Bonfire Night is super exciting for children - they get to go out in the dark, stand around a fire and watch pretty lights exploding in the sky. But - needless to say when you're combining explosives and toddlers - there are a few precautions it's wise to take. Here are a few tips for a fun and safe Bonfire Night!
- Always use ear protection for young children. Even older children might appreciate a pair of ear defenders if it's a particularly noisy display - you don't want them put off fireworks for life...
- You might not usually use toddler reins for your little one, but there are some occasions when they are invaluable and a firework display - a place that's crowded, dark and has a massive fire in the middle of it - is one of those times! ToddlePak is perfect for keeping wandering little ones close to you, and its reflective detail gives extra visibility in the dark too.
- So you've paid for the whole family to attend a firework display and planned for a fun evening out, but your youngest has decided fireworks are too noisy and scary and they want to go home. As a parent you're no doubt used to your best laid plans going pear-shaped. Be prepared for this scenario by packing snacks and researching a nearby viewpoint from which you could watch the fireworks from afar.
- According to the Child Accident Prevention Trust sparklers can reach a temperature of up to 2,000 degrees Celsius - 20 times the boiling point of water. And remember lighting several at once when you were a child? Well three sparklers burning together generate the same heat as a blowtorch! Only give sparklers to children aged 5yrs and over and make sure they know the safety rules - wear gloves, hold at arm's length, don't run while holding them or wave them near anyone else, and put them out in water.