Sun & Heat

While all of the time outside is great for children, it is important to remember sun and heat safety measures. Always be sure to apply ample sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30 or higher applied for all children. It is recommended that sunscreen is reapplied every 2 hours or after children have been swimming or sweating!

While enjoying the sun and taking all sun safety precautions, it is also important to be aware of the heat! Parents and caregivers should be aware of the symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. These can include dizziness, headache, vomiting, confusion and many more. To read more on the difference, click here. Of course, it is always important to stay hydrated!

Bugs

Beyond being a simple annoyance, the pesky bugs that come around in summer can also carry harmful diseases for children. Always apply bug spray when spending time outdoors. Be sure to check with your pediatrician for recommendations as DEET, a main component in may bug sprays can be harmful if ingested. It is suggested to use natural insect repellants. One more helpful recommendation to avoid the bugs - try using non scented soaps, shampoos, etc! The scents attract bugs!

Play

There are so many fun outdoor activities for children during the summer, it is very important to make sure they are staying safe while making the most of their summer! For instance, always ensure helmets are properly worn while children are on bikes, scooters, etc.

If your family, or friends, have a trampoline, always make sure children are supervised. Experts highly recommend netting around the trampoline and staying away from flips or somersaults that could increase serious injury.

Swim

With summer heat in full swing, it's time to find some relief by jumping in a pool, ocean or lake. Along with the excitement of water play, it is important to remember water safety. Supervision is paramount while children are around any body of water. It's important to never assume that someone else is keeping an eye on the children when around water, always be sure to know who is supervising!

Experts do not recommend using floatation devices that may give children a false sense of security while around water. Start early with teaching your children to swim, many local swim schools have classes for all ages. Last but not least, if there is no supervision around a pool, always be sure there are barriers to prevent children from sneaking in unattended.