Baton Rouge Archives - Baton Rouge Family Fun

Brec’s Baton Rouge Zoolights – Making Spirits Bright

November 1, 2022 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

Join BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo for Zoolights from November 25th through December 30th! This nightly event is presented by Children’s Hospital of New Orleans and features more than 50 illuminated sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays for the whole family to enjoy.

Again this year, the Zoo will be partnering with The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank to bring more impact & excitement to Zoolights. Every guest presenting a non-perishable food item during the hours of Zoolights, will receive a 50% discount from the regular admission price. Regular admission prices are: $5 for adults/teens; $4 for senior citizens; $3 for children (2-12 years old) and $3 for Zoo members. These amounts will be cut in half when a non-perishable food item is presented at the time of entry & all food donations will go directly to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. Last year, 6,933 pounds of food were collected during this drive. The goal is to reach 7,500 pounds this year!

Baton Rouge Zoolights

During each evening, the Safari Post Gift Shop and Flamingo Café will remain open & feature special holiday treats and gift options.

WHEN: November 25 – December 30 – Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Admissions gates open 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Zoo grounds close at 9 p.m.

ADMISSION:
Adults/Teens: $5
Seniors: $4
Ages 2-12: $3
Friends of the Zoo Members: $3 per person

Prices will be reduced by 50% when guests present non-perishable food items to be donated to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.

ZOOLIGHTS IS:

A mile-long trail through the Zoo
More than 50 illuminated display sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays
A festive family activity, adding to the quality of life for residents throughout the region.

Baton Rouge Zoolights displays will include the following:

ILLUMINATED SCULPTURES: Visitors will find illuminated sculptures representing animals and traditional symbols of the holidays.

GIANT SPECTACULARS: Larger-than-life displays capture the imagination of children of all ages. These displays may include: Flamingos, Giraffes, Lions, Tigers, Gorillas, Rhinos, Elephants, Alligators, Giant Santa, Giant Snowmen, Holiday Trains, Santa in Sleigh pulled by Giant Reindeer and Toy Soldiers. Displays can be up to 30 ft. tall!

ANIMATED SPECTACULARS: Animated displays add additional entertainment value to our event. The use of high-wattage, computer-controlled displays will provide exciting animation to displays.

During each evening, the Safari Post Gift Shop and Flamingo Café will remain open & feature special holiday treats and gift options. On Friday and Saturday nights, representatives from the Children’s Hospital of New Orleans will be on hand with fun activities and gifts for the kids.

Additional ZooLights Information: https://www.brzoo.org/events/special/zoolights/

Looking for more festive family fun? Find more a plethora of holiday events to enjoy this season in our 2022 CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN BATON ROUGE: {GUIDE TO THE HOLIDAYS}.

Kids Eat Free Halloween Edition – Baton Rouge & Beyond

October 28, 2022 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

Trick-or-treaters can get a lot more than free candy this Halloween. A Halloween costume is also the ticket to a smorgasbord of free and cheap meal deals and goodies for kids of all ages at many locations in Baton Rouge and beyond! Plus, who has time to cook dinner on Halloween night? Below you’ll find our list of Kids Eat Free or discounted offers as well as deals on Halloween in Baton Rouge.

As always, we do recommend calling to confirm before you head out to the restaurant of your choice.

Kids Eat Free Halloween Edition

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill

Applebee’s is offering a Kids Eat Free special on Halloween. Families who dine-in at their local Applebee’s restaurant Oct. 31 will receive up to two free kids’ meals with the purchase of each adult entrée. The offer is good for children 12 and younger. They can choose entrees off of the Applebee’s Kids’ Menu, including a side dish, and juice, milk or chocolate milk. You must mention the Halloween offer to your server when ordering. Check with your closest location.

Please call ahead or confirm the offer with your server before ordering.

Ruby Slipper Cafe (3535 Perkins, Baton Rouge)

Kids who dine-in in costumes on Monday 10/31 will receive a free kids entrée and beverage with the purchase of an adult entrée* *1 adult entrée = 2 kids entrees for a solo parent dining with more than one kid.

