Child Safety
Keeping your child safe is most parents' top priority. Keep in mind, no safety measures can make a space completely safe. Active supervision is important to protect your child. This section will help equip you for the worst so you can expect the best from your child. Learn more about:
Car Seat Safety | ||||||||
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
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 |
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:
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?
What are the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis?Think F.A.S.T (Face, Airway, Stomach, Total Body)
What to do if anaphylaxis occurs?
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:
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:
Call 9-1-1 if your child is ill and/or has difficulty breathing. |
||||||
Helmet Safety | ||||||
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 helmetsHelmets 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?
Most helmets will fit into one of the following categories:
What to look for when buying a helmet:
How to fit a bicycle helmetKnow 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:
How to fit a hockey helmet
Put on the helmet so that it is not tilting forward or backward. Then check the following:
When should I replace a helmet?
Instructions and illustrations provided by Parachute For more on choosing the right helmet, visit Ottawa Public Health |
Walking and Cycling Safety |
Road safety is an important tool for your child to have as they begin to cycle, wheel and walk. Tips for parents
Safety check
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. |
Sun Safety |
Safe fun in the sunOutdoor 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:
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:
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:
SunscreenAsk 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.
Know your daily UV Index
OPH recommends that residents buy and use an effective and safe sunscreen. Look for:
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:
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
When children go outside
Keep your home cool
If your home is extremely hot
Special considerations for childcare providers
These sources may be helpful for additional information: |
Being active in nature is a wonderful way to spend time together as a family. Ottawa is home to many beautiful trails, wooded areas, and scenery. While enjoying the great outdoors, take steps to prevent tick and mosquito bites. You can help by making this part of your family’s regular routine. TicksTicks are most often found in wooded, shrubby, long-grassed, or leaf-littered areas providing shade and humidity and the strip immediately bordering such areas. Such tick habitat can be found throughout Ottawa’s geographic area. What can I do to protect my family from tick bites?You can practice simple steps to help minimize exposure to ticks. You can make these steps part of your regular routine, if you will be in areas suitable for ticks.
Summer Camps and Daycares:
MosquitoesYou can help protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites by following the tips below.
Reduce Standing WaterDid you know that mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water (water that does not move or flow)? Mosquitoes need water to breed. Check around your home to see if you have areas with standing water. This can be a fun activity with your little ones too! Here are some frequent spots where you might find standing water:
Tips for reducing standing water:
For more information on mosquitoes, visit the Ottawa Public Health website. |
Playground Safety |
Safe Playground FunPlaygrounds 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:
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:
Most of these injuries are preventable through:
Playground Safety Tips for Parents:
While at the playground encourage your child to:
Keep bikes and bags away from equipment and play area to prevent tripping Backyard Play StructuresBackyard play structures should meet the Canadian Standards Association Canadian Playground Safety Standards. Some of the standards are:
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. |
Water Safety |
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 SafetyTo keep your kids safe around water, follow these tips:
Backyard PoolsAccording to Parachute, nearly half of all child drownings occur in backyard swimming pools. Follow these tips to help ensure pool safety:
New Rules for Backyard PoolsAll 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. |
Do you have more questions about parenting?
- Speak with a Public Health Nurse. 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
- There are a variety of services to make it easier for your child to grow up healthy in Ottawa
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.
Contact Us