Summertime Safety

Tips For Your Kid's Safety This Summer

When that final bell rings, summer begins in an instant. For our kids, that means total freedom – goodbye to homework and hello to a long stretch of unstructured, carefree days ahead. For parents, summertime looks slightly different: more time outdoors, less routine and a greater need to stay mindful of everyday safety. With just a little preparation, summer can stay free and easy – all the fun with a dose of healthy precaution on the side. 

Bugs, Bugs, Bugs

Warmer weather brings more time in nature, and with that, more exposure to bugs. Use child-safe insect repellent and check for ticks after playing in wooded or grassy areas. More than just itchy and annoying, ticks can pose a major risk to children's health, as they can transmit diseases. It's best to avoid tall grass and underbrush.

Water Safety

The most important part of your kid's water play is your supervision. When your children are swimming, designate rotating "water watchers," or someone whose sole responsibility it is to keep a close eye on the swimmers for ten minutes, and then switch. Make sure you build your child's water confidence while remaining close by. When preparing for a day at the beach, reduce risk by putting your kids in their brightest color of swimsuit - underwater visibility can make a huge difference in a bad situation.

Hydration Check

Hydration is key to a hot summer day, and with so much going on, it can be hard to remember. This one may seem obvious, but it doesn't make it any less meaningful. Offer your kids water every twenty to thirty minutes during play, using a fun reusable water bottle to pique their interest. Snacks like watermelon, cucumbers or berries are water-rich and can aid in hydration throughout the day. Children between the ages of four and eight should aim for about five cups of water a day, and children between nine and thirteen should aim for about eight cups a day.

Sun Block

We can all remember the mother-enforced time spent waiting poolside for sunscreen to dry. Broad-spectrum, SPF thirty-plus sunscreen should be applied fifteen to thirty minutes before sweating or swimming and should be reapplied at least every two hours. For a kid on the move, a sunscreen stick can be the best mess-free application.

Wheels

Summertime brings more travel into our life's equation. Staying safe on wheels is of the utmost importance. This summer, when your kid is ready to take off on their bicycle, ensure that they have a CPSC-certified helmet. A well-fitting, age-appropriate helmet can help protect your child from a serious brain or head injury. Also, when it comes to your car, never, ever leave your kids unattended in the vehicle. Not even for a quick minute. Keep your cars locked even when you're not on the move to avoid children climbing into the vehicle unattended.