How to Keep Your Child Safe in Large Crowds During the 4th of July

With the 4th of July holiday fast approaching, many families are planning to go to their local fireworks displays with their children. While this can be a most enjoyable time for your family, it can also be a parent's worst nightmare. How do you keep your children safe when the crowds are so large? Here are a few tips on how to keep your children safe in large crowds during the 4th of July.

Hold Hands - The simple act of holding hands with your children can make the difference between a happy family outing and a desperate search for a lost child. Starting the habit of holding hands at an early age will be so helpful in the years to come, not only in large crowds.

Child Leash - Many people look down on the thoughts of putting their children on a leash, but in certain circumstances these child leashes can be life savers. A friend recently asked for opinions about putting her toddler into a child's leash when she went to the airport with him. Her biggest fear was that he wouldn't stay beside her while she was checking their baggage and other airport tasks. A toddler can disappear in the blink of an eye, simply because something shiney, across the way, caught their inquisitive eye. While I am not an advocate of leash usage during normal everyday outings, or for parents who are just too lazy to be bothered with watching their children, I do recommend the use of a child leash in large crowds and/or dangerous locations where you can't keep your hands on your child at any given time.

Use Strollers - Strollers can be a parents best friend at anytime, but especially in large 4th of July crowds. Most people will move aside when they see a parent pushing a stroller. No one wants to accidentally have their toes run over. So using a stroller can actually help you move through crowds a little easier. Strollers are great at keeping your child in a safe and secure location, with you pushing it, while you are trying to navigate through large crowds. You won't have to worry about losing your grip on a little wiggly hand or putting your child on a leash. Be sure to never leave your child unattended in any stroller, no matter what. Even if your child is too young to attempt a stroller escape, some other person could come right up behind you and simply push your child, stroller and all, out of your life. Pay attention and keep your hands on your stroller at all times, in a large crowd.

Keep Your Child Within Arms Reach - If your child is too old for hand holding, leashes or strollers, then make sure that your child is always within arms reach. Many parents consider their child safe as long as they can see where their child is at, but how many parents have looked away for a second only to look back and their child is nowhere to be found? Your child could be looking at the yummy food at a concession stand and then be gone to the next vendor. In the meantime, you are frantically searching the crowd for any glimpse of your child. So always keep your child within arms reach, not just in your line of vision.

Have Identification on Child - When you and your family are going to be in a large crowd, you should have some sort of identification on your child's person. You need to have your address, your phone numbers (home & cells) and any medical porblems that your child may have, attached to your child somewhere. There are many kits available on the market ranging from ID bracelets to little magnifying necklaces that show all of your information. For a simpler version, you can print all of your information onto a small business card, lamenate it and then attach it to your child's jacket, belt loop, in a back pocket or just anywhere. If your child gets separated from you, this will allow an adult to contact you immediately.

Have Indentification on You - You should always carry your own identification, for you and your child, when you are in a large crowd. By doing this you will be better capable of telling a police officer everything that they will need to know about your child, and be able to prove that your are who you say you are. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Carry an Up-to-Date Photo - Always have an up-to-date photo of your child with you when your family goes out. The police will not be able to find your child as quickly if all you have is your six year old child's baby pictures in your wallet. Make sure that you have a current picture and that you know what your child is wearing at the time of the disappearance.

Finding a Police Officer - Lastly, if your child is old enough to understand, explain to your child about looking for a police officer if they ever become separated from you. Tell your child to make sure that they tell the police officer that they are lost and to show the police officer the indentification information that you had previously attached to your child's person. By teaching your child how to do this you could save time in your search for your lost child.

Keeping your children safe in the large 4th of July crowds will ensure that you will all be together to enjoy the fireworks display at the end of the evening. Always watch your children, especially in large crowds. No one else will be aware of your children and their safety like you will. Be safe and have fun!

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