For kids, summer is all about playgrounds, pools, bikes, and being outside. For parents, it means dealing with scrapes, sunburns, and dehydration.
Kids should play and use their imagination, but while children play it is important to keep them as safe as possible.
During the summer more and more kids are out and about on playgrounds, playing in splashpads or heading out on a bike rides which could lead to overheating depending on the weather, or possible injuries.
Handling Overheating:
- Keep water bottles handy, use sun-protective clothing and mineral sunscreen, and limit time in the sun.
- Watch for signs like fatigue and red, hot skin. If noticed, move kids to a cooler or shaded area.
Know the stages of heat illness:
- Heat cramps: Give fluids with electrolytes like coconut water or sports drinks.
- Heat exhaustion: Look for nausea, vomiting, weakness, and fever. Move to a cooler place, provide fluids, and use water spray or a fan.
- Heat stroke: If symptoms include confusion, seek hospital care immediately.
Water Play Safety:
- Have an adult solely responsible for watching the pool when kids are swimming.
Above-ground pools should have 4-foot fences. Drain, flip, and deflate inflatable pools after each use. - If a child has trouble breathing or is lethargic after water play, seek medical attention.
Dealing with Scrapes and Bruises:
- Kids should wear properly fitting helmets while biking. Trampoline injuries are common, especially with multiple kids jumping at once. Ensure playground equipment suits your child’s age and check metal slides for heat.
Treat most scrapes at home with cleaning, antibacterial ointments, and bandages.
For serious falls, especially on the head, or if there’s a big cut, redness, pus, heat, or streaking, take your child to the doctor.
When in doubt, call your pediatrician.
