Summer Safety Tips
Nicole Yontz is a stay at home mom in Arizona and a personal blogger at TheBetterHalfBlogs.com.
Summer is upon us, unless you’re on the east coast, then you are still deeply embedded in winter and I am sad for you. But for the rest of us, especially those of us here in Arizona, summer is in full swing! And where there is fun in the sun there are also potential dangers to watch out for. Keeping our toddlers safe in the summer can sometimes be a struggle, but luckily I have compiled a list of tips to keep your little ones safe and happy all summer long. For more in-depth summer fun and safety guides, check out WhatToExpect.com
Sun Safety
• The thin and delicate skin on babies and toddlers is more susceptible to sunburn than adults so be diligent about using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, like California Baby Sunscreen, and apply at least 30 minutes before going out in the sun.
• If you’re going to be out during peak hours, between 10am and 4pm, be sure to dress your little one in sleeves, a hat and sun glasses, when possible.
• If your child does get a sunburn there are a few things you can do to ease pain and discomfort like offering your child lots of cold fluids to drink, applying soft washcloths that have been dipped in cool water to the sore areas, medicate with Motrin or Tylenol (no aspirin), dress them in comfortable, loose fitting clothes, a cool bath, and of course, applying aloe Vera gel.
• Seek medical help immediately if your child is dizzy, vomiting, or has passed out. Or if, in addition to the sunburn, your child has a headache, swelling, chills or a fever or if the sunburn is blistering within the first 24 hours or looks to be infected.
Bug Safety
• Prevent an infestation of mosquitoes by never leaving standing water in or around where your child plays.
• If your child is playing in wooded areas, or areas where there is a lot of long grass, check them regularly for deer ticks. Pay close attention to their hair and ears, which is where they are most commonly found.
• Use bug spray. According to the CDC, bug spray containing 10% to 30% DEET is safe for children as young as 2 months old.
• Make sure you are familiar with what beehives and wasp’s nests look like so you know what to avoid.
Pool Safety
• If you have a pool at home, make sure it has a gate at least 4 feet high with a childproof locking door that is secure at all times.
• Never leave your child unattended in the pool or pool area.
• Learn CPR and be sure anyone that will be watching your child in the pool knows CPR as well.
• Always drain toy wading pools when your child is done playing in it.
• Keep a phone handy at all times.
• Ensure that everyone in your family learns to swim well and have children wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved vests or floaties when playing around the pool.
• Never allow your children to have breath-holding contests and do not let them play around drains or suction fittings.
Hidden Dangers
• Never let children play with fireworks unattended and do not be irresponsible with fireworks around your children.
• Never ever leave your children in a hot car, even for a few minutes. EVER.
• Beware of hot playground equipment and test slides before your child attempts to go down. This also goes for seatbelt and car seat buckles.
• Familiarize yourself with the early warning signs of dehydration and heat sickness.
• Make sure your children know to stay far away from a working lawn mower.
Here’s hoping you have a wonderful and safe summer!