and age. 

Check out the 4 stages below to see where your child fits. 

Other Helpful Tips

• Big snowsuits or winter clothing are not recommended for use with a car seat, as they can prevent the harness from being tightened properly.
• Do not leave loose items in your vehicle because they will become projectiles in a collision and may cause injury to passengers.
• Items that did not come with your child's car seat (after-market products) may not be safe to use.  For more information on after-market products, please visit Transport Canada.
• Register your child's car seat with the manufacturer. They will notify you if there has been a recall on your child's car seat.
• Always replace a car seat that is expired, torn, broken, or was  in a vehicle during a collision.

Please note: In Ontario, if you do not properly secure your child in a car seat, the fine is up to $1,000.00 plus 2 demerit points on conviction. 

Need Help?  Have more questions?

Contact the Ottawa Safety Council at 613-238-1513 ext. 229, or email them at bestfit@ottawasafetycouncil.ca to speak to a Child Passenger Safety Technician. Or register online for a car seat installation clinic Ottawa Safety Council's BestFit Program. 

Call the Ottawa Public Health Info Centre at 613-PARENTS [613-727-3687] (TTY: 613-580-9656) or email Ottawa Public Health at ParentinginOttawa@ottawa.ca

Connect with a Public Health Nurse and other parents on the Parenting in Ottawa Facebook page

Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction . It involves either 2 or more body systems at the same time, or the respiratory system. Anaphylaxis is the most serious type of allergic reaction and is diagnosed by a doctor.

Without proper medical care, the reaction can get worse. It can cause death. Treatment is needed right away.

What causes anaphylaxis?

Your child may have an anaphylactic reaction if they swallow or is injected by something that they are allergic to. Touching or smelling the allergen can cause an allergic reaction, but anaphylaxis is rare in these cases.

The most common sources of allergens are:

• Medications
• Food and drinks: nuts, fish, eggs, milk
• Insect bites or stings: bee and wasp stings
• Latex: balloons, rubber gloves, some band aids

Preventing a reaction from happening in the first place is always the goal. We can all do our part to keep children with severe allergies safe at school.

What can I do as a parent?

• Remember that most schools do not allow peanut butter and other peanut/tree nut products at school.
• Find out from your child's teacher if there are any other foods to avoid in your child's lunch box and what they are.
• Remind your child to never share food at school.
• Remind your child to wash their hands well with soap and water before leaving for school.
• Be careful of cross-contamination between a safe food and a food allergen. This can happen when your child comes to school without washing their hands after eating a nut butter sandwich. Cross-contamination can also happen when a knife is used in an allergen food then a safe food.
• Remember that alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not remove protein of any kind. This protein can be an allergen. It is important that both adults and children wash hands with soap and water.
• Know the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.

What are the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis?

Think F.A.S.T (Face, Airway, Stomach, Total Body)

• Face: itchiness, redness, swelling of the face and tongue
• Airway: trouble breathing, swallowing or speaking
• Stomach: stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea
• Total body: hives, rash, itchiness, swelling, weakness, paleness, loss of consciousness

What to do if anaphylaxis occurs?

• Call 9-1-1 immediately and ask for paramedics
• Have the person lie down
• If they have an auto-injector, (EpiPen®) help them by injecting it into their outer thigh
• Place the person on their side- check their airway, breathing and circulation
• Have someone at the door to meet the paramedic and direct them

For more information contact Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744 or visit Food Allergy Canada. For more information visit the Ontario Ministry of Education for Sabrina's law in Ontario.

Drugs, including Cannabis and Medication Safety

Children love to touch, hold, climb and explore. It is important for your home to be a safe place for them to explore. Homes often contain dangerous or poisonous substances within reach of a child. The leading cause of poisoning in  children is eating medications.

Here are some tips childproof your home to keep harmful substances out of reach of children:

• Keep track of all medicines or other drugs in your home.
• Keep harmful substances stored in its original packaging.
• Keep harmful substances stored in a locked place that is out of reach and out of sight of children (includes alcohol, prescription and non-prescription medicines).
• Don't rely on packaging - child-resistant does not mean childproof.
• Medicine isn’t candy; never tell your child that a medicine tastes like candy.
• Keep important poison control numbers handy.
• Keep visitors’ belongings out of your child's reach just as you do your own. Visitors may have unsafe and dangerous products with them.

Edible cannabis products often look like foods that are very appealing to children. Don’t rely on the packaging alone to keep your child safe, child resistant or childproof is not a guarantee. Keep edible cannabis products out of reach of children.

