Ah, summertime. Kids everywhere have given rousing shouts of glee when the last school bell rang and the carefree days of summer began. Even my 5 year old sang his "school time is over" song with gusto as he graduated preschool this year. And it's our job as parents to make sure that summertime is as carefree as it can be for our kids. That means addressing safety issues from insects bites to sun burns to keeping hydrated in this heat (over 100 F here today already!) And I'm delighted to share with you some ideas for keeping safe this summer (in conjunction with Mom Central, The Clorox Company and the MommyDocs):Have a Sun Protection Strategy: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15. Look for products that provide "broad spectrum" coverage to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Use this sunscreen routine with your child--daily application 30 minutes before going outside and reapplication every 2 hours (or sooner if swimming, toweling off, or sweating). Creating a routine will establish good habits for the future. In addition, don't forget a wide brim hat, sunglasses with 99-100% UVA/UVB protection, and sun protective clothing.
Keep Pests off Your Little One: In the summer, many insects can bite or sting your child. For pesky mosquitoes and ticks, consider a DEET containing insect repellent. Apply sparingly to exposed skin (avoid backs of hands and around the eyes and mouth) and/or to clothing once a day. As the percentage of DEET goes up, the duration of action increases. To prevent unnecessary exposure, always use the lowest percentage that will last for the planned length of time spent outdoors. Never go above 30% or use on children under 2 months old.
Keep the Pool Cool and Clean: Small yard pools provide a great way for kids to have fun and cool down when the temperature rises, but they can also harbor germs, such as bacteria. To keep the pool free from unwanted "swimmers," after each use disinfect it with bleach by cleaning with a solution of ¾ cup regular bleach to one gallon of water, then rinse well and dry thoroughly. Safety must: Always supervise children regardless of age when they are around any water; whether it's a bucket, a small backyard plastic pool, or the local community pool.
High Heat Means Hydrate: Excessive heat exposure may cause your child to experience a heat-related illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. How to prevent this: take breaks in the shade, avoid playing outside during peak sun exposure hours, and drink, drink, drink! Make sure your child is taking in plenty of fluids before he become thirsty.
Rid Rashes and Relieve Itchies: Running through the yard in bare feet, taking a nature walk on a trail, and picnicking in the park are some of the joys of warmer weather. But all of this outdoor activity can expose your child to a host of plants including those which cause poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. If an allergic reaction occurs, ask the pediatrician about an oral antihistamine and/or a topical skin care product such as a steroid cream or calamine. If the rash is extensive, looks infected, or is not getting better, call your doctor right away.
About Mommy Docs: "We are 2 moms, 2 docs, with 2 husbands, 4 children, 2 dogs and 2 silver minivans." You can "meet the mommy docs" here and peruse their site here for even more great summer time safety tips. Their website contains a wealth of information in various formats: podcasts, videos, a separate blog with even more questions & answers, and FAQs on specific ailments. Or you can even e-mail them your medical questions! I have bookmarked this page - Mommy Docs really fills a gap in for me now that my children have outgrown my Dr. Sears Baby Book (my "other" bible). Just remember to keep this in mind:
About The Clorox Company: The Clorox Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer products with fiscal year 2007 revenues of $4.8 billion. With 7,600 employees worldwide, the company manufactures products in 25 countries and markets them in more than 100 countries.
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