Summertime is the most thrilling, and unfortunately, the shortest time for kids to have fun. There are summer camps or visits to grandparents and other times when kids spend a lot of time without their parents. They go swimming, go for walks in the park or go for bike rides in the forest. . Summer is the time when kids feel free and excited, so they can forget about everything.
However, this happy time is also fraught with dangers. . Things as simple as sunbathing or swimming carry risks to child safety. Not to mention all the other dangers to summer safety like overexposure to the sun, insect bites, along with other types of common summertime injuries. The various threats to summer safety are the main issues parents have during the summer months. Keep reading to avoid any problems during your summer vacation!
Remember About Sun Safety
The sun is a source of vitamin D, and summer is a great opportunity to get it in a natural way. However, the sun can be harmful. Heatstroke and dehydration are the biggest dangers you should try to avoid.
To help prevent sunstroke in your child, there are a few vital rules to keep:
- Always wear a headdress; if your toddlers don’t want to do that, tell them that a cap is a stylish part of clothing;
- Use sunscreen cream or lotion with a high degree of protection like SPF 20 or SPF 30. You should apply it 20 minutes before going out. Consider that doctors don’t recommend using spray sunscreens.
- Try not to be under direct sunlight from 10 am to 5 pm;
- Choose appropriate clothes made of natural fabrics;
If your child begins to show symptoms of heatstroke, take them immediately to a cool place, somewhere with shadow; then you should wipe their face and other body parts with a damp towel, and give them some water.
Prevent Dehydration
Water is another valuable tool that is indispensable in the summer to prevent any dangers. Wherever you go, take plenty of water with you and let your children drink as much as they want. Monitoring water rates and having proper drinking habits are important aspects. Sometimes kids forget to say they are thirsty, it will be a good idea to ask them and remind them they should drink at least six cups every day.
Another point to remember: children should drink only clean water, no juices or fizzy drinks. Sweetened beverages can make you dehydrated and want to drink even more.
So, the easiest rule is to drink water every day. Just control the amount of water you drink and its quality. By the way, it’s good advice all year round.
Helmet For Active Games
Summertime is for playing outdoors and having fun but even these activities can cause serious injury.. In order to avoid them, check all children’s sports equipment.
Have your kids grown out of their favorite bike and roller skates? It is worth investing in a good helmet, elbow, and knee pads. You should buy high-quality equipment and make sure it is appropriate for your child’s age and size. For example, if your kids like riding, then the height of the bicycle seat should allow the child to normally reach the pedal with the straight leg in the lower position. Try to purchase sports goods from reliable manufacturers.
Follow Food Safety
Summer safety rules during the summer include rules about food safety. The main recommendation is to avoid taking food with you to any outdoor place without proper storage like a cooler. Also remember to not eat foods that spoil
quickly like meat, sausage, fish, and dairy products. There are a few more rules about foods for child safety:
- Teach your kids to wash their hands or clean them with wet wipes before every meal.
- Try to eat more vegetables, fruits, and berries but wash them thoroughly before eating.
- Don’t buy fruits that should not be sold in the summer (tangerines, grapefruits) as they are usually grown with chemicals and can cause poisoning. Instead, consider those which are shock-and-block with useful vitamins and minerals (melons, plums, cherries).
- Always keep antivenom medications in your first aid kit.
Guard Against Drowning
One favorite childhood activity during the summer is swimming. No matter if they are professionals or they are just starting to learn to swim, they are ready to spend the whole day on the water. Before going to the beach, discuss the rules of proper behavior on the water with your kids:
- Use special safety equipment, inflatable sleeves, or a water vest;
- Do not swim in places where it is prohibited, choose only proper safe locations;
- Avoid swimming behind buoys or close to ships, and do not jump into the water from rocks.
- Do not play dangerous games on the water, do not drown your friends, and do not dive deep;
Try to keep children in your field of vision when they are in the water. Be careful about swimming time to avoid hypothermia. After bathing in salt water, it is necessary to wash with fresh water.
Start Summer with a Safety Equipment Checkup and Review
Child safety is every parent’s first priority. Even if you send your kids somewhere in the summer, provide them with protective equipment, and discuss summer safety precautions with them.
Even if your children are always careful and responsible, remind them about the potential dangers of summertime fun. Don’t forget to explain what to do when they are alone and the rules of behavior with strangers. If you spend the holidays together, it is a good time to create common activities. It will be easier for you to supervise your kids and be more interesting for children to have fun with their parents.
