It’s finally Summer. The beautiful, warm sun goes well into the evening, popsicles become an afternoon snack, and tiny dirty feet become a regular occurrence.
Summer is a fun time for kids because they love to get out and expend some of that lovely energy! Most kids enjoy summer activities like swimming, chalk, bubbles, swinging, bike riding, park visits, and the list could go on and on. Those activities are all great ways for parents to spend quality time with their children.
Safety
While summer has many fun activities associated with it, these activities can also bring along minor bumps and bruises. Thankfully, a princess or spiderman band-aid can usually fix most problems! There are sometimes some more serious injuries or illnesses that can occur, though. We want to visit some ways to help alleviate these as much as possible. Below are a few tips for summer safety.
- SUNSCREEN
- Whether your child is prone to sunburn or not, protecting their delicate skin from the sun’s UV rays is very important. For babies ages newborn-6months old, it is best to have a little sun hat or light blanket to protect them from the sun. Their delicate skin cannot handle harsh sun exposure and is also too delicate for most sunscreens. If you have additional questions on when and what sunscreen is suitable for your child, talk with your pediatrician.
- For older kiddos, make sure their faces and any exposed skin is protected if being exposed to the sun for long periods of time. Hats are always a good idea, or light t-shirts while outside. If swimming, be sure to re-apply sunscreen after about 2 hours. The sunscreen bottle should list if it is “waterproof” and when reapplication is needed.
- HYDRATION
- Thankfully, parents usually get to sit back and watch their toddlers run around and release all their built-up energy. However, because of that, parents may not realize just how hard, tired, and hot their toddler might be. It is very easy on hot, humid days to become dehydrated. Make sure that your kiddos have access to their sippy cup while playing outside and encourage them to take drinks often. Watch for heat advisories and limit play outside on those days. Typically, mornings and evenings are the safest times to play outside on days with heat advisories. Use your best judgment; if it is miserably hot for an adult to be outside, it is for kiddos, too.
- SWIMMING
- Who doesn’t love doing a cannonball?! Most kids love to swim and can spend a long time in the water without getting bored. However, swimming safety is of upmost importance. The first and most obvious danger with swimming is drowning. It is the last thing anyone wants to even think about, but knowledge is key for prevention.
- Lifejackets: make these a priority. Most kids don’t mind wearing them, but if they do, make it a rule that there will be no getting in the water without it.. even if they’re being held by an adult. There are many options out there, and everyone likes each one for different reasons. Shop around until you find the one that suits your child best.
- Who doesn’t love doing a cannonball?! Most kids love to swim and can spend a long time in the water without getting bored. However, swimming safety is of upmost importance. The first and most obvious danger with swimming is drowning. It is the last thing anyone wants to even think about, but knowledge is key for prevention.
***do not use the lifejacket as a babysitter for your child***
Lifejackets are great, but still aren’t as good as eyes. Even with a life jacket on.. accidents can happen.
- Water watcher: Call it what you will 😊 but someone (preferably and adult, or someone 18+) needs to have their eyes on whatever body of water kids are playing in; even if it’s a small, shallow swimming pool. Never, ever leave children unattended in a pool as it only takes seconds for a drowning to occur. This is a very important job. This person should put their phone down and be very diligent about water watching. If multiple children are swimming, split up the pool with another adult so each person has an “area of responsibility”.
- Awareness: This mostly applies to older kids, but it is important to be aware of the pool or body of water being used. How deep is it? This becomes very important to know if older kids decide to “dive in”. Neck injuries happen when the water is too shallow, and the top of the head is struck while diving in. Another thing to be aware of is the ground around the pool. A lot of times kids like to run around a pool, but it is common for this area to be wet and slippery. Use caution as a slip and fall could easily land a child right into the pool or result in an injury.
Wrap Up
These are just a few summer safety tips. The list of fun activities for summer could go on and on!! If you are interested in more summer safety or activities to do with your child, stop in and see us @ PLC Health Clinic, 215 N. Market St. Van Wert, OH 45891 OR give us a call at 419-238-9177.
Have a GREAT SUMMER!! 😊
*Sources available upon request
