Summer Safety Tips for Your Kids 2024

Ah, summer, the time of year we all crave: long days, warm breezes, and endless opportunities for adventure. While we all love a good dose of Vitamin D, keeping safety in mind for kids as they soak up the sunshine is crucial. Let's dive into some essential tips to ensure a summer that's both fun and safe.

How to Choose and Use The Right Sunscreen For Kids

Did you know that up to 80% of the sun's rays can still reach the skin even on cloudy days? WHO (World Health Organization) recommends that parents apply sunscreen whenever their children are outside.

• Choose the Right SPF: For children, look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under six months. Instead, keep your littlest ones protected from the sun by dressing them in lightweight clothing and sun hats.

• Application: Reapply sunscreen every two hours and more often if your child is swimming or sweating. Cover all exposed skin, including spots like the ears, nose, lips, and the tops of feet.

• Protective Clothing: Clothing labeled with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) indicates how much of the sun's UV radiation the fabric blocks. Aim for UPF 50+ for maximum protection.

Pool Safety for Parents

• Never Swim Alone: Children should never enter the water without adult supervision. Younger children should always be supervised while swimming or near water.

• Don’t Run Near Water: Running near pools can lead to slips and falls. Children should always walk slowly and avoid horseplay around water.

• Never Swim When Tired: Teach children to exit the water if they feel fatigued. If they are too tired to swim, they should float on their backs and signal for help.

• Look Before You Jump: Always check the water before jumping in to ensure it’s safe.

• Water Boundaries: Communicate with your child about where it is safe to swim that is appropriate to their age group. Talk about when to go in the deeper end of pools or other areas at waterparks.

Bike Safety for Kids

• Helmet Up: Properly fitted helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries by at least 45%. Always wear a helmet that fits snug and meets safety standards.

• Ride on the Sidewalk: When possible, children should ride on the sidewalk. If not, they should ride in the same direction as traffic, staying as far right as possible.

• Use Hand Signals: Teach children to use hand signals and follow the rules of the road.

• Be Visible: Wear bright colors and use lights, especially when riding at night or early morning.

• Bike Options: There are many options to bike with your older infants or toddlers in a bike seat or trailer. Make sure to buckle them in to maintain safety. As they grow and develop a passion for pedaling, you can introduce training wheels or strider bikes to foster their confidence and independence.

Simple Playground Tips

• Check the Surface: Nearly 80% of playground injuries are caused by falls. Ensure the playground has a soft surface like mulch or rubber to cushion falls. Confirm that slides and swings aren’t too hot before kids play to prevent burns.

• Supervise Play: Keep a close eye on your child and remind them of safe playground behaviors. Choose playgrounds with equipment that suits their age and abilities.

• Wear the Right Attire: Avoid clothing with strings or cords that could catch on equipment. Opt for sturdy-soled sneakers over slippery flip-flops.

Keeping Kids Cool in Summer Heat

• Stay Hydrated: Encourage your children to drink water frequently and have it readily available. Take water bottles with you if you go out. John Hopkins recommends kids should drink their age in ounces until they're 8 years old.

• Dress Lightly: Light-colored clothing can help kids stay cool. Choose loose-fitting clothing that offers both ventilation and sun protection.

• Plan for Extra Rest Time: Heat can make children tired and irritable. Encourage them to come inside regularly to cool off, rest, and drink water.

• Cool Off with Water: To cool down, give your child a cool bath or water mist. Always supervise children in the water.

• Never Leave Your Child Alone in a Car: The inside of a car can become dangerously hot in just a short amount of time.

• Snacks: Pack healthy snacks and meals for picnics and outings to keep energy levels up.

• Check for Signs of Heatstroke and Heat Rash: Being outside in hot and humid weather for a long period of time can lead to heatstroke or heat rash. Check for signs and take precautions by wearing breathable clothing, drinking water, and taking time in the shade. A cool bath can help cool down overheated skin.

Protect from Bug Bites

• Use Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellent with at least 20% DEET. If you prefer, consider DEET-free and natural options.

• Dress Appropriately: When venturing into wooded areas, wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Perform daily tick checks to avoid tick-borne illnesses.

• Check for Bites and Ticks: Parents should perform a full-body check as soon as possible after an outdoor session.

We hope these tips give you some peace of mind to create a summer filled with fun, laughter, and, most importantly, safety! Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your kids have a summer they'll never forget. Stay safe, stay hydrated, and stay sunny! Book a tour of Precious Angels if you’re interested in enrolling your kids!

Listen to what other parents have to say about Precious Angels and how we follow these steps to have a great summer!