Summer is one of our greatest assets. Make certain your greatest assets enjoy it safely by taking a bit of precaution as the season gets into full swing! Everyone is ready to get out and enjoy the activities of summer. But for the younger set, summer holds dangers that can readily be avoided with a bit of precaution and consistency. BE BOLD- When going to places like the zoo, playgrounds and festivals that are buzzing with people dress children in the same bright or unusual colors so if they become separated from you they will be easier to spot. Always know what they are wearing just in case you need to give a description to someone. Drink it in– Dehydration is a common summer problem. Make sure you always have plenty of liquids for the little ones and the older ones too. If driving they can be stored in a cooler so they don’t get warm or even a thermal lunch tote is easy to carry along. Sun Protection– Make application of sunscreen (for babies 6 months+) a daily ritual. First thing in the morning, even before getting dressed, apply sunscreen liberally. Reapply often, and always after swimming. Remember the scalp, which can easily burn due to thin hair. The backs of knees and ears are the most usual burn spot because of missed lotion. Don’t forget those tender lips! Apply a lip balm with sunscreen protection, too. Most of the sun's rays pass through clouds on overcast days, so use sun protection even on cloudy days. It takes up to 30 minutes for the chemicals in sunscreen to start working, so make sure your children have sunscreen on before they go outside. Special attention should be paid when children are playing near sand and water, since these surfaces can reflect up to 85 percent of the sun's damaging rays. Finally, choose tightly woven fabrics for your children's clothing as they block the sun's rays better than loosely woven fabrics. Make hats a ritual, too. Standing Water– Water that collects in pails, plant pots or similar containers is a hazard for younger children. Always empty pails after using them and keep containers turned upside down so rain water doesn’t collect. Make certain any water sources are carefully monitored. Turn off outdoor faucets when not supervised, or secure with a buttoned spigot. Pool Safety– Children should never have unsupervised access to any pool, regardless of depth. The most important rule of pool safety is Never Turn Your Back. Also be sure any pool area near your home is gated. Don't rely on floaties or other flotation devices for safety. Even if a pool or beach has a lifeguard, they are not a substitute for a parent or child care supervisor’s continual monitoring. Equipment gets hot– Playground equipment, seat buckles, lawn chairs, and similar type of equipment that are in the direct sun get hot. Be certain to test slides, swing chains, car seat buckles, etc. before your child’s use. Keep a towel in the car to cover buckles from direct sun and help to keep the temperature down. Little buggers– Check periodically for ant hills, bee hives and wasp nests. A curious child doesn’t know that these house insects that can sting and itch. Remove these houses when your child isn’t watching so they don’t gain false security in removing themselves. Speaking of bugs– Bug sprays are now available in wipe form. Perfect for little ones who can be annoyed by the spray and cannot keep their eyes closed for the application. Consult your physician about DEET and what ages your children can use the repellant. Very young toddlers should only use repellant with minimal amounts of DEET (under 12 - 15%). To the Rescue– Develop a small First Aid Kit to keep in your stroller, car or bike sack. Outings can be cut short if an injury cannot be cared for. Useful items to include in your kit: hand disinfectant, band aids, aloe lotion, tweezers, antiseptic, pen and paper, copy of insurance card, rubber bands, wet wipes, extra sunscreen and a few insect repellant wipes. Street Savvy- Sometimes the most child-friendly neighborhoods don't produce the most street-savvy children. Even if you live on a safe, lazy street, review sidewalk and alley safety and driveway knowledge with your child. Consider that your child may be visiting a friend who lives on a busier street. Recheck the size, fit and structure of all helmets, and make certain that when using any equipment with wheels, a helmet is properly worn. A helmet involved in a serious fall or accident should likely be replaced. Secure helmet straps and check fit throughout the summer as children grow quickly. Finally, make sure your child knows his full name, phone number, and address (this won't work for the really young ones). If possible have him memorize the cell or work number of a parent or family friend, or minimally a parent’s first and last name.
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