Second-hand cannabis smoke is harmful for everyone. It may result in illness in infants and young children, and can also affect their alertness, understanding and judgment. It is safest not to smoke cannabis in your home or around your child. To protect you and your children make your home and car smoke free. If you smoke, do it outside and ask family members and visitors to do the same.

For more information, visit second hand smoke.

If you or your child has accidentally consumed drugs or medication, contact the Ontario Poison Control Centre at 1-800-268-9017. 

Cannabis poisoning in babies and children is a medical emergency.

Symptoms of cannabis poisoning in children include:

• Changes in mood such as confusion
• Agitation or sleepiness
• Changes in appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Balance problems and difficulty breathing

Call 9-1-1 if your child is ill and/or has difficulty breathing.

Helmets are recommended for activities like skateboarding, rollerblading, biking, sledding, skating skiing and snowboarding.

In Ontario, it is mandatory for anyone under the age of 18 to wear a certified helmet while riding a bicycle (Highway Traffic Act).

All skaters, 10 years and under must wear a CSA-certified hockey helmet while skating at all City of Ottawa public skating sessions in indoor arenas.  However, helmets are always recommended for any activity on ice.  Bicycle helmets are NOT recommended for skating.

What you need to know about helmets

Helmets prevent the risk of serious head injuries by absorbing the force from a fall or a hit to the head. 

What are some helmet tips?

• Parents set a good example by wearing their helmet
• Do not place stickers on your helmet
• Remember, anyone under the age of 18 years must wear a helmet when cycling - it's the law
• If children switch activities, they should take off the helmet. If the helmet is left on while a child plays on a play structure or climbs, the helmet chinstrap can get caught and strangle the child

Most helmets will fit into one of the following categories:

• Single impact: example-bicycle helmet. They are designed to protect against one impact. Must be replaced after a crash or hard hit to the head, even if you can't see any damage.
• Multi impact: example- hockey helmet. They are designed to protect against more than one impact. Must be replaced when you see damage.
• Multi Sport: does not mean that it is multi impact but that it is approved for more than one activity. Check the manufacturer’s label carefully to see which sports it is certified for. 

What to look for when buying a helmet:

• Make sure that the helmet has been safety certified. There will be a certification sticker on the inside or outside of the helmet. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has a standard for hockey and bicycle helmets.
• Never buy a used helmet.
• Buy a helmet that fits now and not one that a child has to grow into.

How to fit a bicycle helmet

Know the 2V1 rule to fit a bicycle helmet. Put the helmet on the head so it is level and so it is not tilting backwards or forwards. Then check the following:

• Two fingers distance from helmet to eyebrow.
• V-shape straps around each ear.
• One finger between chin and fastened strap.

How to fit a hockey helmet

Put on the helmet so that it is not tilting forward or backward. Then check the following:

• One finger between the chinstrap and chin.
• One finger distance from helmet to the eyebrow.
• Make sure the helmet doesn't move. Move head up and down, and side to side. The helmet should stay in place and feel comfortably snug on the head.

When should I replace a helmet?

• Single impact helmets like a bicycle or ski helmet should be replaced after a crash or large impact.
• When it does not fit anymore.
• If the helmet has a crack or is dented.
• When the straps are frayed, torn straps or do not work.
• Every five years.  The plastics of the helmet dry out and may become brittle over time.  Also, many helmets can only take one impact before they must be replaced.  Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.  Hockey helmets are designed to protect against more than one impact.  They must be replaced when they are damaged, cracked, have loose-fitting or missing liner pieces, or have had a severe blow.  Replace helmets every five years.    

Instructions and illustrations provided by Parachute

For more on choosing the right helmet, visit Ottawa Public Health

Road safety is an important tool for your child to have as they begin to cycle, wheel and walk.

Tips for parents

• Don't buy a bike that is too big for your child. If cost is an issue, consider buying one second hand instead. Make sure your child's feet can touch the ground when sitting on the bike seat. Another tip: it's a good idea to have bikes inspected by a bike mechanic before taking them out for the first time. 
• Make sure your child always has a parent or guardian with them when learning to cycle.
• Take them to places with few distractions and little traffic.
• Your child should be able to focus on your words and direction in a safe and controlled environment.
• A great place for kids to learn to ride is a flat grassy area at a local park. There's no traffic to worry about and lots of grass to cushion any falls.  

