With warmer weather comes the opportunity to spend more time outdoors, enjoying all that nature has to offer. Be sure to stay safe and healthy during any outdoor activities with these tips.
1. When Taking Your Preschool Child to the Playground
If you’re looking to get some energy out or enjoy sunshine and fresh air, consider taking a trip to the local park. Make sure to keep a close eye on your little ones (especially if it’s crowded). Remind your preschoolers to wash their hands after touching any playground equipment and being exposed to many germs.
2. Approach Animals with Caution
You can bet you’ll come across a handful of people walking their dogs when taking the kids for a walk. Teach your children to always ask the handler for permission before approaching his pet, and be aware of body language signs indicating that the dog may not be receptive to strangers at the moment.
3. Wear Sunscreen
Temperatures are heating up, and so is the need for sunscreen! When searching for the right product, look for sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. You can even purchase a moisturizer with built in SPF for added protection. Whether you’re having a pool day, or simply spending time outdoors, sunscreen is a must.
4. Stay Hydrated
One of the most important things to remember is to stay hydrated. Drink lots of water, go for a swim, or whip out some fruity popsicles for a refreshing treat. Remember to stay cool while staying safe this spring.
5. Maintain Healthy Eating Habits
Sodas and ice cream trucks and cookouts, oh, my! Opportunities for junk food abound during the summer, but abiding by healthy eating habits for kids while they’re out of school will ensure that your little ones learn healthy, consistent habits and get the vitamins and nutrients they need to fuel their summer fun.
6. Ride Safely
As kids head outdoors to play with friends and ride bicycles around the neighborhood, make sure they’re practicing bike safety, including riding a properly fitted bike and wearing a properly fitted bike helmet.
7. Ward off Bugs and Tend to Bites
Your kids aren’t the only ones playing outside! When the weather warms up, the creepy-crawlies come out en masse, and little ones are liable to fall victim to bites and bumps.
- Use insect repellent. Don’t forget the bug spray. The Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 30% concentration of DEET in insect repellants for children over two months old.
- Beware standing water. “Try to avoid stagnant water in or outside of your home,” Dr. Sabella says. “Ponds and turned-off fountains with stagnant water can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.”
- Check for ticks. May to October is tick season, so up your tick removal know-how and be on the lookout for these buggers burrowing in your kids’ skin.
- Know what to do. If your child has a run-in with a bee, spider, mosquito or other painful pest, follow doctors’ guidance for treating bug bites and bee stings.
8. Don’t overdo it on the Outdoors
Kids of all ages should take breaks from playing outside by retreating into the shade — or, even better, into air-conditioning — every 20 minutes to 30 minutes.
Kids need time to relax, cool off and hydrate before they return to play. And once they’re done playing for the day, continue to keep up that hydration.
Hot, humid weather also puts active kids at a higher risk for developing heat rash, so take precautions to avoid it and make sure you know how to treat it in case it happens.