We made it! Spring is finally here, the cold winter months are on the way out, and the sun is shining again! Let’s get outside and make the most of Spring’s long-awaited arrival. But before we go running out the door to embrace the new season, let’s be reminded that safety isn’t seasonal and it never takes a holiday.
Our team of Diono Dads have put together a list of their top tips to practical Spring safety. Whether in the home or on the road, they’ve thought of easy ways to help you stay safe and injury-free.
Tripping and Poisonous Hazards
We don’t know about you, but we’ve been desperate to get outside and do some yard work and clean things up. Spring is the perfect time to roll up our sleeves, fire up the lawnmower, prune the trees, plant some flowers and get rid of the weeds. It’s important to remember that kiddos are curious creatures and are very likely to head outside to see what you’re up to. Be mindful not to leave any hazardous or poisonous substances, like weed killer or plant fertilizers, open or within easy access. It may be easy to leave things lying around while you’re hard at work, but remember that shovels, rakes, garden hoses and other tools can be a tripping hazard for little feet.
BBQ Hazards
It’s time to take the cover off the grill, clean up the racks and fire up the heat. BBQ season is here! The grill and outdoor kitchen are great social “hot spots” for us grown-ups to hang out and chat. To keep kids safe, it’s a good idea to create a safe zone to ensure they don’t approach the grill or try their hand at flippin’ patties or chopping onions unsupervised. They might think of themselves as the next BBQ King or Queen but take precautions and make sure they aren’t hanging around hot barbeques, flames, gas, or knives.
Camping and Hiking
Back to Mother Nature we go! Star gazing, campfires, marshmallows and sharing scary stories make memories that can last a lifetime. Being away from the comforts of home opens a whole can of potential hazards. Making sure you’re well prepared in advance will ensure you have a safe trip so you can make the most of the great outdoors. Proper hiking shoes and clothing will help keep you warm and dry if the weather takes a turn. If you’re going on a long hike, make a map of your route and give it to a friend or family member. That way they’ll know where you’re going and when to expect you at your destination. Always check your first aid kit to make sure there are no missing items and nothing has expired. Check your camping equipment to make sure everything is still functional and in good repair after last season’s adventures. Out in the woods, the last thing you want is to find out your tent is still leaking because you never got around to fixing the leak over the winter!
Road Trips
Our favorite pastime, the open road! Whether it’s along the coast, across the state, or across the country, we love road tripping at Diono. However, much like hiking and camping, road trips can lead to a whole bunch of potential safety concerns. Spring is usually the start of many road trips, and this may be the first time you’ve headed out for a long stretch since Summer. Whether you’re a seasoned pavement explorer or trying out something new, we recommend taking precautions and always planning ahead. Temperatures can change dramatically in Spring, and you never know how hot or cold it’s gonna get. Pack plenty of clothes for warm or cold temps, bring sun screen, snacks, refreshments, and keep your sunglasses readily available. Check over your car seats, make sure your tires are properly inflated, schedule a tune up for your car, and plan your route in advance. Schedule in breaks along the way so everyone can stretch their legs, grab a snack, or use the bathroom. Don’t be in a hurry, take in the scenery and experience the #JoyOfTheJourney!
And there you have it, a simple guide to Spring safety! If you’ve got a top tip you’d love to share, hit the share button and post this blog with your recommendations!
