After a flurried end to the financial year, our team is now settling into Melbourne’s second lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have been busy working on a number of interactive online initiatives, including webinars and online training sessions; watch this space for further announcements coming soon.

In this month’s edition we have an update on the Safe Seats program, which is continuing to operate in 9 locations. For those who are homeschooling – as are half of our team so we do empathise – we have listed some great play ideas to help stop you and the kids going stir crazy.

We also bring you an update on the latest product recalls and child injury news stories, including some information on a grant which we were delighted to receive for our ‘Farm Safety in Schools’ Program.

On behalf of all of us here at Kidsafe Vic, stay safe.

‘Safe Seats, Safe Kids’ Regional Road Trip

This month we packed up our bags and took the Safe Seats, Safe Kids program on a road trip to central and northern Victoria! We visited many wonderful communities including the Red Cliffs Community Resource Centre in Mildura, Hopetoun & District Neighbourhood House, Wycheproof Community Resource Centre and St Arnaud Neighbourhood House.

The road trip provided a valuable opportunity for local parents and carers to have their child car restraints checked for free by our Child Car Restraint Manager Kathy, helping to ensure that their children are travelling safe on every trip.

We have a range of new dates and locations available for August – head to the Safe Seats Safe Kids website to see what’s available. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, some events have had to be postponed, so if you can’t find a location in your area, don’t worry, you can register your interest to be notified of future events.

We hope to see you at one of our checking days soon!

Outdoor Play on Winter Days – Why Kids Need It

Given that a significant number of Victorians are back in lockdown again and the chilly winter weather has well and truly set in, chances are that you and your family have all been spending a lot more time indoors this past month.

While it’s tempting to stay rugged up indoors, going out in the fresh air to run, jump, walk, and wiggle is important for your child’s physical health and the development of skills including coordination, problem solving and imagination. It’s also great fun and helps them work off extra energy!

Lockdown play ideas
With local playgrounds, play centers and face to face contact with friends and extended family off limits during the lockdown, it can be difficult to think of a range of different and engaging play ideas to keep the kids entertained. The good news is that we have pulled together a range of interesting ideas and resources to help give you some inspiration!

• • While you can’t attend your local playgroup in person, Playgroup Victoria are bringing playgroup to you! Head over to their website to find out more about the weekly Zoom sessions that are filled with singing, fun and lots of play.
• • The International Play Association (IPA) has released a handy resource for parents and carers that provides information and ideas to help you support your child’s play during the coronavirus pandemic, including tips on items around your home that can be involved in play.
• • If you’re looking for some inspiration for something new in your backyard, have you considered a natural playspace? Think about how much fun your kids will have helping you set up and playing in digging patches and vegetable gardens – yes it can get messy, but messy play is fun!
• • Cubby houses are always a favourite for kids. Whether it is a cubby in the backyard or setting up a temporary cubby or fort inside on a rainy day, it’s a great way for your family to spend an afternoon anywhere you let your imagination take you.

If you would like to share your play ideas, we would love to hear them and see what your family has been up to! Feel free to share on our Facebook page or email us at info@kidsafevic.com.au.

For more ideas and tips on creating safe and fun playspaces, check out our range of fact sheets.

Keeping our Little Farmers Safe

Children who are lucky enough to grow up on farms can have an exciting and enriching life, however they can also be exposed to a variety of hazards that are not present in urban family homes. In this month’s blog we take a look at some practical ways we can all help to keep our little farmers safe.

To read more, please click here.

Kidsafe in the media – What’s News

Herald Sun – Pool safety: Victorian coroner’s recommendations following Cairnlea toddler death

Mirage News – Focus On Education Programs To Help Make Farms Safer

Bega District News – What is being done to make farms safer for younger people in Victoria?

Face coverings pose a risk for children under 2 years of age

Wearing a face covering when leaving home has become common practice and a vital part in everyone playing their role to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

While there are currently requirements in place for residents over the age of 12 in metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire to wear a face covering when out in public, it’s important to remember that children under 2 years of age should never wear a face covering due to the risk of choking and strangulation.

For more information on the requirements, please visit the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website.

Product Recalls

Deluxe Foldable Kids Tricycle Baby Toddler Bike Trike

This product does not have the mandatory safety features required for strollers. For more information please click here.

Kathmandu — Karinjo Baby Carrier

The backpack-style child carrier may be missing one or two bolts in the stand hinge, which may cause instability of the stand and pose a serious injury risk to a child.
For more information please click here.