Chipotle

Chipotle Rewards members in costume who scan their Rewards member ID receive one (1) entrée item for US$6/CAN$7 when ordering in restaurant at participating U.S./Canada locations. Valid only on October 31, 2022 beginning at 3:00 pm local time through restaurant closing; redemption is subject to availability.

iHop

From 10/24- 10/31, kids 12 and under get free Scary Face pancakes from 4pm – 10pm. Dine-in only.

Sonic

Corn dog lovers can enjoy 50-cent dogs-on-a-stick all day on Halloween, Oct. 31.

Krispy Kreme

Any guests that wear their costumes to participating U.S. Krispy Kreme shops will receive a FREE doughnut of choice, while supplies last.

Papa John’s Halloween pizza special

The seasonal Halloween-themed pizza features a large thin crust shaped like a pumpkin and topped/decorated with pepperoni and black olives to make a jack-o-lantern face. Papa John’s Jack-O-Lantern Pizza will be available through October 31, 2021 for $11 at participating locations nationwide.

Wendy’s

When you buy Boo Books in stores, you’ll get 5 coupons for a free Jr. Frosty® for only $1. Proceeds from your purchase are donated to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption to help in its crucial work.

Kids Eat Free in Baton Rouge at These Locations on Monday

Dc’s Grill in Brusly
Kids eat free on Monday

Gatti’s Pizza
Children 12 and under eat free.

Mason’s Grill
Children 10 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. Any kid who makes a “happy plate” gets a free ice cream sundae. One per adult entree. Dine-in only. Drink not included

Pastime
Children 12 and under get a FREE personal cheese or pepperoni pizza with the purchase of an adult pizza.

Rotolo’s
Monday is Family Night at Rotolo’s from 5 pm-9 pm. Kids 12 and under eat for only $2.99 and will LOVE making and eating their own pizza! Parents enjoy 2 for 1 cocktails and extended happy hour.
(Gonzales) – Address: 1402 N Burnside Ave, Gonzales, LA Phone: 647-7499
(Bass Pro location) Bass Pro Blvd, Denham Springs Phone 271-8599
(Watson location) 32334 LA Hwy 16, Ste. A Denham Springs, LA Phone 778-7497

Walk Ons – Gonzales
Kids’ Night 5-9 pm Kids eat free with adult purchase, limit 2 kids per 1 adult.

View our full Kids Eat Free in Baton Rouge Guide

View our Family Friendly Baton Rouge Fall Events Guide

5 Tips for Safe Trick or Treating

October 10, 2022 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

(HealthDay News) — Arriving home safe and sound is one of the best Halloween treats of all – below you will find 5 Tips for Safe Trick or Treating.

First, be sure that costumes and goody bags have reflective strips that improve visibility to drivers!

Trick-or-treaters should also carry a flashlight, and costumes should be bright, reflective, and flame-resistant.

5 Tips for Safe Trick or Treating

If you plan to use makeup, test it on a small area of skin first to ensure it doesn’t cause an allergic reaction. Wash makeup off immediately after returning home.
Costume accessories should be soft and pliable in order to reduce injury risk. Don’t wear decorative contact lenses, which can cause eye infections.
Comfortable and supportive footwear can help prevent blisters and sprains.
Discard homemade treats and unwrapped goods, the risk isn’t worth it, as one doesn’t know the exact ingredients used in preparation. Prevent possible allergy exposure, bacteria, and lastly poison by only allowing wrapped, sealed treats.
When trick-or-treating, children should stay alert and walk in groups or with a trusted adult. The reality is there are predators who use Halloween in particular as a day to disguise themselves. Safeguard your children by making sure they stick together in a large group and have an adult along to prevent an incident from unfolding.”

If children aren’t accompanied by an adult, they should carry a charged cell phone so they can call for help immediately, or provide parents with updates about their location, he said. And kids should know not to text while walking or crossing an intersection.

