As summer break is just beginning, it's a wonderful time for kids to get outside and enjoy all that the season has to offer. As your pediatrician, I want to share some essential safety tips to ensure your little ones have a fun and healthy summer.
Sun Protection
Protecting your child's skin from the sun is crucial. Here are some tips:
Apply sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply generously 15-30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating. I recommend mineral sunscreen (those containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide) for younger children. Do not forget to apply sunscreen on the back of your ears and neck!
Seek shade: Try to limit direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm). Find shady spots under trees, umbrellas, or canopies.
Wear protective clothing: Dress your child in lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats to shield their skin. UV-protective Sunglasses are also important to protect their eyes.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is key, especially during hot summer days.
Drink plenty of fluids: Remember that kids are more prone to dehydration and encourage your child to drink water throughout the day, even if they don't feel thirsty. Offer water every 20-30 minutes when playing outside.
Offer hydrating snacks: Fruits like watermelon, berries, and oranges are not only delicious but also high in water content.
Avoid sugary drinks: Limit sugary drinks like soda and juice-stick with good old water or add fruit slices for fun flavor.
Water Safety
Whether it's a pool, lake, or ocean, water safety is paramount.
Supervise children closely: Always have an adult within arm’s reach when kids are near or in water–this includes bathtubs, pools, lakes, and beaches. Never leave a child unattended near water, even for a moment. Do not get distracted, even for a short period of time, by looking at your media screens. Accidents can happen in a very brief period of time! Always maintain constant and direct supervision.
Let your children learn how to swim: A lot of places, including the city of Irvine, offer survival swimming lessons even for infants and toddlers. I strongly suggest swimming lessons for children of ages 2 years and up.
Use life jackets: Have your child wear a properly fitted life jacket when near or in water, especially if they are not strong swimmers. Do not rely on those floaties that go on your children’s arm.
Learn CPR: Knowing CPR can be a lifesaver in an emergency. Consider taking a CPR course.
Clean properly after having fun: Empty kiddie polls, buckets, or tubs immediately after use.
More Safety Tips
Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:
Bug bites: Use insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (usually safe for kids over 2 months) to protect against mosquito and tick bites. Check your child for ticks after outdoor activities. You can use ice, antihistamine cream or diphenhydramin gel to help with local swelling and itchiness.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke: Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, such as heavy sweating, dizziness, and nausea. Move your child to a cool place and give them fluids. Heatstroke is a medical emergency, call 911 immediately if your child experiences high fever, confusion, or loss of consciousness. Children are more prone to have injuries related to heat. Never leave your child in the car alone, even for a short period of time!
Bike and scooter safety: Always make sure your child wears a helmet when riding a bike or scooter. It does not matter if they are riding in your front yard. Most accidents occur near home. “No helmet, No bike!” “No helmet, No scooter!”
Fireworks safety: Keep a safe distance from fireworks and never let children handle them.
Sleep still matters: Keep a good sleep routine. A well-rested child handles heat, excitement, and travel much better!
Enjoy your summer!
If you have any questions or want to check in before traveling, my staff and I at Grace Pediatrics are here for you.
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