With summer in full swing and your kiddos wanting to run around outside all day long, there are quite a few things you need to be aware of to protect your children from the elements.
From sunscreen to wearing a bike helmet to making sure your kids are wearing a life vest, every parent needs to have a couple of tricks up their sleeves to make sure their kids are staying safe.
Keeping Your Kiddos Safe
Kids are going to fall, crash, slip, and tumble. It’s all part of being a kid, and we wouldn’t want it any other way. But there are little things we can all do to ensure that kids avoid the more serious injuries that can lead to disabilities and even death.
Beware of the Sun
Overexposure to the sun is one of the biggest dangers your kid can face in the summer months. So, be sure to follow some best practices around applying sunscreen, keeping sunscreen on, and creating a “sun-free” space.
Make sure to slather on loads of sunscreen on your kids before they go outside. Aim for SPF50+ and always buy a waterproof version, as regular sunscreen can wipe off in the water.
That said, applying sunscreen is only half the battle; you also have to ensure it actually stays on! A quick tip is to simply apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outside or in the water; this will give it plenty of time to soak in.
And keep in mind that just because kids are outside, doesn’t mean they have to be exposed to the sun at all times. Feel free to set up a tent or some other kind of outdoor device where they can enjoy the fresh air but still be in the shade.
Invest in a Helmet
Kids of all ages love riding their bike, skateboard, or scooter around the neighborhood when it’s nice outside. The problem is, accidents are bound to happen and kids will fall over, without fail!
So be sure to invest in a quality bike helmet. Along the same lines, it doesn’t hurt to buy some knee and elbow pads as well, especially if your kid will be rollerskating or doing another activity where they can easily lose their balance.
Water Safety
Perhaps the only thing kids love doing more in the summer than riding a bike is being out on the water. From being in a pool to taking a dip in a lake, to enjoying the Pacific ocean on a family vacation, most kids live in the water during the summer.
Of course, the big risk here is that drowning is a major risk and cause of concern for all parents.
So, make it a priority that all your younger kids only go out in the water when they have a life vest on. Do a good check to make sure it fits properly and it’s not too loose, or too tight.
For more summer safety tips, be sure to check out safekids.org summer safety tips!
Stay Safe this Summer!
At Paradiso Insurance, we want all of our families to have all the fun possible this summer, but we also believe in safety first!
Make sure you and your loved ones are protected, and if you have questions, we are here to help!