Ultimate Tailgate Celebration – Sweet Baton Rouge

August 20, 2022 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

Football season is officially back, and we are kicking it off with the Ultimate Tailgate! Sweet Baton Rouge will host its fourth-annual Ultimate Tailgate celebration! Bring the family out to enjoy a craft for the kids hosted by Baton Rouge Family Fun!

Ultimate Tailgate Celebration

WHERE: Electric Depot in Mid-City Baton Rouge on

WHEN: Saturday, August 27 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm

WHAT: The Ultimate Tailgate Celebration – stock up on Game Day gear while enjoying family fun! Shop The Local Pop-Up Market featuring over 60 local makers and creators. The Local Pop-Up House DJ, Doug Funnie or Good Earth Records, will be spinning all of your favorite tailgate tunes. Baton Rouge family fun is hosting a craft for the kiddos, plus tailgate activities, food, and more!

Sweet Baton Rouge® will also sponsor Boutique Blvd, filled with the best local boutiques ready to get you geared up for game day. In addition, the Ultimate Tailgate will have tailgate-inspired food and drinks from Red Stick Social, Boru Ramen, City Roots Coffee Bar, and Sweet Society.

During this year’s Ultimate Tailgate, KOK, Electric Depot’s newest business, will have its FOOD TRUCK on site for the first time in the Baton Rouge area.

Inaugural Corn Hole Tournament

Visit Baton Rouge is the title sponsor of the inaugural Corn Hole Tournament during the annual Sweet Baton Rouge Ultimate Tailgate at Electric Depot. The Corn Hole Champions will win prize packages from Visit Baton Rouge, Sweet Baton Rouge, and Local Supply, valued at over $700!

Register your Corn Hole Team for FREE on sweetbatonrouge.com now and join us at 5 pm on Saturday, August 27, on the Lawn of Electric Depot for the tournament!

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About Sweet Baton Rouge

Sweet Baton Rouge® Louisiana Goods & Apparel is a local female-owned business passionate about t-shirts, comfort, and quality, all designed and printed locally.

The brand makes unique Louisiana lifestyle t-shirts, exclusive LSU-licensed gameday t-shirts, and accessories representing its home state and Louisiana culture.

Sweet Baton Rouge® prides itself on creating connections and fostering a community to help its family of customers share their love for Louisiana wherever they geaux.

Back to School: Ensuring an A+ start to the school year

August 6, 2022 by Dr. Mindy Calandro

Back to school…three words that represent great joy to parents who are ready to get back to routine and bring great anguish and “pain” to kids who aren’t quite ready to give up their summer freedom. In order to ensure a smooth transition from the fun and less structured summer into a new school year, I think it is important as parents to take the time to talk to our children about their worries and concerns going into the fall semester.

Back to School: Ensuring an A+ start to the school year

Back to School – Ask Questions

The question could be as simple as, “Is there anything you are worried about for this school year?” I know in my office when I ask this question, I have had many a parent be surprised by the answer their child might give. When we know what our children are worried or afraid of, it makes us, as parents, better equipped to give them the guidance they need to maneuver through the unchartered waters of a new school experience happily and successfully.

Back to School – Set Expectations

I encourage parents to teach children to view school as their job—what better time to start teaching children about work ethic than from the very beginning of school. As parents, we should set expectations for our children in regards to their “job” performance, and if these expectations are not met, then they should be held accountable.

Now, the expectations, as well as the consequences, will, of course, vary by age, but even the youngest child should understand that they should strive to be the best they can be at their job. Even my son, who is starting Pre-K 3, knows that mommy and daddy expect him to listen to his teacher, follow directions, and be a good friend to his classmates. If he doesn’t achieve these things, he doesn’t get to read books at night (his favorite pre-bedtime activity).

These expectations are established from the get-go so that there is no confusion about the “job description.”

Back to School – Establish a good rapport with your child’s teacher

I also encourage all parents, but especially the parents of elementary-aged children, to establish a good rapport with their child’s teacher. After all, the reality is that in many cases, their teacher will spend more time with them during the weekday than we will.

It is crucial to make sure there are channels of communication that exist between parents and teachers, and these should not be one-way avenues. Parents should feel comfortable bringing up concerns to teachers, just as teachers should be respected when they bring concerns back to parents.

