Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
In the warm summer months, it is important to ensure that your kids stay hydrated as they play outside! Without proper hydration, these higher temps can lead to dehydration, heat stress, and even heat stroke. To keep hydrated, WebMD suggests drinking water at a minimum of every 20 minutes. Planning to be out in the sun for more than an hour? Experts suggest hydrating with electrolyte-rich sports drinks for even better dehydration prevention.
Recognizing Signs of Dehydration
Parents should watch for early warning signs of dehydration in children, which can develop quickly in hot weather. Look for symptoms such as increased thirst, dry mouth, fewer wet diapers in infants, lack of tears when crying, and unusual fussiness or drowsiness. More severe signs include sunken eyes, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, move your child to a cool area immediately and offer small sips of water.
Smart Hydration Strategies
Make hydration fun and appealing to kids by offering flavored water with fresh fruit, frozen fruit popsicles made from 100% juice, or water bottles with fun designs. Encourage children to drink before they feel thirsty, as thirst is already a sign of mild dehydration. For extended outdoor activities, pack a cooler with plenty of cold beverages and make water breaks part of your regular routine.
Protect your kids from sunburn
Preventing sunburn is another important safety tip for summer to keep in mind while your children are having a blast playing on the beach, at the park, or in your backyard. One of the easiest ways to avoid sunburn is to limit outdoor time between 10:00 a.m and 3:00 p.m., when the sun is at its most powerful. If you are outside during these times, try to keep your kids in the shade when possible. Heading to the beach? An easy way to provide shade is by bringing an umbrella that incorporates SPF protection. When your family heads outside be sure to always use sunscreen, preferably SPF 30 or higher. Look for products that boast both UVA and UVB protection, and always apply 30 minutes before heading out for your day in the sun.
Proper Sunscreen Application
Many parents don’t realize that proper sunscreen application requires more product than they typically use. Apply sunscreen generously – about one ounce (two tablespoons) for the entire body of an average-sized adult, and proportionally less for children. Don’t forget often-missed spots like the tops of feet, ears, lips, and the back of the neck. Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating, even if using waterproof sunscreen.
Protective Clothing and Accessories
Clothing can provide excellent sun protection when chosen wisely. Look for tightly woven fabrics, darker colors, and clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings. Wide-brimmed hats that shade the face, neck, and ears are essential, and don’t forget sunglasses with 100% UV protection to shield delicate eye areas. Consider investing in UV-protective swimwear for extended beach or pool activities.
Prevent bug bites
In addition to being itchy and uncomfortable, bug bites can also lead to a variety of diseases including Zika, West Nile Virus, and Lyme disease. Ick! However, the good news is that there are a lot of effective insect repellants on the market that will allow your children to frolic outdoors without being eaten alive by mosquitoes and other pests. Experts suggest using a bug spray that includes DEET, which has been proven to ward off both mosquitoes and ticks. Pediatricians do not recommend the use of DEET on infants, however in children of two months of age or older, a product containing 10% to 30% DEET is recommended.
Natural Bug Prevention Methods
For families preferring natural alternatives, several options can help reduce bug bites. Citronella candles or torches can create a bug-free zone around outdoor seating areas. Essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender can be effective when properly diluted and applied to clothing (not directly on skin for young children). Light-colored clothing and long sleeves during peak mosquito hours (dawn and dusk) can also provide protection.
Creating Bug-Free Outdoor Spaces
Eliminate standing water around your home where mosquitoes breed, including flower pots, birdbaths, and gutters. Keep grass and vegetation trimmed short, as these areas harbor ticks and other insects. When camping or picnicking, choose locations away from stagnant water and consider using screened tents or pop-up shelters for bug-free outdoor dining.
Always practice water safety
Whether you are enjoying a family beach day or playing at the community pool, warmer temperatures mean a variety of fun water activities, which can be a blast when enjoyed safely! One of our top summer safety tips is to always keep a close eye on your children when they are in the water. Another way to ensure your child stays safe in the water is to enroll them in formal swimming lessons and to invest in life vests for children that do not yet know how to swim. Want to take it a step further? You should consider enrolling in a local CPR class, so that you are prepared in case of an emergency.
Active Adult Supervision
Water safety requires constant, undivided attention. Designate a “water watcher” – an adult whose sole responsibility is supervising children in or around water. This person should avoid distractions like phones, books, or conversations. Use the buddy system for older children and establish clear boundaries for where kids can swim or play. Remember that drowning can happen quickly and silently, often without the splashing and calling for help that many people expect.
