Summer Safety Tips

Safety First!


Summer is in full swing — day trips, vacations, BBQs, the works! With all this fun in the sun, it’s important to think safety first.
Sun safety is important all year round, but even more so in the summer when we spend most of our time outdoors. Too much sun can be very harmful to you and your family.

The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs during childhood — and that just one blistering sunburn can double the risk of getting melanoma later in life. Protect your family by following these tips from the Skin Cancer Foundation:

Avoid Peak Sun: The sun’s UV rays are most intense between 10am and 4pm. If possible, avoid spending extended periods of time outdoors during the midday sun.

Generously Apply Sunscreen: Apply to all exposed skin using a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Don’t forget nose, ears, hands, feet, shoulders, and behind the neck; lips can also burn, so apply a lip balm with SPF protection. Reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.

Wear Protective Clothing: Wearing protective clothing and hats is one of the most important ways of warding off UV damage. When wet, light-colored clothing transmits just as much sunlight as bare skin. Keep your kids covered with dark colors, long sleeves, and pants whenever possible. And don’t forget to pack sunglasses with UV protection to guard against burned corneas, and hats with brims to prevent sunburned scalps and faces.

Seek the Shade, Never a Tan: Bring along a large umbrella to the beach and park. Be aware, however, that sunlight bouncing off reflective surfaces can reach you even beneath an umbrella or a tree. There is no such thing as a healthy tan.

Stay Hydrated: Be sure that your children are drinking lots of water when they’re spending time in the sun. Children often don’t realize how thirsty they are or are too busy playing to stop and take a drink. Offer beverages throughout the day to avoid dehydration which occurs faster in warm weather.

If you find yourself in a situation where your child doesn’t like sunscreen, try using a spray-on sunscreen.. The application is a lot easier and can also be fun for the child. I also recommend encouraging children to help with the application (if they are interested and old enough).

Don’t forget that healthy habits are best learned young. Because skin damage occurs with each unprotected exposure and accumulates over the course of a lifetime, sun safety for children should be a priority.

Outdoor Activities & Park Play with Your Children

A day at the park may seem like ’just another day,’ but learning and bonding experiences flourish at the park!

Pack for Safety
Drinking water, sunscreen, hat, water to wash as well as wipes for hands, sneakers or other closed-toed shoes, a change of clothes or a towel for the seat, small first aid kit for those little scrapes and a small trash bag to keep the earth litter-free are all important.

Expect to Get Dirty
Going outside is about the freedom to explore and the only way to explore is to touch it, and yes, it is dirty - it’s outside! Dirty does not mean ’germy’. Roll in the grass, stomp in the mud, touch the frog and splash in the puddles.

Infant to Six Months

Pack for safety: A blanket to crawl on and a sturdy pair of pants for crawling on rough surfaces. Be prepared to change diapers on the go.
Be prepared to climb and crawl yourself. This is the best way for you to ensure your child’s safety. Watch for items going into your child’s mouth.
Hydration: the outside air and activity increases the amount of fluids you both need to consume. And while you’re packing the water, pack a snack.
Point, name and describe: As your child explores, point out the details; name objects and talk about your experience.
First Steps (12 to 18 months)

Pack for safety: Bring a blanket and a sturdy pair of pants for crawling on rough surfaces. This is not the place for skirts or dresses.
Plan for breaks and pack snacks, water and a few books.
Dig and touch: Collect items to further explore when you get home.
Walk the trail with your little one on a riding toy. Don’t forget the helmet.
Park Play Etiquette: If your little one finds a playmate, ask the other parent if both of you may join in the play. Your child will learn to ask for your approval before playing with strangers and the parent of the other child will appreciate this overture.
Toddler and Get Set (18 to 36 months)

Plot the potty path!
Bring balls to throw and kick or bean bags and a bucket.
Move beyond the park and walk a trail or explore a nursery. Go to the stream, lake or pond and skip rocks. Turn the rocks over to find creepy, crawly things.
No breaks required - but pause for a moment to re-hydrate.
Look through binoculars - even two toilet paper tubes offer a new view of the world.
Tent it! A pop up tent is an instant playhouse.
Take an umbrella and put on your galoshes - take a walk in the light rain.
Preschool to Pre-K (36 months +)

Lie down and look up: Children like to see the world from a different perspective.
Picnic: Let your child be a part of packing the necessities and preparing the sandwiches.
Play “I Spy” or “I Hear.”
Read or draw under the trees.
Bring a magnifying cup for bugs and objects to view. Research your bugs and objects when you return home to learn more about each.
Go outside all year long - visit http://www.scdconline.org/PDF_files/weatherwatch.pdf to know what is considered safe outdoor weather for children.