Summer Safety 101
The summer season is typically filled with lots of outdoor and water activities. As parents it is important that we know how to properly care for and prepare our children for hot weather and make sure they have education around water safety. Babies, toddlers, and school-aged children are more vulnerable to sunburn, dehydration, heat-related illnesses, and water accidents. By taking a few simple precautions, parents can help children enjoy summer safely while reducing the risk of injury and illness. This article will cover basic tips on how to keep your children safe during the summer months.
Summer Safety Tips for Babies (0–12 Months)
Sun Safety
- Keep infants younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight whenever possible.
- Use stroller canopies, umbrellas, or shaded areas when outdoors.
- Dress babies in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and wide-brimmed hats to avoid sunburn.
- For babies older than 6 months, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin. Babies younger than 6 months should not wear sunscreen due to the risk of chemical burn.
- Avoid peak sun hours which are typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
Heat Safety
- Watch for signs of overheating which include: fussiness, flushed or pale skin, excessive crying, or unusual sleepiness.
- Keep babies hydrated with breast milk or formula as recommended by their pediatrician.
- Never leave a baby in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Always remove your children from the car to avoid serious heat related injuries.
Water Safety
- Never leave infants unattended near any water, including bathtubs, buckets, kiddie pools, or pools. Even if your baby is in a floatation device or wearing a life vest, they should never be left unattended near or in water.
- Empty buckets, tubs, and small pools immediately after use.
Summer Safety Tips for Toddlers (1–4 Years)
Sun Safety
- Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or a lot of sweating.
- Dress toddlers in hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing when you plan to be outside.
Heat Safety
- Offer water frequently.
- Try to schedule outdoor play or park visits during cooler morning or evening hours.
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion which include: fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, or excessive sweating.
Water Safety
- Always stay within arm's reach whenever a toddler is near water.
- Remove toys, floaties, etc from pools after use so that kids are not tempted to reach for them and possibly fall in.
- Do not rely on inflatable toys, water wings, or floaties as safety devices. Always accompany your toddler in the water.
Summer Safety Tips for Children Ages 5–12
Sun Safety
- Teach children to apply and reapply sunscreen correctly.
- Dress kids in protective clothing, hats, and UV-protective sunglasses.
- Cloudy days still expose us to harmful UV rays and we should treat those days the same as sunny days.
Heat Safety
- Remind children to stay regularly hydrated and take sips throughout the day.
- Make sure children are getting breaks during sports and outdoor play.
- Monitor for symptoms of heat illness which include: muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea, or confusion.
Water Safety
- You should always maintain active supervision in and around water. Even if your child is a safe swimmer, accidents happen.
- Make sure your children are wearing fitted, U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets when boating or participating in water activities on lakes, rivers, or oceans.
Summer is a time for fun and family. By practicing sun protection, preventing heat-related illnesses, and following age-appropriate water safety guidelines, parents can help reduce common summertime risks. A few preventive measures can help make sure that children stay healthy and safe.
