Summer is here! With the summer season comes certain safety considerations parents need to be aware of to ensure their kiddos are having the time of their lives, but doing it safely. Here are just a few ideas:

Sunscreen Is a Must-Have
What should we use, when should we use it and how?

• Continuously reapply sunscreen. Use it as often as possible and you should start as young as six months old. For young kids under six months, make sure they're dressed appropriately, wearing long-sleeved clothing and for older kids, wearing a hat with a large brim helps reduce sun exposure.
  
  
• The minimum SPF should be 30 and reapplication is recommended every two hours.

Prioritize Water Safety

• The most important water safety measure is knowing how to swim. There are opportunities throughout the year at location recreation centers to take swim lessons. Adults can also take part if they’re not the best swimmers as an added level of water safety.
  
  
• Kids who are still learning to swim benefit from wearing life vests and arm floaties, particularly in open bodies of water (ocean, lake, river). Adults and kids can also be prepared by knowing if there is a lifeguard on duty and exactly where the lifeguard station is.

Safety for Fun Outings 

• Summer is a prime time for county fairs, amusement park outings and trips to the zoo. In all of these situations, it’s essential to have conversations with kids about sticking together and understanding possible dangers. If they become lost or separated from the group, kids should know who they can turn to for help. If they’re too young to know their parent’s phone number, one idea is to write it on the tongue of their shoe so an adult can quickly help.
  
  
• It's also important to have a first-aid kit in multiple locations, such as the home, car and a travel-sized one to take on outings, including; Benadryl, Band-Aids and an antibiotic.
  
  
• If you’re new to a community or visiting an unknown area on vacation, it’s helpful to know where the closest emergency department and urgent care facilities are located. There is also no harm in calling or texting 9-1-1 if you’re uncertain about a medical situation.

Let’s Have a Fun Summer!

Summer should be a joyful time, full of play and family time—but also safety. If you, as a parent or caregiver, have any specific questions surrounding summer safety, a good place to start is with your child’s pediatrician.