• Be a role model! When cycling, wear your helmet, signal your turns. When walking or biking, always limit distractions and be encouraging.
• Start out with small trips to school, grocery stores, and parks without the car.
• Consider a cycling course in your community

Safety check

• Don't buy a helmet that your child will grow into. Make sure helmet safety is a priority. Also watch this unique video with your child to help encourage them to adopt a helmet. Wearing one yourself helps too. 
• Identify safe routes with your child.
• Encourage your child to wear bright colors and use reflective materials. In bad weather, visibility is even more important.
• Eye contact with other road users is important. 
• Pay attention to surroundings to make safe decisions when using the road. Help your child understand that distractions take their concentration away from the road. 
• Review the rules of the road before cycling, walking or wheeling.
• When walking, cross only at designated crossings such as pedestrian crossovers and intersections. Visit the School Zone Traffic Safety page for more tips about teaching your child to cross the road.
• When cycling, help your child understand right-of-way and road signs. For more information, visit the City of Ottawa children and cycling page. 
• Visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website for cycling safety laws.
• Dress for the weather. Here are a few tips on protecting your child in cold weather in Ottawa.

Learn more about the benefits of walking and cycling to school here. The City of Ottawa also offers short and affordable cycling courses that can help everyone improve their skills.

Visit the Ottawa Public Health Cycling page for bike maps and tips. Check out the Walking page for local walking and hiking resources.  Also visit this link for more information on bike repair stations.

Safe fun in the sun

Outdoor activities are a great way to be active. It is important that you take care of your skin and your child's skin while outside so you can all enjoy activities safely. The sun's ultraviolet rays (UV) can't be seen or felt.

Young children have sensitive skin that puts them at risk for sunburns. While children with fair skin, light blue or green eyes, blonde or red hair and freckles, are more at risk; children with darker skin tones also need protection from UV rays.. As parents, we can help children learn how to be sun safe by making it fun and by being good role models.  The risk of skin cancer later in life is increased by:

• Going outside in the sun unprotected (not using sunscreen or proper clothing).
• 1 or more blistering sunburns during childhood or as a teenager.

Helping your children learn about sun protection means teaching them at an early age. Children learn best while having fun. Check your local bookstore or library for storybooks and activities that promote sun protection awareness.

What you can do to protect your child from the sun:

• Limit the time in the sun when the UV Index is 3 or higher, usually between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., between April and September.
• Clothing and accessories are best at blocking UV rays. Dress your children in long pants and long-sleeved shirts in tightly woven fabric. Dark or bright colors such as orange and red block more UV rays. 
• Wear wide-brim hats to protect the face, ears and neck and close fitting/wrap-around sunglasses with UV 400 or 100% UV protection. Choose sunglasses for children and babies that are unbreakable.
• Look for a shaded place for children to play and place a canopy or umbrella over a baby's stroller to give shade. 

For a quick and easy way to remember how to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun and still have fun- remember your Sun Safety ABC'S:

• Seek shade by using a UV protective tent or pop-up shade shelter, umbrella or resting under a big tree. Keep babies under one year of age out of direct sunlight by using a canopy or umbrella over your baby's stroller to give shade.
• Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, labelled "broad spectrum" and "water-resistant". Reapply if child is swimming, sweating or toweling off.
• Cover up with a hat, sunglasses and clothing.
• Say something. Tell others about sun safety. Signs of too much sun include having skin that gets hot and red. You may also feel tired and thirsty.

Sunscreen

Ask your health care provider or pharmacist to help you choose the best sunscreen for your child. Don't forget to check the expiry date and replace sunscreen that is out-of-date.

• Sunscreen should be used on babies over the age of six months.
• Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or more, labelled "broad-spectrum" and "water-resistant".
• Reapply sunscreen when needed (especially after swimming, sweating or toweling off).
• Use a sunscreen lip balm. 
• There are many sunscreens available including sunscreens for babies over 6 months, as well as people with sensitive skin. Before using sunscreen, test it on a small area of skin and wait 24 hours to see if there is a reaction.
• Always follow the directions on the sunscreen container. It is important that sunscreen be applied correctly and generously for it to do its job.
• Pay special attention to areas that are easy to miss. Think about the ears, nose, back of the neck, legs, top of feet and up to and under the edges of bathing suits.

Know your daily UV Index

• Check your local radio, TV stations or online for the UV Index forecast in your area
• When UV Index is 3 or higher, limit your child's time in the sun.

OPH recommends that residents buy and use an effective and safe sunscreen. Look for:

• A product approved by Health Canada with a Drug Identification Number (DIN) or a Natural Health Product Number (NPN);
• A "broad-spectrum" and "water-resistant" sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or more;
• An expiry date.               

