ER Pediatricians Enumerate Seven Things They Do Not Allow Their Kids to Do

ATV rides, jumping on most trampolines, riding in the front, and swimming alone are some of the activities pediatricians do not allow their kids to do to keep them away from injuries and accidents. 

Parents would want their kids to enjoy their childhood fully. At the same time, parents know that kids will always be kids, and accidents and injuries can happen. However, ER pediatrician parents are reminding co-moms and co-dads that not all activities benefit children, and not all are worthy of their experience if it means a high risk for harm. 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that though the number of unintentional deaths of children due to injuries has lessened by 11 percent from 2010 to 2019, injury is still the leading cause of death for teens and kids in America. 

Just in 2019, there were over 7,000 deaths due to unintentional injuries between the age of zero to 19, an estimated number of 20 deaths in a day. Though the numbers have decreased, this is still alarming since child injury is often preventable. 

Activities that are a big-NO

Today talked to ER pediatricians who are also parents and discovered that they have several activities that deserve a big NO for their children. They would never allow their kids to do these activities due to a high risk of injury, accident, or death.

1. Jump on trampolines

Experts warn parents that this well-loved backyard toy's highs are not worth its lows, with some trampolines riskier than others, especially the public or park trampolines.

A pediatric emergency medicine specialist at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, Dr. Ee Tay, declared that there are just too many "broken bones and orthopedic injuries" caused by trampolines, added with its uncontrolled surroundings and the number of kids playing on it. The risk of collisions and falls is high. 

Medical director of emergency management Dr. Brent Kaziny of Texas Children's Hospital stated that there are ways to do trampolines safely. Parents need to choose in-ground trampolines and those with enclosure nets. Most of all, parents or guardians should supervise every trampoline session to minimize the number of kids jumping all at once and ensure no significant differences in age and weight. 

2. Ride an ATV 

According to previous reports, ATV-related injuries are rising in the country. 

Further, Dr. Tay stressed how kids and teens could not correctly judge their speed or distance and most often choose just go for it. He also warned parents that the machine could flip so easily.

The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends that no one under 16 should ride or operate an ATV. 

For parents who want their children to experience riding an ATV, Kaziny encourages them to make sure that the ATV is age-appropriate, that their kids are wearing helmets and other protective gear, and that they strictly follow the safety measures.

Read More: Only 11 Percent of Children Involved in Bike Accidents Wear a Helmet

3. Swim alone

Another leading cause of children's unintentional injury or death is drowning. 

According to primary care pediatrician Dr. Katie Lockwood from Children's Hospital, Philadelphia, children from ages one to four are usually the victims of drowning. The incidents occur in swimming pools, natural water sources, and bathtubs, especially among infants.

Doctors encourage parents to teach their kids how to swim as early as possible, and despite the kids knowing how to swim, parents should have water rules set and always be vigilant. There should always be a "water watcher," designated and sober. 

"It's shocking how quickly a kid can end up getting themselves in trouble if you're not really paying attention," emphasized Kaziny. He urges parents to have child-resistant barriers such as locking gates in their home pools.

4. Ride in the front seat before kids turn 13

KidsHealth states that children below 13 should never ride in the car's front seat, especially since vehicle crashes are also one of the leading causes of unintentional injury, accident, and death among kids. 

Children should always ride in the back seat and, whenever possible, always in the middle, even for short drives. 

Lockwood warns parents that the front airbags are a potential danger to kids with developing skeletons because they are made for adults and are not the right size for them. This is why airbags cause fractures in the rib, lung punctures, and head, neck, and spine injuries.

Related article: Preventable Injuries From Car Crashes, Firearms Cause America to Lose a Lot of Young People