Not only is Diwali a festival of light, but also a festival of happiness. Starting with cleaning the house to pick their favorite clothes, your little one’s joy is priceless! The festival remains special and worthwhile only if it is celebrated safely following the tips for safe Diwali for kids.
Associated with lights, sweets, crackers; safety and security are very much important during this festival. Keeping kids safe on Diwali can be a concern. Safety here doesn’t only refer while bursting crackers and keeping the little ones away from lights/Diyas, but an overall one.
Seen as the most enjoyed festival for all, it is also a time when a lot of accidents take place. It is not a big deal to celebrate a safe Diwali as the measures to be followed are simple.
10 Tips To Have A Safe Diwali With Kids This Year
Diwali is an anticipated festival for children as well as adults. Even before the festival starts, the mood of the festival is all set by bursting crackers. This festival could be enjoyed happily by following our tips for a safe Diwali for kids.
Though it’s fun, every year we see one or the other tragedies happening around us. As adults, we must ensure that kids don’t throw away crackers on others. You are well aware about baby proofing ideas to prevent accidents at home, but Diwali safety tips for kids must be taught to them before they move out to the bursting area.
1.While lighting lamps/Diyas
Diwali is incomplete without lamps and Diyas. At the same time, you must ensure to prevent accidents on Diwali.
When you lit your entire house with those beautiful lights, make sure you are prevented from any fire accidents that might occur.
- Don’t keep the lamps near curtains or any flammable object
- Check and rule out placing lamps near electrical points
- Don’t let kids play around with the lamps
- Keep the lamps/Diyas on a surface that is out of the toddler’s reach
- Place lamps at corners and not in the middle of the walking passage
2. Firecrackers
Firecrackers are one big attraction of Diwali. However, a little carelessness in handling them could lead to a big mess.
We recommend you to follow the below Diwali safety tips for kids especially while lighting the firecrackers.
- Don’t choose noisy firecrackers
- Always buy branded fireworks from recognized shops. Don’t be fooled by low prices which come with cheap quality
- Kids must be under adult supervision during firework time. Never let them play or burst crackers alone
- Always prefer open spaces and open skies during fireworks. Go one by one to avoid accidents
- Check out for any flammable objects around and get them disposed
- Always keep a bucket of water handy to immerse used fireworks like sparkles
- Use incense sticks or long Agarbathis to light the crackers
3. Safety disposal
Everyone remembers enjoying the moment of bursting crackers and having fun. The major part of fireworks is not only about at the time of bursting but also disposing of the fireworks safely.
Half burnt crackers are even more dangerous and are a potential hazard. Keeping kids safe on Diwali is important for which you need to have a first aid box around.
- For fireworks such as Chakras and flower pots, make sure the fire is fully off and not half burnt
- Keep an empty box to dispose of sparklers
- Don’t burn the cracker directly. Instead, use a candle and ignite the crackers using it
- Clean the place completely after fireworks are done
- Clear the disposal safely and not just throw them away like any other litter
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4. Eliminate noise and smoke
Noise levels and smoke pollution during Diwali could be out of control. Even if you do not go for noisy crackers, people around you may do so.
This could easily affect elders, babies, pets, and toddlers at homes. Smoke caused by these fireworks could hurt your health.
- Go for smoke-less crackers
- Choose your firework time when youngsters or elders at home aren’t sleeping
- Move people who are allergic to smoke to a smoke-free zone
- Go for low-decibel crackers
- Keep toddlers in a room with closed doors and windows
- Try to go for green crackers which illuminate less smoke
5. Clothing
Everyone wants to be dressed up elegantly especially for Diwali. Mothers tend to dress up their child with a special dress that looks grand and heavy.
However, while bursting crackers, parents must keep in mind that this kind of dress could easily catch fire.
- Dress up your child in a sensible manner by choosing cotton over synthetic
- Let the dress not be too loose or free-flowing
- Cloth them fully, until legs to keep them all safe
- Comfortable footwear will prevent any foot injury
- Keep the hair tied up, loose strands of hair could easily catch fire
6. Adult supervision
Many kids get super excited when its time to burn crackers. They don’t expect any adults to be around them. However, as parents, we need to keep a watch over them to prevent accidents during Diwali.
