Time spent outdoors is valuable regardless of the child's stage of development. What counts for a newborn is certainly the right stroller for the child and the stability of the stroller. However, when walking with a preschool-age child, it is crucial to teach him the basic safety rules while walking. Regular reminders of the rules and consistent practice are the key to ensuringthe child's safety. Learning safety can also be part of the fun, making children more willing to learn and apply these rules in practice. Find out more how to convey the basics of safety in a way that is understandable and interesting for your child.
What will be useful on a walk with a preschooler? A walking must-have
While it is enough to take your purse and house keys for a spring or summer walk with your child in a nearby park, if you decide to go on a longer hike, you need to be properly equipped. The same applies to trips outside the city. A walk with your child may not take you all day, but it may take some time. How to prepare? Start by collecting the most important things!
- Antibacterial gel orwet wipes – useful for cleaning hands when the child falls over or touches contaminated objects. Also invaluable forparents when quickly cleaning their hands.
- Water and snacks - children lose energy quickly, so it is worth having water and healthy snacks on hand to ensure your child is properly hydrated and fed. The child's comfort during a walk is a full belly and satisfied thirst.
- Baby stroller - for younger children, a baby stroller may prove to be a mandatory walking companion. Make sure the stroller is stable and meetssafety standardsand hasseat belts.
Safety is a priority - how to take care of it?
When walking with your child, it is worth teaching them basic safety rules, such as crossing the street safely. Parents and childrenshould discusspedestrian crossings together and practicecrossing safely. Such safety learning is crucial for teaching your toddler proper habits.
Every walk with a child requires appropriate preparation to ensure maximum safety during the walk. Remember to regularly remind your child of safety rules and ensure compliance with safety standards.
How to teach children basic street safety while walking?
Every parent knows that streets and intersections pose a threat to the child'ssafety. Children cannot judge distance and speed as well as adults, which is why it is so important to start teaching themstreet safetyfrom an early age. During walks and tripsyou can learn together the rules that are useful for your child.
- Crossing safely - teach your child to always stop before pedestrian crossings and obey traffic lights. Street educationmeans that the child learnstraffic rules, safety procedures andsafety standards applicable on the roads in an accessible way.
- You are accompanying a child under the age of ten - certificates and standards are not everything - younger children primarily require constant supervision because they are more exposed to dangers. Parentshould give the toddler full attention during a walk to make sure the child is safe.
- Put away phones and other distractions – set a good example for your child by putting away your devices. Children learn by imitation, so your behavior is key.
- Walk near low-speed roads - learningstreet safetyshould be done in quieter locations where the dangers are lower. These are ideal places to learnroad signsand pedestrian crossings
- Wear colorful clothes at night - teaching children to wear bright clothes at night increases their visibility and safe on the street.
- Take care of reflectors - reflective elements will also be useful, often in the form of interesting shapes for the toddler. Teaching children can be combined with fun in this case - reflective stickers or reflective pendants in the form of animals are great fun for the child. In our store you will findsafe materialsreflective elements that you can give to your child without any worries.
- Explain road signs often – regularly remind your child what each road sign means. This builds his awareness and ability to recognize markings on the road.
- Show your toddler what traffic signals mean - explain to your toddler the meaning of signals at traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. This will help him better understand when it is safe to cross the street.
- Teach your child to stop on all roads - show them that roads are not a place to play and that they should always wait until it is safe before crossing the road. If there is no sidewalk, have children walk facing the traffic, i.e. on the left. This allows the child to see and react to oncoming traffic.
- Teach awareness around driveways and other blind spots – remind your little one that drivers may not be able to see them, so they should be careful in such places.
- Crossing streets – teach your child to always cross the street at a crosswalk. Show how to look left, right and left again before crossing.
- Making eye contact with drivers – teach your toddler to look for the eyes of drivers they approach. This increases the likelihood that the driver will stop.
- Hold a small child's hand - Young children are often distracted and may not be able to cross the street quickly. Holding their hand gives them extrasafety while walking
- Explain the danger of walking between parked cars: Children should know that crossing the street between parked cars is very dangerous.
Teaching children street safety is a process that requires patience and consistency. Regular reminders and practice will keep children aware and safe on walks. Remember that the priority is the child's safety.
FAQ – Children's safety while walking
What to do if the weather suddenly deteriorates while walking?
It's always worth being prepared for sudden weather changes. Please bring a raincoat, umbrella or raincover for your stroller. If you are surprised by a storm, it is best to take shelter in the nearest safe place, such as a store or cafe.
How to teach a child what to do if he gets lost?
Teach your child to stay where they are and wait for their parent if they get lost. It is important that the child knows basic contact information, such as the parent's telephone number and home address. You can also consider purchasing a GPS wristband that will make it easier to find your child quickly.
What technologies can help keep your child safe?
It is worth considering using GPS tracking applications that allow you to monitor your child's location. GPS wristbands are another practical solution. Some models have additional functions, such as an alarm button that the child can press in case of danger.
What safety rules should apply on the playground?
On the playground, it is important that the child is always under adult supervision. Teach your child to use devices as intended and pay attention to possible damage to the equipment. Remind your child not to push or run on wet or slippery surfaces.
What precautions should you take in crowded public places such as shopping malls?
Always hold your child's hand in crowded places. Set a meeting point in advance in case you get separated. Make sure the child knows the basic rules of behavior in a crowd and knows not to stray away from the parent.
What are the most important safety rules that a child should learn on the street?
The most important rules are:
- Always stop before a pedestrian crossing.
- Observe traffic lights.
- Wear reflectors after dark.
- Walk on the sidewalk, and if there is no sidewalk, on the left side of the road, facing the traffic.
- Never cross the street between parked cars.
What are the best methods for teaching children safety rules?
Children learn best through play and imitation. You can use educational games, role-playing games, coloring books with road safety themes, and practical exercises while walking. Regularly reminding the rules and applying them consistently is the key to success.
