The holidays look a little different for everyone. For some it may include cozying up next to the fireplace with a good book or a movie. For others it may be visits with family and friends with lots of coming and going. If one thing is true for most, it’s that when you’re on holiday, routines often are disrupted and you may be distracted by the festivities. We want everyone to enjoy the season. Today we’re going to talk about hazards that are common around the holidays so that you can keep your family safe from injury this holiday season.Key takeaways:The holidays are a time when schedules and routines are disrupted so your normal supervision level may be affected as you try to juggle all the “to dos”. It’s a time when you bring out items you use once a year, e.g., decorations. Be aware these items will be attractive to children so put breakables and candles up high and check for choking hazards. You may be visiting family and friends, so children are in different environments and the homes you’re visiting may not have children so food and other items may be accessible. Or you’re having visitors to your home and so your attention may be distracted. Have a designated supervisor for young children to watch they aren’t eating food they may choke on, or hurt themselves such as with lit candles.  Burns are a common injury seen in the emergency department, from hot liquids, hot food and fireplaces. These injuries can be very severe. Use lids on hot beverages, be aware of children in the kitchen (where everyone likes to congregate!), and either put a guard around the fireplace or don’t use it while young children are around.Guests:Samantha Bruin, parentBreanne Harmon, parentDr. Lynne Warda, Associate Professor at the Department of Pediatrics & Child Health,and Associate Medical Director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, University of ManitobaResources:- For more information, visit parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/winter-holidays/- Holiday fire prevention tips from the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs: oafc.on.ca/public-safety/holiday-safety/winter-holiday-safety- About Kids Health on Holiday Safety, from Sick Kids Hospital: aboutkidshealth.ca/holidaysafetyPopping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network.

The holiday season is upon us once again! Wish lists in hand, you wander the toy aisles searching for the gifts that will bring a smile to your kids’ faces. You might be thinking about safety – trying to assess which of the many options will be appropriate and fun. Maybe you have older children as well. Or you’re buying for family members. How do you buy for different ages? Why do age recommendations matter? What products and product parts should you watch out for? In today’s episode we’ll answer these questions and more so that you can feel confident shopping this holiday season.Key takeaways:Age recommendations on products, such as toys, are not related to your child’s abilities but rather to the small parts that are dangerous for younger children. Toys recommended for older children have pieces that are small and can be a choking hazard for younger children.Button batteries are very dangerous if swallowed and they are found in everything from toys and greeting cards to remote controls and hearing aids. If you suspect or know your child has swallowed a button battery, it is an emergency. Take them to the hospital immediately and give them a small amount of honey to help coat the battery to prevent it from leaking and burning the esophagus.An easy way to check if an item is a choking hazard is to use a toilet paper tube – if the item fits through the tube, it’s a choking hazard.Guests:Leslie Bangamba, parentDave Trafford, grandparent & SSN Chief Executive ProducerKirstin Weerdenburg, Director of Pediatric Emergency Ultrasound Research & QA, IWK Health CentreResources:- For more information, visit parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/home-safety/aound-the-house/ - Watch "Amélie's Second Chance", the documentary about Leslie’s daughter Amélie, who ingested a button battery.Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network.

Did you know that 20% of your TikTok feed is highly likely to contain misinformation? That’s one in every five TikToks you watch! In our world today, it’s so easy to rely on social media, such as Instagram and TikTok, as sources for information – including information that impacts our health and wellbeing. The important thing to keep in mind: advice can sound good, but it can actually be harmful. In today’s bonus episode, we’re joined again by Dr. Natasha Collia (aka "Dr. Tash") to take a pause, and talk about how to know who to trust, about information and misinformation, and some key questions to ask yourself when you see advice online.Key takeaways: Be aware of the source of information online. Ask questions like “What are their qualifications?”, “Who are they representing?”, “Does the information sound too good to be true?”. Pay special attention to posts pushing and selling products or sounding like an infomercial.Canada and the United States don’t always have the same regulations or approvals. Check if a product is legal to be sold and used in Canada.Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and FDA review are NOT the same thing. Approval means the product has been through testing and approved for use. Review means the product has been looked at by the FDA but not (yet) approved.Guest:Dr. Natasha Collia ("Dr. Tash") - Pediatric Emergency Medicine Doctor and Simulation Educator at SickKidsFollow Dr. Tash on Instagram @dr.tash.officialFor more information, visit parachute.caOther sources of information:Health Canada - canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety.htmlConsumer Product Safety Commission - cpsc.govFood & Drug Administration (FDA) - fda.govPopping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network.

