When the sun comes out, kids (and parents) sigh with relief. It’s time for fun in the sun and the kids are ready to celebrate the awesomeness of fun, summer activities. Unfortunately almost half of children’s injury deaths happen between May and August. So before your kids toddle off into the sunset, be sure to be well-versed in these Summer Safety Tips.
Protect their melons! When your child heads outside, be sure to pop a cap on his or her head to combat the effects of direct sun. Direct sun contact on a child’s head for a prolonged period can result in sunburn and heat or sunstroke; two ailments that at the very least are simply no fun. And don’t forget the shades – kids need eye protection, just like adults. Sunglasses are available for babies as small as 3 months old, so there’s no excuse not to have some. Besides, nothing’s cuter than a baby in sunglasses…
Slather on the sunscreen… Again and again! To protect your kid’s delicate skin from harmful UV rays, choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher. Choose a waterproof children’s sunscreen and apply it all over the face and body, being careful not to get any in the eyes. (Clothing moves around when children move around!) Remember that sunscreen only starts working about 30 minutes after it is applied – and needs to be reapplied after a jaunt in the pool (even if it is waterproof.)
Repel the bugs. Insect repellant is a must in the warm summer months. Some insects can cause disease (mosquitos, ticks) while some are just plain annoying! Try to find a natural repellant that utilizes citronella, lemon or eucalyptus to repel these tiny intruders instead of those that contain chemical DEET. If you do have to use a repellant with DEET, spray it sparingly as high levels can cause sickness in children. Apply bug spray as soon as you step outside – spray under and over clothing and hats, being sure to avoid your child’s eyes.
Stay Hydrated. Most parent’s don’t realize that kids need to rehydrate about every 20 minutes or so , especially if they are expending energy in the sun. Avoid sugary drinks and choose good old H2O. Carrying around a reusable, BPA free bottle is the best way to go, so it can be refilled wherever there is a faucet nearby.
Find comfy shoes. It’s so much easier to let them go barefoot, but the fact is, it’s also dirty and a little dangerous. Besides the obvious roundworm (caused by cat waste) infestation, stings and bites that can happen if children put their tootsies in the wrong spot, parks, sandpits and sidewalks can be an obstacle course for their feet when not covered. Small pieces of glass, rusty metal and sharp rocks can all be lurking in the tall grass or cool sand of their favourite parks. Try to find comfortable, breathable, closed-toed shoes with gripping, flexible soles.
Stay in the Shade. We all like to see a little tan on a kid – it makes them look healthy. But letting children run around in extreme heat can be bad for their health. Heatstroke can cause severe illness in children (and adults) and sometimes death. Hats and long sleeves won’t help them if they’re simply out too long. On hotter days, have kids play in the shade or in an air conditioned or cool part of the house.
Have a safety lesson. The best way to protect children from harm is to teach them to be safe and follow some basic safety rules:
- Teach them about pool / water safety. Never leave children unsupervised around water and outfit smaller kids with lifejackets.
- Don’t let young kids cross the street on by themselves.
- Teach the importance of bike helmets and cycling safety rules. Kids under the age of 10 should not be allowed to ride in the street.
- Have a repeat “stranger danger” chat. Summer means outdoor activities and lots of trips to well-populated areas. Try to reinforce the standard rules.
Have fun and stay safe this summer with some preparation and good safety tips for kids.
Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is a wife, mother of two and self-proclaimed expert on Canadian Baby Stores.
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