Should You Take Your Baby To The 4th Of July Fireworks?

4th of July fireworks are the quintessential summer activity, packed full of enough nostalgia to make me cry every time. Last year was my daughter's first look at the fireworks, and I absolutely loved watching her little face light up from the bright fireworks in the sky. She was almost a year old, but I still panicked about taking her and I think that crosses every parent's mind in the summer — should you take your baby to the 4th of July fireworks?

They're beautiful and an integral part of summer, sure, but they're also loud, bright, and require staying up way past the usual Goodnight, Moon bedtime routine. So like any other parenting decision, it's really up to you if you want to take your baby to see the 4th of July fireworks. According to The Bump, there's no real reason to keep your baby away from them, but you should keep your distance from the fireworks while you're there. Don't get so close that you can feel the vibrations or intense blasts, as this could damage your baby's hearing.

Dr. Alan Greene told Parents that although a child's senses may be more sensitive than ours, that doesn't mean they can't handle a fireworks show. Your baby will let you know how they feel about the fireworks. Some kids love them and some are terrified, but it all depends on their own personality. Just be prepared for it to go either way. You don't have to assume that if your baby hates them, it means their ears are in pain. It probably just means that the loud noise or bright lights startled them.

If you know your baby is sensitive to sounds, try picking up some baby-friendly headphones or a hat to help muffle the noise. Wearing your baby in a carrier may help, too, especially if their ears are against your chest. But sitting far back from the display and taking a few extra precautions can help your baby enjoy the 4th of July fireworks.