By this point, you’re well into the journey of car seat safety for your child. You’ve wrangled rear-facing and forward-facing car seats into the car and your child into those seats. Well done! We have just one final stage left to take on: the booster seat. So, what are the special considerations you need to be aware of when it comes to booster seats? Since they look different from other seats, how do they work? Where should you install them? When is your child ready to move into a booster seat? Today we’re going to talk about it all: everything you need to know about selecting, installing, and using a booster seat.Key takeaways:Not all car seats fit all cars or kids. Some seats even fit differently between seats in one car, for example, the seat may be okay in the back middle seat, but not the seats on either side. Check out the fit in each of the seating positions to get the right fit.The lap and shoulder belts must be used every time with booster seats. Using lap belts only can cause severe abdominal injuries. Note: booster seats should not be used on airplanes for this reason. In addition to finding the right fit, your child’s maturity is also key in choosing whether to move from a high-back booster seat to a low back booster seat or having your child ride in their booster seat in the front seat when needed.Guests:Alva Bourque, parentJayne Morrish, parentKatherine Hutka, President of the Child Passenger Safety Association of CanadaFor more information, visit parachute.ca.Other sources of information:Transport Canada – Child car seat safetyChild Safety Link – Child Safety Link is an IWK Health program that’s committed to reducing the rate and severity of unintentional injuries to children and youth in the Maritimes. Find information on car seats in multiple languages.Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada – Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada is a national, not-for-profit corporation that promotes child passenger safety through public education, advocacy and training.Safe Beginnings – Safe Beginnings is a North American leader in baby and toddler safety courses, content and resources.Car Seat Manufacturers – All car seat manufacturers provide information on their products. Check out their websites and manuals.Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network.

So, you’ve kept your little one rear-facing for as long as possible, and it’s time to move to forward to a forward-facing car seat. Deep breath! You’ve already done it once: choosing the right car seat for your vehicle and your child. On this episode, we’re tackling the forward-facing car seat. When is your child ready to turn forward-facing? Are there any special considerations you need to be aware of when it comes to forward-facing car seats? And how do you use it correctly (e.g. can your child wear a snow suit in a forward-facing car seat)? Today, everything you need to know about selecting, installing, and using a forward-facing car seat.Key takeaways:Keep your children in their forward-facing car seat for as long as possible. Moving too quickly into a booster seat is dangerous. Pay attention to the correct setup of the forward-facing car seat, including the harness positioning against the shoulder, the top tether being anchored to the vehicle and selecting the correct belt path on convertible car seats. Bulky snowsuits and sports equipment can compromise the safety of your child when riding forward-facing. Use thinner clothing such as wools and fleeces or use blankets over the car seat strapping as alternatives.Guests:Erin MacDonald, parentHolly Choi, Vice President of the Child Passenger Safety Association of CanadaFor more information, visit parachute.ca.Other sources of information:Transport Canada Child Safety Link - Child Safety Link is an IWK Health program that’s committed to reducing the rate and severity of unintentional injuries to children and youth in the Maritimes. Find information on car seats in multiple languages.Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada - The Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada is a national, not-for-profit corporation that promotes child passenger safety through public education, advocacy and training.Car Seat Manufacturers - All car seat manufacturers provide information on their products. Check out their websites and manuals.Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network.

Car seats: we know they’re important for our baby’s safety but one trip down a shopping aisle filled with them, or scrolling through an online store, can be confusing and frustrating. The first car seat you’ll need after your child is born is rear facing, which is what’s recommended for infants and younger children. But what kind? How do you install it? How long do you keep using it? Why is rear facing best? What are the laws? Today, we’re going to talk it through: everything you need to know about selecting, installing and using a rear-facing car seat.Joining the podcast for the conversation are parents Katie Pereira and Jessica Hetherington, as well as our expert, Katherine Hutka, President of the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada. Key takeaways:Rear-facing car seats are safest in a crash because the seat cradles and protects the head, neck and spine.Not all car seats fit in all cars. When buying a rear-facing seat, check the fit of the seat in your car as well as the fit of your child in the seat.Buying, installing and using a rear-facing car seat is not simple. Don’t get discouraged! There are places to find credible information and support.For more information on rear facing car seats and other child passenger safety information, visit parachute.ca.Other sources of information:Child Safety Link – Child Safety Link is an IWK Health program that’s committed to reducing the rate and severity of unintentional injuries to children and youth in the Maritimes. Find information on car seats in multiple languages. Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada – The Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada is a national, not-for-profit corporation that promotes child passenger safety through public education, advocacy and training.Car Seat Manufacturers – All car seat manufacturers provide information on their products. Check out their websites and manuals.Safe Beginnings – Safe Beginnings is a North American leader in baby and toddler safety courses, content and resources.Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network.

