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Summer Safety Tips for Kids
School’s out and the weather is warm — time to head outside and play! Summer is an important time of year for children to socialize in the sunshine, whether it’s riding bikes, swimming, or playing a game of backyard baseball.
Before you send the kiddos outside for the day, make sure you’re ensuring the best summer possible. Check out these tips for keeping your children safe and happy all summer long.
Stay hydrated.
As the temperature rises — along with the humidity — make sure your kids are keeping fluids moving. Take frequent water breaks or send a water bottle along with them if they’re away from home. If they’re playing extra hard, throw a sports drink in the mix. Just be sure to avoid sugary drinks like soda.
Wear sunscreen.
Pediatric skin problems are more common than you’d think. Before sending the kids outside, apply sunscreen to exposed areas to minimize the risk of sunburn or other injuries from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Take time to cool off.
Once your kids get going, they may be tempted to keep going without a break. However, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real threats. As your kids play, make sure they’re taking timeouts to cool off and catch their breath. According to the Centers for Disease Control, symptoms of heat exhaustion may include any of the following:
- Heavy sweating
- Cold, pale, clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Loss of consciousness
Symptoms of heat stroke may include the following:
- High body temperature (103 degrees or higher)
- Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
- Fast, strong pulse
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
Avoid the hottest time of the day.
We don’t want to encourage kids to be couch potatoes, but the hottest time of day — usually from noon to 4 p.m. — isn’t exactly the ideal time for heavy physical activity. While they can still head outside during these hours, try to keep the activities less strenuous.
Keep a first aid kit handy.
Bumps, scrapes, cuts, and bruises are bound to happen — make sure you’re ready. In case your child gets hurt, keep a first aid kit handy containing each of the following items:
- ACE bandages
- Alcohol wipes
- Antibiotic ointment (e.g., Neosporin)
- Baby wipes
- Benadryl
- Bug spray
- Dramamine
- EpiPen
- Extra prescription meds
- Gauze, tape, and bandages
- Hydrocortisone ointment
- Ibuprofen
- Lip balm
- Small scissors and tweezers