Summer Safety Tips - post

Summer Safety Tips

As the days get warmer and longer, help children stay safe by following these simple tips. Obtain written permission from parents or guardians to administer medicine, lotions, or sprays.

  • Prepare and take a first aid kit wherever you go. Always include medication children need and emergency contact information. Regularly replenish Band-Aids and other materials for cuts and scrapes. 
  • Schedule outdoor play time to avoid the sun’s peak hours, which are generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Make sure children have access to shade and plenty of drinking water when outside.
  • Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30. Apply to children’s exposed skin at least 15 minutes before heading outside, even on cloudy days. Reapply every 2 hours and after children get wet. 
  • Apply insect repellent if children spend time near areas with biting insects. Read and follow instructions carefully. Do not use repellent with more than 30 percent DEET.
  • Supervise children at all times during water play. Create guidelines with children and enforce them during play, such as no running near water or splashing other children.

For more information:

  • “Summer Safety Tips,” by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 2012. www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/Summer-Safety-Tips-Staying-SafeOutdoors.aspx. 
  • Healthy Young Children: A Manual for Programs, 5th ed. 2012. Edited by Susan S. Aronson. www.naeyc.org/store/HealthyYoung-Children-5th-Ed.
  • “Sun Safety,” by Sue Mankiw, Teaching Young Children 4 (5): 22–25. www.naeyc.org/tyc/fi les/tyc/fi le/V4N5/Sun_safety.pdf

Information obtained from Naeyc - Teaching Young Children, Vol 6, No 5


Need help? Call us at 240-261-1463
Call us