NEED TO KNOW

SAFETY CHECK CHANGING DANGE RS

The types of injuries that most commonly affect kids have shifted over the pandemic.

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC has had a ripple effect on just about everything—and that includes how, when and where Canadian kids get hurt.

“Some injuries, especially in the home, are on the rise around the country because kids and families are spending more time at home,” says Pamela Fuselli, president and CEO of Parachute, a national injury-prevention organization. Here are the paediatric injuries that are spiking across Canada. POISONINGS In the early days of the pandemic, when we were all furiously scrubbing and disinfecting every conceivable surface, poison control centres noted an uptick in calls about kids ingesting cleaners and disinfectants. Those numbers seem to have gone down, but poisoning due to the consumption of hand sanitizer continues to be higher than usual. BAT TERY INGESTIONS In the US, ER visits due to kids swallowing a button battery (the kind found in devices like fitness trackers, singing greeting cards and key fobs) almost doubled during the pandemic. Early data suggests the numbers are on the high end in Canada, too. If you even suspect your kid has swallowed a battery (or a magnet, for that matter), get help right away. CANNABIS INGESTION The number of kids who’ve mistakenly consumed cannabis has increased as well. The IWK Regional Poison Centre in Halifax, for example, had 37 calls about cannabis exposure in children in 2020, compared to 14 in 2019. TRAMPOLINE INJURIES As we looked for ways to expend our kids’ energy, we bought backyard trampolines en masse, so it makes sense that injuries are up. In Edmonton, for example, there were 47 ER visits for trampoline injuries in May 2020, compared to 28 in May 2019. CYCLING INJURIES Bike rides are a great way for kids to get COVID-safe exercise, but a report from Montreal Children’s Hospital found that paediatric cycling injuries soared in 2020, after being on a downward trend since 2015.

Here’s a bit of good news, though. The Montreal Children’s Hospital sees an average of 50 ER visits related to car accidents per year. Last year, that number fell to just three. —Bonnie Schiedel

Knix swimwear Make a splash with these ontrend suits that off er UPF 50+ protection and are resistant to chlorine and salt water damage. (There’s a matching line for kids, too.) Knix has also launched leak-proof swimwear, which promises protection—no tampon required. From $50, knix.ca

New&Improved

Rise little earthling This new Joe Mimran–designed collection for kids features adorable graphic tees, comfy joggers and must-have maternity basics. Made from organic co on, the aff ordable line features a playful aesthetic in a pale e of muted tones. From $4, toysrus.ca SpotMyUV Developed in Canada, these latex-free, waterresistant and hypoallergenic patches take the guesswork out of sun protection. Simply stick one on and apply your sunscreen as usual. When your sticker is clear, you’re protected; once it turns purple, it’s time to reapply! $12/12-pack, spotmyuv.ca

NEW STUDY

Babies born to mothers infected with COVID-19 have a slightly increased chance of being born preterm—but their risk of being born with COVID is extremely low, according to Swedish researchers. The study, which was published in the respected journal JAMA, showed that less than one percent of newborns with COVID-positive moms tested positive themselves.

< 1%