Keeping Kids Safe, Healthy in Summer

With the hot days of summer already here, and schools letting out next week, Dr. Adrienne Suggs, director of pediatric emergency and inpatient services at Franklin Square, reminds parents how they can help keep their children safe throughout the season.

Preventing sunburn

Sunburn is not only painful, it can increase your child’s chance of skin cancer later in life. Make sure to apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to children at least 30 minutes before they go outside, whether it’s a sunny or cloudy day, and reapply it every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Even with sunscreen, keep children in the shade when possible. Lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats will also help protect their skin from the harsh rays of the sun.

Preventing Insect Bites and Stings

Avoid areas where insects swarm, such as still pools of water and flower gardens. Avoid using scented soaps, lotions or hairsprays on children, as these can attract insects. Bright colors can also attract insects, so try not to dress kids in bright clothes.

And don’t forget to apply insect repellents—just make sure to use kid-friendly products. Steer clear of those with 30 percent or more DEET, and don’t use any DEET on children younger than 2 months of age.

Preventing Heat Stress

When heat and humidity are high, the intensity of activities that last more than 15 minutes should be reduced. It’s important to keep children hydrated, too. Give them water before they start a physical activity, and make sure they continue to consume liquids while active, even if they don’t feel thirsty. And if children are feeling fatigued, don’t push them. Make sure they rest before resuming physical activity.

Staying Safe In or Near the Water

Teach children how to swim, and even when they can swim, never leave them alone in or near water for any amount of time. Inflatable swimming aids can be fun, but they are not substitutes for approved life jackets. Make sure you have proper rescue equipment on hand, and always stay nearby.

Staying Safe on Wheels

Make sure children know to stay away from traffic on bicycles, skateboards and scooters. They should always wear helmets, which can protect them from serious injury. And if they are riding skateboards or scooters, they’ll need protective knee and elbow pads, too.

Staying Safe on the Playground

Visit only playgrounds where the environment and the equipment is well maintained. Check that swing seats are made of soft materials. Make sure children cannot reach equipment that has moving parts or might pinch or trap a body part. On hot days, check metal sliding boards and equipment to make sure they are cool enough for a child to climb on.

Staying Safe at Home

When school lets out for the summer, you may have arranged for summer camp or a babysitter, or you may allow your child to stay at home during the day. When deciding if your child can handle staying home alone, consider his or her developmental level, decision-making skills and ability to react appropriately in emergencies.

But remember that under Maryland law, children under age 8 cannot stay alone, and an older child staying with them must be at least 13. If you leave your child alone, check in with them frequently throughout the day. Make sure your home has a first aid kit (and that your child is familiar with the contents and knows how to use them) as well as an emergency contact list by the telephone.