It’s one of those milestones that we don’t want to miss – the moment our toddler takes their first steps. It’s such a special moment. All at once, the world is theirs to discover! And suddenly, your home looks a lot different than it did only moments before – your home looks like a maze of hazards and potential injuries for your newly mobile little one. Today we’re going to talk about it. What exactly in your home environment do you need to be worried about, and how can you make it a safe space for your wandering tot to explore and learn.  Key takeaways:Use baby-gates, bedrails and cabinet locks to limit your child’s unsupervised access to hazardous areas of the home. Mount tall furniture to the wall to prevent toppling and crush injuries. Get down to your child’s level and look for hazards from their perspective. A pot handle hanging over the edge of the stove, for example, may attract them. Give yourself grace as a parent for mistakes that lead to injury. The best you can do is anticipate hazards, be informed and take steps to prevent injury as much as possible.Guests:Breanne Harmon, parentLillian Chan, parentDr. Natasha Collia, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Doctor and Simulation Educator at SickKidsPopping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network.

On this episode, we’re going to talk about what types of products are out there that can keep our kids safe during sleep, and what might be out there that might be more risky than beneficial. Joining us today for the conversation are parents Erica Stone and Scott Beaudin, and our expert, Dr. Daniel Rosenfield, Paediatric Emergency Physician with SickKids and specialist in child injury prevention.Key takeaways: Less is good - a safe sleeping environment is free from bumper pads, pillows, plush toys. There are a lot of products on the market that claim to help with sleep that have not necessarily been scientifically researched – data cited are often marketing-based, not clinical research-based. Most are harmless but some can be dangerous, such as weighted blankets for babies.Keep your baby’s arms free during sleep and avoid adding unnecessary risks to the home sleep setup such as tall beds or hats.Guests:Erica Stone, parentScott Beaudin, parentDr. Daniel Rosenfield, Paediatric Emergency Physician with SickKids and specialist in child injury preventionFor more information, visit parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/home-safety/safe-sleep/.Popping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network. www.storystudionetwork.com/

The Canadian Paediatric Society recently released a position statement on outdoor risky play that recognizes that risky play is essential to children’s development, and physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. You might think that injury prevention and encouraging risky play don’t go together but they do!Key takeaways:There is a difference between a risk and a hazard. A risk is thrilling and exciting play, where kids are engaged with uncertainty and there is a chance of physical injury - think back to your favourite childhood memories. A hazard is something that could cause serious injury or death, such as broken equipment, broken glass or needles. Luckily these are very rare occurrences. Risks and hazards can be age or ability specific, and therefore can change over time.As safe as necessary, not as safe as possible. Let children take the lead, give children the choice, trust them to make good decisions, and to manage the risk on their own. Physicians and other medical professionals are a trusted source of information for parents. The Canadian Paediatric Society’s Injury Prevention Committee statement provides best practice information to physicians to be able to support parents in balancing and encouraging physical activity – risky play.For more information, visit parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/playgrounds-and-play-spaces/Guests:Dr. Suzanne Beno*, a Paediatric Emergency Medicine Specialist and Medical Co-Director for Trauma at The Hospital for Sick Children;Dr. Émilie Beaulieu*, a General Pediatrician at the CHU du Quebec and an Assistant Professor at the Department of Paediatrics at Laval University;Dr. Mariana Brussoni, lead of the Outside Play Lab and Director of the Human Early Learning Partnership at the University of British Columbia*Lead authors of the Canadian Paediatric Society’s statement on Risky Play:Canadian Paediatric Society, Position Statement, Healthy childhood development through outdoor risky play: Navigating the balance with injury prevention cps.ca/en/documents/position/outdoor-risky-playPopping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network. www.storystudionetwork.com/

Ever wonder what the warranty card is for, if you should fill it out and send it back? Would you be surprised to learn that not every product you buy has already been tested for safety? And what are those age recommendations on toys actually for? Today, we’re diving into the sometimes-confusing world of consumer product safety - standards and recalls – like where to find information and how to report an issue - as they relate to child products. Key takeaways: Not every product you buy in Canada is tested for safety before it is sold. Check to see if a product has a standard and, if so, the one you’ve purchased meets that standard.Be cautious when buying, accepting, sharing or disposing of second-hand products. Check that the product: is in good condition; has labels that will tell you what standard the product meets (if applicable); has an expiry date or manufacture date; and has not been recalled.Health Canada has information on products that have been recalled as well as a place to report injuries and/or concerns with a product. To check if a product has been recalled, visit recalls-rappels.canada.ca. To report an injury form or concern with a product, visit canada.ca/en/services/health/report-health-safety-concern.html.Guests:Matt Aymar, parentJenn Farrant, parentKavinda Senanayake, Inspector, Consumer Product Safety Program, Health CanadaPopping the Bubble Wrap is a podcast of Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention charity. We release episodes monthly. Visit us at parachute.ca and follow us on Instagram and Facebook at Parachute Canada.Popping the Bubble Wrap is produced by Story Studio Network. www.storystudionetwork.com/