A partnership between teacher and parent is vital to helping children achieve success in the classroom which often translates to increased self-confidence in kids.

Stay positive

So as everyone heads back to school, establish those expectations, let them know their “job description,” and then make sure your voice as a parent is a positive one with excitement, support, and encouragement for the upcoming school year.

As kids make the trek up the ladder to reach those expectations you have set, make sure they know you are their biggest cheerleader and will always be behind them to catch them when they stumble, to give extra little pushes along the way, and to celebrate all of their achievements all from a place of unconditional love.

“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Family Fun where local experts share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting, and living in Baton Rouge.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share family resources and Baton Rouge Family Fun’s experiences with food, fitness, and health as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

Summer Travel Safety Tips – Ask the Expert

July 8, 2022 by Guest Contributor

“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Family Fun where local experts share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting and living in Baton Rouge. This week on Ask the Experts, Smith Shanklin Sosa, fellow Baton Rouge parents, are sharing a few Summer Travel Safety Tips.

Summer and road trips go together like peas and carrots. Traveling during these high traffic times can be dangerous and it is important to be extra cautious when sharing the road with large trucks and buses. Even though truck drivers are well aware of the dangers their vehicles present to other passenger vehicles, I can guarantee that this mama is not going to trust my family’s safety to another driver. As a personal injury attorney, I have seen beautiful vacations turn tragic on highways and interstates. Follow my top 3 Summer Travel Safety Tips and put your family and yourself in a better position to avoid tragic accidents.

Summer Travel Safety Tips

Be Aware of the “No Go Zones”

Large trucks and buses have huge blind spots as shown in the below photo. It is best to spend as little time as possible in these “No Go Zones”. If you have a feeling that the driver of a large truck or bus does not see you, make some noise and honk that horn. I know that horns can make you feel like your yelling at the other drivers on the road, but I personally have avoided my fair share of accidents by letting my horn rip.

Safe Passing

Make sure you can see the driver in the vehicle mirror. If you do not see the driver, it is best to assume he/she cannot see you. When passing a truck or bus, make sure the truck or bus is visible in your rearview mirror before you pull in front giving extra space. If possible, it is a good idea to avoid passing trucks and buses when you are traveling downhill. These big trucks and buses take longer to stop and you do not want to be on the receiving end of their failure to slow down.

Avoid Wide Turns

Buses and trucks make wide turns. Be aware that these trucks usually have around a 55-foot turning radius. A lot of times truck/bus drivers will swing wide to accommodate this turning radius and you want to avoid them swinging into your vehicle.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share BRM’s experiences with food, fitness, health, and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

Louisiana Summer Safety Tips for Kids

July 6, 2022 by Dr. Mindy Calandro

Nothing says summer here in South Louisiana more than biting into a scrumptiously sweet Louisiana strawberry, having the juice drip down your chin after devouring a big slice of watermelon, or enjoying a strawberry cheesecake sno-ball made the Louisiana way (i.e. the right way) with condensed milk. And, lest we forget, very soon the kiddos will be “free” for the summer, with swimming, vacations, sports, summer camps, and a seemingly endless supply of other activities (and energy) to take full advantage of that time off. So if your family is like mine and beginning to prepare for the upcoming summer season, here are a few pediatric tips to keep your kiddos healthy so that they can soak up every last second of that summer break from school.

It’s getting hot out here– As we all know, summer in Baton Rouge means temperatures in the 90s and humidity that seems to exceed 100% on most days. In order to protect your little one’s skin from those intense sun rays, begin with thin, lightly-colored clothing covering as much of the body as possible, and pair it with a nice wide-brimmed hat. For those 6 months and older, sunscreen is key. You want to find a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) 15 or higher and remember – the most important part of using sunscreen is frequent reapplication. We are talking at least every 2 hours, even with those sunscreens that are “waterproof”, “last all day,” or any other claims the manufacturers might make to entice you to buy their product.