If you would like to choose a sunscreen that has been laboratory tested by the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA), please visit their website for a list of approved sunscreens. Test results must prove that the product: 

• has a UVB sun protection factor of at least 30;
• contains a broad spectrum UVA block;
• is non-comedogenic;

• is non-irritating and hypo-allergenic.

Don't forget to do the Shadow Test. It's a simple way to help determine when it's time to seek shade. If the child's shadow is shorter than they are, the sun's rays are strong and they should seek shade or go inside. 

For more information about sun safety, call the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744, TTY 613-580-9656, email healthsante@ottawa.ca.

Keeping children safe during hot weather

Keep children safe during hot weather and limit the time they spend outdoors during the hottest part of the day.

Children are more at risk of dehydrating because they have a high metabolic rate, produce more heat, and are smaller. It is also more difficult for them to cool down.

Help children avoid dehydration

• Breastfeeding according to child’s cues should be encouraged for all breastfed children.  If you are breastfeeding your child, remember to keep yourself hydrated so you can produce a sufficient amount of milk.
• Encourage children to drink frequently. Offer small amounts water frequently.
• Keep children close to watch for signs of thirst/hunger.
• Avoid serving drinks with caffeine or large amounts of sugar.
• Bring them into air-conditioned or cooler places like shopping malls, libraries, community centres, or a friend’s place.
• Give them a cool bath or shower or cool them down with wet towels.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule any strenuous activity.
• Make sure they are well rested.
• Never leave a child in a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight. When outside air temperature is 23ºC/73ºF, the temperature inside a vehicle can be extremely dangerous – more than 50ºC/122ºF. 
• Look twice before locking. Always keep cars locked while in garages or driveways to prevent children from inadvertently becoming trapped. The Canada Safety Council suggests making a habit of placing your cell phone, purse or wallet in the back seat — a strategy that requires you to turn around and check the back seat whenever you leave the vehicle.
• Be alert for signs that your child is experiencing heat illness and needs to go inside. These include thirst, fatigue, leg or stomach cramps, and cool, moist skin, which can be a sign of heat exhaustion. Bring your child inside or into a cool, shady area, and offer frequent, small sips of water. Removing extra clothing and fanning can help your child cool down slowly. For more information visit the Canadian Pediatric Society website.

When children go outside

• Dress them in light-coloured, loose-fitting, and lightweight clothing with a tight weave to cover their arms and legs.
• Encourage children to keep out of direct sunlight. Have them rest frequently in the shade.
• Teach them to take frequent breaks and to come indoors if they feel overheated.
• Always use a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher, and reapply it at least every 2 hours. Don’t apply sunscreen to a child less than 6 months old. 
• If they are swimming or playing in water make sure their sunscreen is water-resistant.
• Choose a wide-brimmed hat.
• Have water nearby.

Keep your home cool

• If you have an air conditioner with a thermostat, keep it set to the highest setting that is comfortable (somewhere between 22^oC/72^oF and 26^oC/79^oF) which will reduce your energy costs and provide needed relief. If you are using a window air conditioner, cool only one room where you can for heat relief.
• Prepare meals that don’t need to be cooked in your oven
• Block the sun by closing awnings, curtains or blinds during the day
• If safe, open your windows at night to  let cooler air onto your home

If your home is extremely hot

• Take a break from the heat and spend a few hours with your child in a cool place. It could be a tree-shaded area, swimming facility, splash pad or an air-conditioned spot such as a shopping mall, grocery store or public library.
• Bathe your child in a cool bath until your child feels refreshed. Always supervise your child in the bath.
• If using a fan, keep it a safe distance from the child and aim the air flow in their direction.

Special considerations for childcare providers

• Establish a policy and a plan to deal with extreme temperatures. Have hot weather backup plans like an indoor water day.
• Monitor the weather in the summer months (for example, follow the Government of Canada’s humidex, smog, and hot weather alerts).
• Ensure that staff are aware of the signs and symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Follow first aid procedures promptly.
• Maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
• Offer regularly scheduled rest periods.
• Maintain and role model sun safe policies.
• Check regularly on babies and young children.
• Ensure that children are well hydrated (let them drink frequently).
• Monitor children in wheelchairs. The metal and vinyl equipment can become very warm.
• Check pavement and playground structures. They can become very warm.

These sources may be helpful for additional information:

• Caring for Kids - Keeping Kids Safe - Sun Safety
• Health Canada - Sun Safety

Protecting your Family from Mosquito and Tick Bites

Safe Playground Fun

Playgrounds are a great place to have fun and be active with your child!

