Safety for kids in summer

 

Young children need constant supervision outdoors.  When you add in summer parties, barbecues, pools, and get-togethers, the need for supervision increases. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) wants parents to keep a close eye on their children and these summer time hazards:

1. Sun exposure: Use sunscreen in children over 6 months with an SPF of at least 15 and reapply every 2 hours.  Swim shirts, hats, sunglasses,  and tight weaved cotton clothing are also recommended. In infants, shade, limited sun exposure, and lightweight pants and long sleeved shirts are recommended.
2. Be on the lookout for heat stress.  Drinking plenty of fluids, limiting exercise, and replacing salt are important in hot weather.
3. Pool safety cannot be stressed enough. ALWAYS SUPERVISE CHILDREN NEAR WATER. Gates, rescue equipment and constant supervision are necessary around pools.  Do not rely on floats to protect a child.
4. Insect bites: Avoid using any product with DEET in a child under 2 months.  After 2 months, the recommended level of DEET is 30% and read the label for application.  When they come indoors, children should be bathed after using DEET .
5. Playgrounds: Watch for old equipment, finger traps, loose chains, tall slides, protruding bolts, hot metal, and heavy swings.  Playgrounds should have a 9 inch layer of mulch, shredded rubber, or sand with a 6 feet radius around equipment.
6. Cars: Never leave a child in a hot car, not even for a moment.  The sun heats up a car and overheating occurs quickly even in mild weather.  Children should never be left alone in a car. Locking car doors while they are parked will keep children from playing in them.  Kids love cars and pretending to drive and a locked car is a good deterrent.
7. Bikes: Most preschoolers are not ready for two wheelers.  However, helmets and padding should be worn.  This goes for scooters, skateboards, and roller skates of any type.
8. Lawn mowers: Children should never ride on lawn mowers.  Due to flying debris, children should be kept away from mowing areas. Always look for children when backing up the mower.
9. Fireworks: The AAP recommends children never use fireworks.
10. Boating: Always wear a coast guard approved life jacket and make sure it is the appropriate size for your child.
11. ATVs: Children should not be allowed to ride on all terrain vehicles, not even as a passenger.
12. Grills: Watch children around grills even when they are not hot.  Kids love to turn and play with the knobs.  Keep the gas turned off tightly.  Always supervise the grill.

Summertime is definitely PG for kids.  Parents must supervise children during outdoor activities and play.  Make sure you always know who is responsible for keeping an eye on your child (taking turns with a spouse is a good idea).  Make sure when you ask someone to watch your child that the person heard you, not just answered OK without listening.  Also, know as a child ages and learns more about the dangers of grills, water, and being injured, it does get easier.

For more information: AAP Summer Safety Tips Part 1, AAP Summer Safety Tips Part 2,and Keeping Kids Healthy Summertime News.