Before you know it summer will be here, school will be out and your kids will be blissfully enjoying all this season has to offer. But before your little ones get too far take a look at these tips that will keep your kids soaking up the sunshine all summer long and out of the emergency room.
Sunburns
Did you know, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, getting one blistering sunburn when you’re a kid doubles your chances of developing melanoma. That makes putting sunscreen on your child seem a little more serious! But sunscreen isn’t just important for your kids, you too must remember to put it on regardless of your skin type.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone apply a water-resistant sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Be sure to choose a sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 and apply it 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Apply as much as would fill a shot glass, about every two hours and after swimming or other vigorous activity.
Bites and Stings
Insect repellent is a must to protect against bites and stings from mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and the other bothersome bugs that summer brings. But you can’t just choose any repellent for your child’s skin. Try not to use insect repellents containing DEET on kids because it can be toxic. Never use any repellent on infants. If for some reason you must use repellents containing DEET on your child choose one with 10 to 30 percent concentrations. Put it on exposed skin, clothing and shoes but do not apply it to little faces or hands.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends repellents that contain picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, both are non-toxic and reduce bites just as well as repellents containing low levels of DEET. Also, if applying both sunscreen and insect repellent on your child use the sunscreen first and follow-up with the repellent.
Bikes
Rule #1, your child must always wear a helmet. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets standards for helmets, so be sure to check out the appropriate fit for your little biker and choose a helmet with a CPSC safety seal on it. Injuries can happen anywhere, in driveways, sidewalks and on bike paths, not just on the street. Children learn best by observing you so set the example: whenever you ride, put on your helmet.
In addition to the correct helmet fit you must remember that kids will outgrow their bikes. If the bike is the appropriate size, your child will be able to straddle the top bar of his or her bike with both feet flat on the ground with a 1 to 3-inch gap between the bar and your child’s body.
Pools
No matter the age of your kids or how well they can swim, never leave them alone near the pool. If you are lucky enough to have a pool at home, take precautions, install fencing around pools at least 5-feet high, all the way around and with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Also, pool and gate alarms will alert you when the pool water becomes agitated or when the gate is opened.
Crowds
Before you head out to a crowded outdoor concert, fair or sporting event with your family go over some simple items to prevent anything bad from happening. First, identify a safe place where you will meet your children if you get split up. Make sure your kids know to check first before heading anywhere without you and remind them to always take a friend or another sibling. Tell your children to never take anything or go anywhere with strangers without your permission. It is also important to leave clothes displaying your kid’s name at home. Your child may get confused if a stranger yells his or her name.
These tips may seem simple but we sometimes forget them with all the summertime excitement. So take them to heart and enjoy a tear-free summer with the family!
Tips provided by MissionTuition.com, the easiest way to save for your child’s future.
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