What’s bugging you?- Have you seen those native Louisiana mosquitos that are nearly the size of small birds these days? OK, so that might be a bit of an exaggeration (albeit a small one), but all joking aside, protecting your kiddos from mosquitos is of utmost importance. Not only are mosquito bites just plain itchy and bothersome, but mosquitos can also be carriers of things such as West Nile Virus and other insect-borne illnesses. The Center for Disease Control reported that there were 111 cases of West Nile Virus verified here in Louisiana last year, and there were 5 deaths. In order to protect children from the nasty bite of these pests, use a mosquito repellent on children 2 months and older that contains DEET of 30% or less. For infants and younger children, I recommend putting the repellent on your hand and then rubbing it onto the skin of your children to keep the bugs away. You, of course, will want to avoid the area around the eyes and mouth, and for those infants and young children, avoid those hands as well since they will almost immediately make it to the mouth.

Drowning prevention– Because of the number of water activities to stay cool during the hottest part of the year, this is part of summer that keeps me awake at night more than anything else. Here are some startling statistics:

Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in children 1-4 years of age
70% of preschoolers who drown were in the care of one or both parents when the incident occurred
75% of children are “missing” for five minutes or less
For every child the dies from drowning, another 4 are treated in emergency rooms for near-drowning
Last year alone, there were 10 children under 16 years of age who died in Louisiana, and there are on average 390 children who die from drowning each year in this country

Drowning in children is often a silent event as children do not scream or thrash around. It will not look like it does in the movies. So what is the number one way to prevent drowning in children? Constant supervision! When children are in the water, use the rule of “touch supervision” meaning that a child should always be within arms reach of an adult. While age-appropriate swimming lessons are a good idea, never assume that a child is “drown-proof” no matter the number of lessons they have had. Finally, protect pools with fences that are at least 4 feet high and have a self-closing and self-latching gate, just like the modern glass pool fences, and make sure to remove all pool toys from the pool and surrounding area when done at the end of the day (these can be VERY enticing for younger children).

For more on each of these topics and much more on parenting and pediatrics in South Louisiana, please check out my website The Mommy Doctor at www.themommydoctor.com . And as you and your kids head into the impending break, make sure and have a safe, healthy, and, most importantly, fun summer this year!

“Ask the Experts” is a new series on Baton Rouge Family Fun where local experts will share their thoughts, and opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, and parenting. If you have a question for one of our experts, please leave it in the comments below and they might just answer in an upcoming post.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share BRFF’s experiences with food, fitness, health, and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

Parents Ultimate Guide to Insect Repellent for Kids

June 27, 2022 by Dr. Mindy Calandro

It’s that time of year again, with warmer weather comes the return of Louisiana’s second state bird… the mosquito! In this installment of our Ask the Expert series, Dr. Mindy Calandro shares the best way to protect yourself and your kiddos from those pesky, Southern mosquitoes.

Parents Ultimate Guide to Insect Repellent for Kids

N,N dimethyl-m-toluamide (DEET)– This compound has been used as an insect repellent since the 1940s, and it is the insect repellent that is likely most widely known. DEET insect repellents may last anywhere from 2-8 hours depending on what percentage of DEET is contained in the products.

On average, products with 10% DEET will last about 2 hours while those closer to 30% DEET will last closer to 8 hours. There are products available with DEET concentrations higher than 30%, but studies show that these products do not provide any longer/additional protection.

DEET can protect against not only mosquitoes that transmit West Nile Virus and Zika virus but also against biting flies, gnats and ticks that can carry Lyme disease (although our ticks here in Louisiana do not carry Lyme disease).

Now, a quick Google search will produce results citing that DEET can cause neurologic issues namely seizures. This sure makes for good headlines, but the bottom line is that there have been 10 reported cases of seizures in children after applying DEET products to the skin in over 50 years!!

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the risk of adverse reaction when DEET is appropriately used (i.e. applied only on the skin according to the recommended time intervals) is on the order of 1 per 100,000,000 people!

