Safety in Public: How to Prevent Losing a Child

Safety in Public

How to Prevent Losing a Child

Children tend to be curious and impulsive. Especially young children that are newly mobile and better able to explore the world around them. 

They are only beginning to learn to experience and control emotions, and may be unhindered by safety concerns. 

As grown ups, we must strike a balance between allowing children to explore while keeping them safe. Luckily, there are several techniques and products that promote safety in public and help prevent losing a child. 

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Before you head out

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Do your best to prevent losing a child! Sometimes the mere act of preparing is enough to ward off an undesirable outcome. 

• Know your limits. It's okay if the openness of the park or the public pool isn't for you in this season. Go where you feel confident and your little one is secure. Then build on your victories. 

• Take a picture of your child the day of your outing. This gives you a current image and the exact clothing your child is wearing. A picture is worth a thousand words!

• Consider wearing matching outfits. Any helpers can look for your mini me in an exact replica of what you are wearing. The brighter the better!

While you're out

• Remain vigilant. If there are multiple grown ups in your party, then consider designating and taking turns being the watchman for the entire group, or matching a grown up with a kiddo. 

• Consider using child restraints or tracking devices. Safety in public is paramount!
• Child restraint backpacks come in many designs and will keep your little one close.
  
• Child wrist links will do the same. 
  
• Apple AirTags can be sewn into clothing or inserted into keychains or bracelets.

• Consider using a child identification bracelet - this can be especially helpful for nonspeaking individuals. 

Involve the child 

Use your best judgment based on the child's development and capabilities.

• Talk about safety in public and have a safety plan. You may establish a place to meet if you get separated and your child is able to navigate to the setting. Instruct them to go to the meeting place and stay there.

• Teach your child to look for helpers, such as employees, police officers, security guards, etc. 

Involve others

• BusyToddler says if you lose a child in public, then you should start yelling a description of your child on repeat so that those around you will hear and know what to look for to assist in the search.

• Check to see if your local county offers project lifesaver or similar services. This is better suited to home or close to home if you have a runner. 

Afterwards 

• Celebrate the wins no matter how small.

• Give yourself grace if the outing didn't go as planned.

• Take note of what could have gone better. What can you do differently next time to make things go more smoothly? Will there be a next time at that particular place? 

Summary

Don't beat yourself up if you lack confidence for outings. Promote safety in public and prevent losing a child by preparing in advance. It's okay to start in places you and your child both feel secure, then switch it up when you feel ready.

Use technology and clothing to your advantage. Snap a picture of the "outfit of the day," and consider matching. Use devices such as cuffs, tags, backpacks and bracelets as aids.

Involve your child and other grown ups as much as you're able. It truly takes a village to ensure safety in public and prevent losing a child.

Where are public places you feel confident taking little ones? 

What public places are more challenging for you to navigate? 

How do you and others in your party prefer to stay safe?