Summer Safety Tips

Longer summer days means dramatically more time spent
outside in the sun with our kids: from hanging out on the beach or at
the pool, to running in the yard, to hiking through the woods. Amidst
these summer activities, safety issues lurk from insects to sun burns
to keeping hydrated. The Mommy Insider, in cooperation with Mom Central who has joined with The Clorox Company and MommyDocs we share with you these
important summer safety tips:Safetytipssun_2

  • Have a Sun Protection Strategy:
    The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sunscreen with a minimum
    Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15.  Look for products that provide
    "broad spectrum" coverage to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
    Use this sunscreen routine with your child–daily application 30
    minutes before going
    outside and reapplication every 2 hours (or sooner
    if swimming, toweling off, or sweating).  Creating a routine will
    establish good habits for the future.  In addition, don’t forget a wide
    brim hat, sunglasses with 99-100% UVA/UVB protection, and sun
    protective clothing.

  • Keep Pests off Your Little One:
    In the summer, many insects can bite or sting your child.  For pesky
    mosquitoes and ticks, consider a DEET containing insect repellent.
    Apply sparingly to exposed skin (avoid backs of hands and around the
    eyes and mouth) and/or to clothing once a day. As the percentage of
    DEET goes up, the duration of action increases. To prevent unnecessary
    exposure, always use the lowest percentage that will last for the
    planned length of time spent outdoors. Never go above 30% or use on
    children under 2 months old.

  • Keep the Pool Cool and Clean:
    Small yard pools provide a great way for kids to have fun and cool down
    when the temperature rises, but they can also harbor germs, such as
    bacteria.  To keep the pool free from unwanted "swimmers," after each
    use disinfect it with bleach by cleaning with a solution of  ¾ cup
    regular bleach to one gallon of water, then rinse well and dry
    tSafetytipsdrinkuphoroughly.  Safety must: Always supervise children regardless of age
    when they are around any water; whether it’s a bucket, a small backyard
    plastic pool, or the local community pool.

  • High Heat Means Hydrate:
    Excessive heat exposure may
    cause your child to experience a
    heat-related illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heat
    stroke. How to prevent this: take breaks in the shade, avoid playing
    outside during peak sun exposure hours, and drink, drink, drink!  Make
    sure your child is taking in plenty of fluids before he become thirsty.

  • Rid Rashes and Relieve Itchies:
    Running through the yard in bare feet, taking a nature walk on a trail,
    and picnicing in the park are some of the joys of warmer weather.  But
    all of this outdoor activity can expose your child to a host of plants
    including those which cause poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac.  If
    an allergic reaction occurs, ask the pediatrician about an oral
    antihistamine and/or a topical skin care product such as a steroid
    cream or calamine.  If the rash is extensive, looks infected, or is not
    getting better, call your doctor right away.

All safety tips can also be found on MommyDocs.com.

3 thoughts on “Summer Safety Tips

  1. It’s Scarlet Fever. I feel awful that we didn’t take Madelyn to the doctor sooner, but she didn’t show any symptoms of Strep which is what causes Scarlet Fever. So the rash wasn’t from the sun.

  2. Since I wrote this article, my two year old daughter has gotten what appears to be heat rash. Although I thought I did everything possible to keep her out of direct sun, kept sun screen on her, etc. she may have still been affected by the heat. We are going to the doctor about the rash today so I will keep you all updated.

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