So what are the downsides to DEET? Well, if you have ever used a repellent containing DEET, you may recall a rather strong smell and a bit of a greasy feel. Also, DEET can cause skin irritation for those with particularly sensitive skin. Finally, DEET can cause damage to materials such as plastics, rubber, or leather so make sure to wash your hands prior to touching things like eyeglass frames, golf clubs or certain water bottles.

Recommendation for use: DEET 30% or less is ok for children 2 months of age and older.

Common Insect Repellent with DEET: Off! Familycare and Deep Woods, Cutter Skinsations and All Family, Repel Family

Picaridin– This product was approved by the Center for Disease Control for use as an insect repellent in April 2005 although it has been used for many years prior to this in other countries. Picaridin is created from the extract of the leaves from the pepper plant and has really no odor, does not damage plastics, and has less risk of skin irritation when compared to DEET products.

Picaridin products are available in strengths from 5-20% with approximately 3-5 hours of protection with a 10% formulation. Studies show that Picaridin can protect people from many of the same biting insects that DEET protects from including those pesky mosquitos that carry West Nile and Zika virus.

So what is the downside to Picaridin? Since it is a relatively new product approved by the CDC and EPA, there are not as many long-term studies available here in the US. However, based on what we know of this compound as well as reviewing many years of data from other countries on the use of Picaridin, it seems that Picaridin is likely a very safe and effective alternative to DEET.

Recommendations for use: 10% Picaridin lotions for children 2 months and older.

Common products with Picaridin: Avon Skin so Soft Bug Guard, Natrapel, Sawyer Picaridin

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus– If we are talking about the CDC and EPA approved version of this compound, it is actually a chemically synthesized version of oil of lemon eucalyptus and not the “pure” oil. Most versions of this repellent you will find are concentrations of 30% and can provide about 2 hours of protection.

However, the data is still out on if oil of lemon eucalyptus can protect as well as DEET or picaridin against West Nile mosquitos. Another important thing to know about oil of lemon eucalyptus is that it should not be used on children under 3 years of age because of risk of skin irritation as well as significant eye irritation.

Recommendations for use: Only in children 3 and older, and I would consider it a distant 3rd to DEET and picaridin

Common products with Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus: Repel Lemon Eucalyptus, Off! Botanicals

Plant based oils: In this final category, we will group all essential oils but those referenced most commonly include soybean, lemongrass, citronella, peppermint, and lavender. It is important to realize that none of these oils have been approved by the EPA or CDC for efficacy in protecting against insects.

If these products do provide any protection from bug bites, and that is a big “if,” it is likely a very short window of less than 1 hour. Also, as with all essentials oils, I would use extreme caution with these products on children with sensitive skin.

Recommendations for use: In my mind, I would not use these as insect repellents.

Common products with plant-based oils: California Baby Natural Bug Blend, Babyganics Natural Insect Repellent

A few things to keep in mind no matter what type of insect repellent you choose:

For young children, parents should use their hand to apply the repellent to children rather than spraying it on them. For those children who tend to put their hands in their mouth, do not put the repellent on the hands.
Do not apply in close proximity to the eyes or mouth of children
Do not apply to open cuts or wounds
Products that are a combination of sunscreen AND insect repellent should not be used. Since sunscreen should be applied every 2 hours, this would lead to most insect repellents being applied far too frequently.
When coming inside make sure to wipe/wash all insect repellent off prior to children getting into bed.

As you and your family are enjoying the last days of summer, and if you are like me, looking forward to the upcoming fall, realize that those pesky mosquitos will be hanging around for at least another few months.

Across the board for all of those 2 months of age and older, there may be many options out there when it comes to insect repellents, but I would recommend sticking with either a DEET or picaridin based product to provide the most protection for your loved ones.

“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Family Fun where local experts share their thoughts, and opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting, and living in Baton Rouge.

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share Baton Rouge Family Fun’s experiences with food, fitness, health, and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

Dry Drowning 101: Know the Signs with Dr. Mindy Calandro – Ask the Experts

June 13, 2022 by Dr. Mindy Calandro

As if the idea of drowning didn’t strike enough fear into the heart of every parent, recent news headlines and social media posts have brought a new term to the forefront… dry drowning. You might be thinking, “Well of course my kiddo has had a cough a time or two after their face inadvertently went into the water. Is this something to worry about?” Here is what parents need to know about so-called “dry drowning.”

