Summer Safety Tips for Kids
SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS
by: Jasmine Reed
Family beach vacations, summer camps, backyard barbecues and seemingly endless pool days are all signs that summer is well underway! As you and your little ones continue to enjoy this warm weather and spend more time outdoors, it’s important that certain safety measures are taken. We’ve curated a list of some helpful tips that will ensure your child spends a lot more time having fun, and you spend a lot less time worrying.
Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen- A lot of us enjoy being outdoors, especially during these warmer months! But we can all agree that as much as we love being out in the sun, the sun doesn’t show us that same love back. So, it’s important that you keep your skin protected and your little one’s skin protected as well. No matter what racial or ethnic background, sunscreen is a must for everyone when spending an extensive amount of time in the sun. There’s also several sunscreen brands that make products specifically for a baby’s delicate skin, even organic ones! Though skincancer.org recommends that infants 0-6 months stay out of the sun, as their skin is still very sensitive to the suns harsh rays, sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher is recommended for children 6 months and older. And it should also contain UVA & UVB Ray protection. Skincancer.org also states that sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before any outside activity, and then reapplied every two hours. If your children will be spending a lot of time in the pool, be sure to reapply the sunscreen right when they get out.
Stay Hydrated- It’s so important to keep your little one hydrated, especially around this time of the year. Heat exhaustion and heat strokes affect our little ones just like they do us. Any type of prolonged exposure to high temperatures and such can cause it. Be sure to keep a cool bottle of water nearby at all times, or even a cold towel, if that’s possible. Experts say that if your little one says they’re thirsty, they’re already dehydrated. Be sure to keep a close eye on how much water they’re drinking, to ensure they’re actually drinking it. Also, allot for “cool downs” in between different outdoor activities to help your little one take a break. Whether it’s going inside in the A/C for a snack, or sitting in the shade and grabbing a drink of water. You want to make sure they aren’t over exerting themselves and not allowing their bodies to rest and be replenished.
Wear Proper Safety Equipment- Whether it’s swimming or bike riding, it’s important that your child has the proper safety equipment when partaking in these various activities. Some parents may think that as long as they’re watching their little one, safety gear isn’t necessary, but you can never be too safe. Ensuring the different safety gear fits properly is also very important!
Light Clothing- Any type of clothing items that are dark colored or made out of thick, uncomfortable material should be stashed way in the back of the closet or the bottom of the drawer. Long sleeves and pants are fine, as they are also a great way to protect your little one’s skin from the sun, but lighter more comfortable clothing items are recommended. Things made out of linen or cotton would be a great place to start. You can even have fun accessorizing with cute little hats and sunglasses that will also aid in sun protection!
Though most of these tips were pretty common, we hope they were still helpful and that you possibly even learned something new. Wishing an unforgettably safe and fun summer to all our Vinehouse families and friends!