10 Summer Safety Tips
Summertime means getting outdoors and having fun with your kids, but playing outside in high temperatures and bright sun can also lead to safety concerns. As a busy mom of two active boys, I am always thinking about how to prevent injuries. My younger son in particular has a tendency to want to leap from the highest point on the jungle gym! From small scrapes to big scares, make sure you and your kids stay safe this season with these summer safety tips!
10 Summer Safety Tips
1. Stay hydrated: This tip is perhaps the most obvious. If you are headed outdoors, make sure to pack plenty of water with ice. When we’re out at the playground, I make sure the kids take periodic water breaks, as otherwise it can be easy for them to forget. Staying hydrated is important even if you are just out running errands during the day, when it might be less obvious that you are getting dehydrated. But in particular if your child is playing a sport or involved in another summer activity, make sure they are drinking plenty of water.
2. Use the right gear: Whether your child is at the pool or playing a summer sport, make sure they are using the proper gear. This is an area where you really can’t skimp! For heading to the park, this could be hats and sunglasses, or for a sport, the proper pads and safety gear.
3. Use sunscreen liberally: Read the directions carefully to see how often to re-apply, and remember that most sunscreens are not suitable for babies less than 6 months old. Don’t forget to include a lip balm with SPF.
4. Take breaks: Even with sunscreen, kids need a break from the sun and the heat. This is especially true for young children, who are more sensitive. Babies younger than 6 months old, for example, are better off staying out of the sun. Also, remember that UV rays are strongest in the middle of the day, so if possible, to avoid being out during those times. Depending on the climate, time of day can also make a big difference in the temperature. So take advantage of cooler times of day to get out and have fun. And if your child is playing a sport, make sure they have plenty of breaks during practices and games.
5. Keep a first aid kit handy: I keep a stocked first aid kit in the car, plus a few essentials like band aids in my bag. So far I haven’t had to use them much, but I feel so much better knowing I’m prepared!
6. Sign your child up for swim lessons: There are many options available for kids’ swim lessons. You can pay for private lessons or group lessons are often offered through local gyms or the parks and recreation department. Be sure to brush up on your own swimming skills and review water safety rules, including the signs of drowning.
7. Take time to warm up: If your child is playing a sport, make sure they take the time to warm up properly. It can be difficult for kids not to run out and play full tilt right away, but taking a little time to warm up will help prevent injuries in the long run.
8. Listen to your body: Teach kids to pay attention to how they are feeling and not push through pain or discomfort. Taking care of a potential injury right away will get them back in the action sooner. And if they are feeling dizzy or very hot, make sure they get some relief from the heat.
9. Don’t forget to take care of yourself: If you are anything like me, you remember to pack water and snacks for kids, but not for yourself. Remember that you are also out in the hot sun, so you need to take care of mama, too!
10. Make sure your family is covered: It’s also essential to have a safety net for your family in case there is an injury. Accident insurance means you can focus on your child instead of your bills. Aflac can provide peace of mind for parents in case of a serious injury, with cash benefits to help you and your child bounce back quickly. When your child has been injured, the last thing you need is hassle and worry over your insurance claim. Aflac’s new One Day PaySM promise means that accident claims can even be processed in just ONE DAY. You can feel safe with Aflac, a Fortune 500 company that has been recognized by Ethisphere magazine for nine consecutive years as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. Find out more about Aflac’s accident insurance policies.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
