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By Shaundra King

Clark County Health Department

Children and adults alike look forward every year to summer. It is a time for a break from school and time spent with family. However, there are also risks involved with summer activities. Below are some tips to have a safe and happy summer for families with children.

Protect kids’ skin

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children wear sunscreen with 50 SPF. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Sunscreen isn’t recommended for babies under six months, who should always be kept out of direct sunlight. Keep your littlest ones protected from the sun by dressing them in lightweight clothing and sun hats and using umbrellas for shade.

Stay hydrated

Regarding warm weather, hydration is vital — not just when kids play sports or sit in the sun. Kids need to stay hydrated at all times. Steer clear of soda, energy drinks and fruit juices, which may worsen dehydration. Water is the best hydration source for kids over one-year-old, while breast milk and formula are the preferred fluids to hydrate kids under a year. To gauge whether your child is hydrated enough, look at the color of their urine. It should be a light yellow color, not golden or dark.

Maintain healthy eating habits

Opportunities for junk food rise during the summer, but abiding by healthy eating habits for kids while 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.

Beware of hot cars

Never intentionally leave your child in the car for any reason. Leave another essential item, like a purse, cell phone or work badge, in the backseat of the vehicle. This serves as a reminder to get your child out of the car when you retrieve this item. Make a plan with your babysitter or daycare providers to have them call you if your child is late. There’s no safe situation, temperature or length of time for a child to be left alone in a car.

Ride safely

As kids head outdoors to play with friends and ride bicycles around the neighborhood, ensure they’re practicing bike safety, including riding a properly fitted bike and wearing a properly fitted bike helmet.

Practice water safety

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death in U.S. children ages 1 to 4 — so take to heart pool safety tips for families, from drain covers and fenced enclosures to life vests, swimming lessons and CPR classes. Toddlers should be no further than an arm’s length away from their guardian when around a pool or any other body of water. Empty buckets, bathtubs, coolers and wading pools immediately after use.

Ward off bugs

Use insect repellent. Don’t forget the bug spray! The Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 30% concentration of DEET in insect repellents for children over two months old. Beware standing water. Check for ticks.

Enjoy fireworks safely

Don’t give sparklers or bottle rockets to children; practice other fireworks safety recommendations for children and adults.

Playground safety

Choose age-appropriate playgrounds/equipment. Do a touch test to test the temperature of the equipment. Wear the proper attire. Wear sturdy-soled sneakers over slippery flip-flops, and avoid clothing with strings, such as hoodies, which can get caught in equipment.

Don’t overdo it outdoors

Kids of all ages should take breaks from playing outside by retreating into the shade — or, even better, into air-conditioning — every 20 to 30 minutes.

By following these safety tips, families can have a fun and safe summer.

Information for this article was taken from www.health.clevelandclinic.org/summer-safety-tips-fo