Whereas children sit up for seaside journeys, playground enjoyable, and time exterior, Dr. Arun Chopra, a pediatric skilled, advises mother and father to remain alert to widespread dangers related to hotter climate.
Summer time security must be a high precedence for each household having fun with the season’s sunshine and freedom.
From water security to warmth precautions and bug safety, he shares sensible methods to assist youngsters keep protected and wholesome—all whereas having fun with the enjoyment of summer time.
Begin with the fitting gear: Helmets save lives
In terms of wheels—whether or not bikes, scooters, or ATVs—the pediatric skilled doesn’t mince phrases.
“One factor I’d by no means let my children do is get on a motorbike, scooter, skateboard, ATV or anything that has wheels with no helmet,” he writes within the NY Publish.
He explains that head trauma is likely one of the most severe however preventable accidents children face whereas taking part in.
Helmets must be worn each time, no exceptions. ATVs specifically pose a better danger resulting from their dimension and pace.
These automobiles can flip, inflicting crushing accidents if a baby is thrown or pinned.
Dr. Chopra urges households to examine that every machine is age-appropriate, geared up with seatbelts, and solely utilized by somebody who is aware of the way to function it safely. Alcohol ought to by no means be concerned in using these automobiles.
Water security means by no means letting your guard down
Some of the severe risks of summer time is drowning, and it could actually occur in simply moments.
“It’s very straightforward for youths to drown, even in just some inches of water,” Dr. Chopra warns.
He stresses the significance of lively grownup supervision when youngsters are close to swimming pools, lakes, or the seaside.
The supervising grownup ought to be capable of swim and keep shut sufficient to assist instantly if wanted.
He additionally reminds mother and father to not let children dive into water lower than 4 ft deep, as shallow water will increase the chance of head accidents.
These water security suggestions apply even to bathtubs and plastic kiddie swimming pools—no water supply is simply too small to be cautious round.
Summer time security tip: Don’t underestimate the warmth
Dehydration and warmth exhaustion are two of the most typical well being points in youngsters throughout summer time.
Indicators of dehydration embody darkish urine and fewer journeys to the lavatory.
To forestall this, the pediatric skilled recommends providing children water recurrently and inspiring breaks within the shade.
“Dehydration is if you don’t have sufficient water in your physique. Once you couple dehydration with extreme warmth, that’s what we name warmth exhaustion,” he explains.
Water, clear fluids, and electrolyte drinks are finest for older children who’re lively outside.
He additionally advises avoiding sugary or caffeinated drinks, which might improve fluid loss.
Children ought to put on light-weight, breathable clothes and wide-brimmed hats.
Don’t overlook sunscreen—apply it to all uncovered pores and skin and reapply each two hours or after swimming.
Organising a shady space with an umbrella or tent offers children a protected place to chill off.
Defend children from insect bites and summer time stings
Mosquitoes, ticks, and different bugs are extra lively throughout heat months, and their bites might be extra than simply itchy.
Tick bites might carry Lyme illness in some areas, so common tick checks are important after taking part in outside.
Dr. Chopra recommends spraying insect repellent on clothes relatively than immediately on pores and skin to spice up bug safety.
This helps create a barrier and retains the product efficient longer.
Different bites—whereas not harmful—can change into contaminated if scratched. Making use of antibiotic ointment will help stop an infection.
These easy actions assist defend children from insect bites earlier than they trigger issues.
By no means go away children in vehicles—even for a minute
One other essential piece of recommendation includes overheated automobiles, certainly one of summer time’s most tragic but avoidable risks.
“By no means, ever, ever go away pets or children unattended in a closed car,” Dr. Chopra says.
A parked automobile can attain over 100 levels in minutes, even on a mildly heat day.
Kids can undergo warmth stroke or worse, even when the home windows are cracked.
All the time examine the again seat earlier than locking the door, and use reminders if crucial.
He additionally cautions in opposition to letting children play on sizzling playground gear. Steel slides and jungle health club bars could cause burns.
Floor surfaces like black rubber or asphalt may also change into dangerously sizzling.
A fast contact check earlier than playtime can stop accidents.
Summer time security makes room for pleasure, not limits
Whereas these pointers could appear strict, Dr. Chopra, the pediatric skilled, emphasizes that none are supposed to take the enjoyable out of summer time.
Actually, they assist guarantee households benefit from the season with peace of thoughts.
“Let your children go exterior and expertise the world,” he says. With considerate planning and further care, each little one can have a protected, wholesome, and joyful summer time break.
Watch the video under for some extra summer time security suggestions from Frontier Pediatrics:
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