Did you know that playing outdoors has many benefits for your child? They include:

• Improved mental and emotional health
• Improved physical health and muscle strength
• Better concentration and higher grades in school

Playing outside is important for your child’s development. It is also important to keep your child safe from preventable injuries.  Here are the most common injuries:

• Falls from monkey bars for children, aged 4 to 10. Many of these falls result in a broken bone or head and neck injury.
• Infants and teens are more likely to be injured on the swings. Infants need to be able to sit up on their own before being on a swing. 

Most of these injuries are preventable through:

• Active supervision for the age and development of the child
• Following simple safety guidelines

Playground Safety Tips for Parents:

• Stay close enough that you can take action if needed. Stay alert, pay close attention, and anticipate hazards.
• Remember the 5 under 5 rule! If your child is 5 years old or younger, encourage play on equipment that is less than 5 feet in height.
• Avoid distractions, such as reading and cell phone use.  
• Avoid using playground equipment in the winter. It is more dangerous to fall on frozen ground.
• Have your child wear rubber soled shoes with tied laces.
• Call your local park authority at 311 or your school office, if there are any hazards such as sharp objects or garbage in or around the playground area.
• For more playground safety tips, go to Parachute Canada and for a child falls prevention poster, go to Child Falls.

While at the playground encourage your child to:

• Wait their turn
• Slide down feet first
• Use the equipment as it was meant to be used
• Keep away from moving swings and the bottom of slides
• Do not use the equipment when it is wet since it can be extra slippery
• Walk away from bullying and unsafe situations
• Before using the playground, remove helmets, scarves, drawstrings and cords

Keep bikes and bags away from equipment and play area to prevent tripping

Backyard Play Structures

Backyard play structures should meet the Canadian Standards Association Canadian Playground Safety Standards. Some of the standards are:

• Surface area around playground equipment should be deep with a soft surface such as:
  • sand
  • pea gravel
  • mulch
  • rubber chips.
• Surface depth for children 5 years old and younger should be 15 cm (6 inches) and 30 cm (12 inches) for older children.
• Openings in the equipment should be less than 9 cm (3.5 inches) or greater than 22.5 cm (9 inches). This is to prevent a child’s head from getting stuck.

For more information on playground equipment standards, go to Canadian Standards Association or call 1-800-463-6727.

It is important to know that backyard trampolines can cause serious injuries. These injuries can happen even when adults are supervising and with the use of safety nets.  The Canadian Pediatric Society recommends “trampolines should not be used as play equipment.”  For more information go to Canadian Paediatric Society, Caring for Kids.

Remember, backyard kiddy pools are a potential hazard for drownings.  Active supervision of your child and emptying the kiddy pool after use, will help keep your child safe.  For information on water safety, go to Parenting in Ottawa or call Ottawa Public Health Info Centre at 613-PARENTS [613-727-3687]  (TTY: 613-580-9656).

Check Ottawa Parks for a list of playgrounds in your neighbourhood.  

Did you know that drowning can occur in as little as 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water? According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, drowning is the second most common cause of death for children less than 5 years of age.

General Safety

To keep your kids safe around water, follow these tips:

• Your child should always be within arm's reach of an adult when they are in or around water. This includes pools, bathtubs, bodies of water, and other water sources. They should never be alone, even for a moment.
• Your child should wear lifejackets or personal flotation devices in and around water.
• Your baby should be held by an adult if they cannot yet sit without support.
• Swimming lessons are great for your child but alone, they will not protect or prevent your child from drowning.
• Know what do in an emergency, including CPR and calling 9-1-1.

Backyard Pools

According to Parachute, nearly half of all child drownings occur in backyard swimming pools. Follow these tips to help ensure pool safety:

• Your child must be supervised by an adult at all times.
• Have safety equipment nearby, such as a non-metal reaching pole, a throwing line with buoyant aid, a first aid kit and a phone.
• Bring everything you need such as drinks, snacks, sunscreen, toys, and towels, before allowing your child into the pool.
• Use signs to show deep and shallow ends to avoid injuries that could occur from diving in the shallow end.
• Store chemicals properly. All chemicals, including chlorine, should be out of your child's reach.

New Rules for Backyard Pools

All pool owners in the City of Ottawa must have pool enclosure gates that are self-closing, self-latching and locked at all times, except when the pool area is in use. See Pool Enclosure By-law (No.2013-39) for more information.