What is dry drowning?

To get scientific, there are actually two entities here:

Dry drowning– This occurs when a small amount of water gets into the nose or mouth, and this water causes a sudden spasm of the airway where it shuts close. It is almost like the airway is “overprotecting” itself from the water that isn’t supposed to be there. With dry drowning, there is no water in the lungs. In these cases, you will see symptoms almost immediately after the water gets into the airway (the airway will not spasm if the water isn’t there).

Delayed or Secondary drowning– In delayed drowning, a child inhales a bit of water through their nose or mouth, and the water actually does make it down into their lungs. Once in the lungs, the water begins to cause significant irritation and inflammation (after all, water is not supposed to be in our lungs) which leads to something called pulmonary edema. This can occur anywhere from 1-24 hours after the initial inhaling of the water.

You can see that while these two terms mean something different from a medical standpoint, the term “dry drowning” is often used in the news headlines and on social media to refer to secondary drowning.

How common do these types of submersion injuries occur?

Good news…these are both UNcommon! It is estimated that either dry or secondary drowning probably accounts for only 1-2% of all drowning-related injuries in children. Think about all the times your child has inhaled a bit of water while in the bathtub or the pool, and the vast majority of the time, they are a-ok.

What are the symptoms?

Good news again…dry and secondary drowning do not occur without warning signs. When it comes to dry drowning, the symptoms will often be sudden in onset, and remember, they will occur at the time of the incident (like while they are still standing in the pool water). Children will have immediate coughing that doesn’t resolve and sudden difficulty breathing.

Now, with secondary drowning, the symptoms usually do not start immediately after they inhaled the water. It takes time for the inflammation to begin in the lungs. Rather kiddos will start with coughing, trouble breathing, faster breathing, fever, vomiting, extreme sleepiness or a drastic change in behavior anywhere from 1-24 hours later.

What should parents do if they suspect dry or secondary drowning?

If your child has been swimming and in the hours following a swim they show any of the above signs, they need to be brought to medical attention immediately. These symptoms certainly might end up being just the start of a circulating summer virus, but it is important to make sure that it is not secondary drowning. Often a good physical exam by your child’s doctor as well as checking of vital signs including their oxygen levels and sometimes even a chest x-ray can help to ensure that their lungs do not have fluid that shouldn’t be there.

And a quick reminder here as well…anytime a child has required a pool rescue of any kind, at a minimum, there needs to be a call to your child’s pediatrician. Depending on how long the child was under water, many of these kiddos also need to be evaluated by a medical professional.

How can you prevent dry or secondary drowning?

Both of these entities really fall on the spectrum of drowning-related injuries, and the best way to prevent any kind of drowning is constant adult supervision while swimming. I have written before about drowning prevention (you can click here to check out that blog post), but close attention to a child while they are in the water and vigilance for new onset of symptoms after a swim are key. And again remember, these dry or secondary drownings are NOT common.

So hopefully now that you understand these frightening terms of dry or secondary drowning, you will breathe a sigh of relief knowing that this does not happen commonly. Kiddos will be kiddos playing in the water which often means an inadvertent inward sniff while in the water. Let them continue to play, of course under an adult’s watchful eye, and if something doesn’t seem right after pool time is done, then you know the next step. Happy summer!

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share BRM moms’ experiences with food, fitness, health and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

30 Things To Do with Kids in Baton Rouge & Beyond

May 30, 2022 by Baton Rouge Family Fun

Summer fun is in full swing, time to relax and enjoy the lazy days of summer… but tell that to kids who are bouncing off the walls or singing the boredom blues.

As parents, we want each summer to be more memorable than the last, and with that comes the need for a few new ideas, especially if your child is too young to go to a summer camp.

Here are 30 Things To Do with kids in Baton Rouge and beyond that are sure to keep you busy all summer long!

