Summer is a season of endless possibilities for children in the Arlington, Texas area. The long, sunny days are perfect for outdoor adventures, whether it’s swimming in the backyard, biking through the neighborhood, or enjoying a picnic in the local park. However, with all this fun comes the need for safety practices to ensure kids stay healthy and happy throughout the summer months.
Here are some essential summer safety tips for parents to keep in mind.
1. Sun Safety
The sun’s rays are strongest during the summer, which can lead to sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. Protecting your child’s skin is crucial.
- Apply Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it generously 15-30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, hats with brims, and sunglasses can provide additional protection against UV rays.
- Seek Shade: Encourage kids to play in the shade, especially during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
2. Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential for kids as they often lose fluids quickly while playing in the heat.
- Encourage Water Intake: Make sure kids drink water regularly, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Keep a water bottle handy during outdoor activities.
- Avoid Sugary Drinks: Limit consumption of sugary drinks and caffeine, as they can contribute to dehydration.
3. Water Safety
Swimming is a favorite summer activity, but it comes with risks that require careful supervision.
- Supervise Constantly: Never leave children unattended near water. Drowning can happen quickly and silently.
- Teach Swimming Skills: Enroll kids in swimming lessons to teach them how to swim and understand water safety.
- Use Life Jackets: Ensure children wear life jackets when boating or playing in natural bodies of water, even if they are strong swimmers.
4. Bike and Scooter Safety
Biking and scootering are great ways for kids to enjoy the outdoors, but safety gear is a must.
- Wear Helmets: Helmets should be worn at all times and should fit snugly.
- Follow Traffic Rules: Teach kids to ride on the right side of the road, obey traffic signals, and use hand signals when turning.
- Inspect Equipment: Regularly check bikes and scooters for proper functioning, including brakes and tires.
5. Playground Safety
Playgrounds are a hub of summer fun but also a common site for injuries.
- Check Equipment: Ensure playground equipment is in good condition and safe for use. Look out for sharp edges, hot surfaces, and tripping hazards.
- Supervise Play: Keep an eye on children to ensure they use playground equipment appropriately and safely.
- Teach Safe Play: Encourage kids to take turns, use equipment properly, and be mindful of others.
6. Insect Protection
Summer brings out insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and bees, which can cause discomfort or transmit diseases.
- Use Insect Repellent: Apply store bought insect repellent or a more natural approach of lemon and eucalyptus essential oil to exposed skin and clothing.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Dress children in long sleeves and pants when in wooded or grassy areas.
- Check for Ticks: After outdoor activities, check children for ticks, especially in hidden areas like the scalp, behind ears, and underarms.
7. Heat Safety
Extreme heat can be dangerous, leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, especially in the Texas heat.
- Limit Strenuous Activities: Schedule outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day and take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors.
- Know the Signs: Educate yourself and your children about the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, such as excessive sweating, weakness, dizziness, and nausea.
8. Food Safety
Picnics and barbecues are summer staples, but they require careful food handling to avoid foodborne illnesses.
- Keep Food Cool: Use coolers with ice packs to keep perishable foods at safe temperatures.
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Separate raw and cooked foods, and use different utensils and cutting boards for each.
- Clean Hands: Ensure hands are washed with soap and water before handling food.
If you are currently looking for a pediatrician in the Arlington, Texas area you have come to the right place. Read more about choosing the correct pediatrician for your children here.