Bonfire Fun!
Everyone (almost everyone) loves fireworks; children, adults, even grandparents – there is something magical about watching these beautiful explosions in the sky, lighting up the dark.
But when you are watching fireworks with little ones in tow, it is important to remember a few basic safety tips:
Protect little ears
Young children, and especially babies, have very delicate ears. Think about the display you are going to see and, as much as you may want too, try not to push to the front of the queue. Loud noises above 80dB can seriously affect the development of your children’s hearing. Typically, fireworks register at around 140dB, so it is really worth investing in some kid friendly ear defenders.
Stay Snuggly
Although this sounds like a bit of an obvious one, there has been the odd time that we’ve been stood out in the cold, wrapping everyone else up warm but neglecting ourselves. Ensure you have enough time before leaving the house to bundle everyone into their snuggly, warm winter clothes – think, hats, gloves, scarves, and don’t forget your thermals! If you are with a young one, consider using a baby carrier, to keep hands free to hold your younger children, or keeping warm in your pockets! Having your baby close to your chest, all snug and cosy, will help to keep them happy too.
Chemical hazard
Be aware of the wood smoke, if you are planning on going to see the bonfire – unfortunately, wood smoke contains up to 200 nasty chemicals, some of which are detrimental to the health of you and your family. It goes without saying that any wood that has been painted or treated has even more chemicals, so it’s probably best to stay a safe distance away from the fire!
View at home
You don’t always have to leave the house – why not watch from the comfort of your garden. Take advantage of the hundreds of local shows or set up your own DIY one – just don’t forget to keep an eye on young children. The close proximity to snacks, toilets and warm clothing may be a little too good to resist!
And remember, stay safe, stay warm and indulge in a hot chocolate afterwards. Go on, add some marshmallows and cream!
Image credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fireworks4_amk.jpg