7 Tips on Summer Safety for Kids That You Need to Know ...

Bike helmets are so very important for kids to wear which is why this is number one on the list of summer safety tips for kids. Although wearing a helmet while riding a bike has been proven to lower the risk of head trauma, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that only 11 percent of children actually wear them. Additionally, elbow and knee pads also offer protection. These precautions can help to protect your child if they have a bicycle wreck. These precautions should also be used if your child skateboards or uses roller skates.

We all know that sunscreen is important in protecting our children from sunburns and sun damage. But are you applying it correctly and using the right one? Ideally, you should use a sunscreen that's at least SPF 30. It should be reapplied every two hours. If your child will be swimming be sure to look for a water resistant formula.

You never know when you are going to need a first aid kit. Summer injuries such as scrapes and bee stings are very common to children. It is better to have your first aid kit ready to grab when you need it rather than having to look for supplies. You can buy first aid kits that are pre-packaged for you or make your own. The important thing is that you have one ready when it is needed.

Pools can be a lot of fun and offer a wonderful way to keep cool during the hot summer days. But it is very important to use them with caution. They can be very dangerous. Make sure your child always has adequate adult supervision when they will be swimming. Additionally, it is a good idea to invest in swimming lessons for them.

With summer comes the increase in sleepovers. Sleepovers are a great way for your child to socialize. If the sleepover is occurring at your home be sure to get contact information from the parent as well as any pertinent health information. If the situation is reversed and your child is sleeping over, make sure the other parent knows how to reach you and has any other necessary information they need. Then you can relax knowing all important information has been exchanged.

Speaking of important information, this is a good time to update it in other places. If your child goes to day care only during the summer, it is important to make sure they have any updates that may have occurred during the year. You can also use this time to check the listed information at your pediatrician and other places. Getting in the routine of doing this annually is a good habit. It helps make sure nothing slips by uncorrected.

Stranger safety is important all year round, but it is especially important to refresh what to do in the summer months. During the summer, kids are home more and may be outdoors without constant supervision. Additionally, the pace of the days is usually a bit more relaxed to give you time to talk about this. It is important not only to talk about what to do but also to practice it.

There are many needed summer safety tips. What are some that you feel strongly about? Let’s discuss this important subject.