- Keep a watch on wrong handling of fireworks by kids
- Choose the firework that is right for the kid’s age. Let them not explore it all
- Not only fireworks but matchsticks, candles, and Diyas could also be a threat to the child, thus watch them carefully
Related Reading: 12 Social Skills Activities For Toddlers
7. Don’t use sanitizers
With the pandemic around, it is common for all to keep cleaning our hands with sanitizers.
- Avoid using alcohol-based sanitizers before lighting lamps or while bursting crackers
- Sanitizers can cause accidents as they are inflammable
- Use soaps instead of sanitizers before lighting or bursting crackers
8. Monitor what your child eats
Diwali is always welcomed, especially for those yummy snacks and sweets. However, it is equally important to keep an eye on what your child eats too.
- Ensure your child washes hands before eating their food
- Don’t let the child overeat. This could cause stomach issues and indigestion
- Keep food covered tightly and keep sweets in a place where kids can’t reach them easily
Related Reading: 15 Common Foods That Can Be Unsafe For Babies
9.Maintain distance
It is obvious for the child to get excited looking at those beautiful lights that emit from the fireworks.
- Don’t let the child stare at the fireworks for long
- Let the kids enjoy and have fun from a distance
- Don’t let the child play with used crackers as well
10. Read instructions
Every cracker comes with a different method of handling. So, you need to go through the instructions given in the box.
- Read the instructions thoroughly before starting to use them
- In case you find it dangerous, don’t let your child touch it
- Keep the crackers in a safety box and then let the child use them under supervision
Related Reading: 12 Social Skills Activities For Toddlers
5 Must Take Precautions For Diwali
During Diwali people celebrate joy by bursting fireworks. Amid these joys and celebrations, one must keep in mind the precautions and Diwali safety tips for kids.
We do read on the news about people getting injured and accidents happening due to negligence of handling crackers. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind the safety measures and precautions that one needs to take during the festival.
While preparations usually go on full during this festival, one must also be cautious and mindful especially when there are kids and elders at home.
Given below are a few precautions that one needs to follow during the festive time.
1.Crackers
The foremost reason for entertainment and accidents during Diwali is crackers.
- Buy only from licensed stores
- Buy only a minimal quantity and let kids enjoy it under adult supervision
- Maintain a good amount of distance and always prefer open space
2. Keep a first aid kit handy
Keep the first aid box handy as the first thing while you step out to burst crackers.
- Your first-aid box must contain a bandage, antiseptic lotion, and medicines
- In case of burns, wash the burn with cold water and treat it with basic medicines
- In case of major burns, rush to the hospital immediately
3. Store safely
Since crackers catch fire easily, they must be stored in a safe place.
- Keep them away from fire as a single spark could also lead to an explosion
- Store crackers in a box made out of wood
- Don’t let children play with loose/used crackers
4. Keep a bucket of water
Always have a bucket of water handy as one of the tips for safe Diwali for kids.
- By discarding used crackers in a bucket of water, you can prevent someone from stamping it
- Use this water in case of fire breakouts
- Make sure the water is out of reach of children
5. Instruct children
Before you take your children out to burst crackers, just instruct them on a few things.
- Educate them about the usage of every cracker
- Let them use it appropriately and not play around, especially inroads
- Supervise them while they have a fun time with crackers
Related Reading: Smartphones-12 Reasons To Keep Your Children Away From Them
Conclusion
It is important to celebrate the festivity with utmost importance and care. Make sure everyone is safe at home with elders and kids’ safety on priority. Keep in mind to celebrate the festival in a manner so that it remains a good memory and not as a tragedy.
Diwali remains a day of happiness provided you are under all preventive measures. That keeps not only you safe but also the people surrounding you. Make sure not to get too exposed to noise or smoke pollution.
Enjoying the festival with family and friends is fun. Let this Diwali be a safe and prosperous one for you and your family.