Pool and Beach Safety Rules
Establish and enforce consistent water safety rules. Never allow running around pools or diving in shallow water. Teach children to always enter the water feet-first unless they’re absolutely certain about the depth. At the beach, be aware of changing conditions like tides, currents, and weather. Stay close to lifeguarded areas when possible and teach children to respect warning flags and signs.
Heat-Related Illness Prevention
Understanding Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and can’t cool itself effectively. Symptoms include excessive sweating, weakness, nausea, headache, and dizziness. Heat stroke is more serious and can be life-threatening, characterized by high body temperature, hot and dry skin, rapid pulse, and confusion. According to the Mayo Clinic, prompt treatment is essential for heat-related illnesses.
Cooling Strategies
Plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day, typically before 10 AM and after 4 PM. Take frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas. Dress children in loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made from breathable fabrics. Use cooling towels, misting fans, or cooling vests for extended outdoor activities. Create a cool-down routine that includes moving to shade, removing excess clothing, and applying cool (not cold) water to wrists and neck.
Playground and Equipment Safety
Temperature Checks
Before children play, check the temperature of playground equipment, especially metal slides, monkey bars, and swing seats. Surfaces can become scorching hot in direct sunlight and cause burns within seconds. Use the “hand test” – if you can’t comfortably keep your hand on the surface for five seconds, it’s too hot for children to play on safely.
Proper Playground Supervision
Ensure age-appropriate equipment use and maintain visual contact with children at all times. Check that safety surfaces like rubber mulch or mats are in good condition and provide adequate cushioning. Teach children about safe playground behavior, including waiting their turn, using equipment as intended, and being aware of others around them.
Vehicle and Heat Safety
Never Leave Children in Vehicles
Cars can reach deadly temperatures in minutes, even with windows cracked. Interior temperatures can rise 20 degrees in just 10 minutes and continue climbing. Always check back seats before locking your car, and never leave children unattended in vehicles, even for quick errands. Create reminders like placing your phone or purse in the back seat to ensure you always check before leaving.
Car Safety in Hot Weather
Use sunshades or window tinting to reduce heat buildup in parked cars. Check car seats and seat belts before buckling children in – metal buckles and leather seats can cause burns. Keep vehicles well-maintained with functioning air conditioning, and carry emergency supplies including extra water, a first aid kit, and a phone charger.
Summer Food Safety
Preventing Foodborne Illness
Hot weather increases the risk of foodborne illness as bacteria multiply rapidly in warm conditions. Keep perishable foods in coolers with plenty of ice, and don’t leave food out in temperatures above 90°F for more than one hour. Pack foods in separate containers and use a thermometer to ensure coolers stay below 40°F. When grilling, use separate plates and utensils for raw and cooked foods.
Hydrating Foods
Incorporate water-rich foods into summer meals and snacks. Watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and berries provide hydration along with essential vitamins and minerals. Frozen fruit pops, yogurt parfaits, and smoothies can be both refreshing and nutritious. Avoid excessive sugary drinks that can actually contribute to dehydration.
Creating a Summer Safety Plan
Emergency Preparedness
Develop a family emergency plan that includes contact information for local emergency services, poison control, and your pediatrician. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit accessible and ensure all caregivers know how to use it. Consider taking a family first aid and CPR class together so everyone is prepared for emergencies.
Daily Safety Routines
Establish consistent daily routines that prioritize safety. Morning preparation might include checking weather forecasts, applying sunscreen, and packing adequate water and snacks. Create age-appropriate safety checklists that children can help with, making them active participants in their own safety.
Age-Specific Safety Considerations
Infants and Toddlers
Very young children are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and require extra precautions. Dress infants in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and use stroller covers or umbrellas for shade. Check on sleeping infants frequently, as they can’t communicate discomfort. Never leave infants alone near any water source, including bathtubs, pools, or buckets.
School-Age Children
Older children can take more responsibility for their own safety but still need supervision and reminders. Teach them to recognize signs of heat exhaustion, the importance of staying hydrated, and how to apply sunscreen properly. Establish clear rules about where they can play and what activities are appropriate for different weather conditions.
Making Safety Fun
Educational Games and Activities
Turn safety education into fun activities. Create scavenger hunts that include finding shade, identifying cooling stations, or locating first aid supplies. Use role-playing games to practice emergency procedures or water safety skills. Make hydration tracking into a game with special water bottles or charts.
Involving Kids in Safety Planning
Give children age-appropriate responsibilities in family safety planning. They can help pack emergency kits, choose appropriate clothing for weather conditions, or remind family members about safety rules. This involvement helps them internalize safety concepts and builds confidence in their ability to make good decisions.
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