Good to Know Before You Go: Please be sure to call before heading out; times change, parks close, so many variables can affect your outing.

30 Things To Do with Kids in Baton Rouge

LSU Lakes – Bike, Picnic, Splash Pad – Between feeding the ducks, the great little bike path, the kids’ playground, and a little splash pad behind the art gallery, this is such a fun little day to have with the kiddos.
Baton Rouge Splash Pad Parks & Pools Guide – Visit our Baton Rouge Water Fun Guide to find one of many Baton Rouge Splash Pads, water parks, and or pools!
Blueberry Picking – There is an abundance of places to do this around the area. The Sooner, the better before they are all picked over. We love to make Blueberry Scones with a Lemon Glaze.
Pottery Painting – Brushfire Studios – This is a quaint little studio in downtown Denham Springs.
Water Balloon Fight – This is a summer classic. Want to make it more fun? Add a little food coloring to the balloons and put the kids in white shirts. Just get ready to hose them down.
Young Chefs Academy – This is one of my oldest’s favorite places. They have summer programs and fun little classes.
Go Bowling – Kids Bowl FREE this summer – learn more!
Blackwater Conservation
Tunica Hills and Tunica Falls/Clark Creek – Outdoor Adventures
$1.50 Family Friendly Movies at Perkins Rowe -Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse is back with 8 weeks of kid-approved movies! Enjoy safe and exciting big-screen entertainment for just $1.50 per ticket for each movie.
Louisiana Peach Festival – Okay, so maybe this isn’t a day trip, but it’s totally worth the drive. Happening on June 5th in Ruston, Louisiana. Peach ice cream and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
Delcambre Shrimp Festival – While we are on the festival beat, this is totally a day trip. You haven’t gone Cajun till you go Acadiana. A bit later in the summer, this happens in August each year. Bring your dancing shoes.
Old State Capitol – While you’re downtown, hit up the Louisiana Art and Science Museum.
Global Wildlife – This is one of the most underrated experiences of my childhood. Letting a giraffe eat out of your hand might be the highlight of your kid’s summer, and who am I kidding, your’s as well.
Myrtles Plantation Tour – My oldest is very into mystery and more. On your way home, do yourself a favor and stop at Chloe’s in Zachary for a snowball.
WWII Museum – I don’t really know that this needs much introduction; it’s a must-do with the older kiddos!
Louisiana Children’s Museum – This is one of my fondest childhood memories.
Audubon Zoo / Cool Zoo – I will spare you the song, but they do all “ax for you.” So don’t let those animals down. When you’re there, it’s totally worth the “pop” bracelet that gets you admission into the Cool Zoo and unlimited rides on the train and carousel.
Audubon Aquarium of America’s & Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium – What kid doesn’t want to touch an urchin and eat crickets.
Write and Illustrate a Children’s Book – Because, after all these big adventures, you will need some time at home.
EBR Library – The East Baton Rouge Parish Library has many little classes and fun projects for all ages. Check out their event calendar and enjoy!
Dinosaur Park Henderson – I have heard amazing things, and this summer, we intend to find out for ourselves.
Livingston Parish Library – Just a little hop next door, and there are so many fun programs for littles to enjoy.
Dig a Garden – There is no greater joy than watching my kiddos play in the dirt. If you need some help, Glad Gardens can build one for you!
Make a Nana recipe from scratch – No box mixes here, just some love, wooden spoons, and old family recipes.
Lemonade Stand – The earliest form of entrepreneurship at its south Louisiana finest.
Barnhill Preserve in Ethel – (sloths…Nuff said) hands-on animal encounters and programs!
Baton Rouge Zoo – One of our favorites to spend a day with the animals and play in the park – you can even feed the pelicans now too!
Cajun Pride Swamp Tour – take a unique and educational journey back to the early days of Louisiana bayou and swamp explorations on this authentic Louisiana swamp eco-tour.
Knock Knock Children’s Museum – this is a full day of fun and good eats at Acorn Cafe!

Be sure to check out our Summer Fun in Baton Rouge Guide for more!

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