700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posts by Tracy Mehan, MA

Posted by: Tracy Mehan, MA on Dec 23, 2025

Picking out toys is fun—but safety should come first. Learn how to choose age-appropriate toys, avoid hidden hazards like button batteries, magnets, and water beads, and make active play and e-rides safer so kids can enjoy more worry-free fun at home.

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Lawn Mower
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Lawn Mower Safety: Why Kids Should Stay Inside When You Cut the Grass
While there are plenty of fun things to do and explore and we want kids to be outside learning and growing, there is one time we recommend you keep them inside: when you are mowing the lawn. Every day emergency departments around the country treat 13 children for lawn mower-related injuries.
a group hug
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How to Have a Safe Holiday

The holiday season is upon us and many families are getting into the holiday spirit. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement and not realize the potential injury risks some of these activities can have. Learn how to prevent them.

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Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

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Latest Posts

Soccer Injuries Are on the Rise: What Parents Need to Know

Sep 13, 2016

Soccer has become an increasingly popular sport in the United States, both professionally and recreationally. Unfortunately, with the increase in kids playing there has been an increase in injuries. Read More

detergent dangers

Laundry Detergent Packet Dangers

Apr 25, 2016

Hey, moms and dads: I get it. You are busy. I’m a parent. I’m busy, too. My calendar is so full that I have to schedule time with my husband or it doesn’t happen. So I love products that make my life easier. Read More

Why Your School Needs An Athletic Trainer

Apr 23, 2014

I was asked to write this blog post because I am in the unique position of not only working at the Center for Injury Research and Policy at the hospital but also being the parent of a very active 13 year old who plays several sports. Read More

Are You Using Your High Chair the Right Way?

Jan 30, 2014

Most parents will use a high chair at some point for their children. Given how common they are, you would think we would know if a lot of kids were injured while using them, right? Maybe not. Read More

How to Prevent Children From Choking

Sep 23, 2013

Choking is a real fear every parent faces. When your little one starts to put pieces of food in their mouth you need to be aware of the dangers those certain foods can pose. In fact, choking injuries send 34 children a day to emergency departments. Read More

Lawn Mower Safety Tips

Jun 20, 2013

This spring has brought a rite of passage for my 12 year old son – he is now officially old enough to mow the lawn. Working in the injury field, I always get nervous when he passes these milestones as I see what happens when things go wrong. Read More