5 Super Simple Hacks To Keep Your Baby Safe This Summer

Summer is possibly the worst season there can be! With the hot wind blowing in your face, there is not much one can do but sit in their air conditioned offices or homes all day long.

Having said all that, the blazing summer sun never seems to deters children from having fun or indulging in outdoor activities. Summer is when vacations are in full swings and this only means one thing – hyperactive kids! While we can’t stop the kids from their playtime, we can definitely follow some important summer safety tips for kids!

Here are some summer safety tips to remember…

#1 Sun protection

If your child is still too young, i.e. between the ages of 6 months to 3 years, avoid going out in direct sunlight or simply stay indoors from 10 AM to 3 PM. If you have to step out, dress properly to avoid sunlight. Dress the little one in a hat or cap, or pull down the shade on the pram. Make the child wear light and loose clothing, preferably cottons. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before stepping out.

For kids of 3 years and above, similar rules apply. When stepping out to play during the day, ensure that they play in a properly ventilated indoor area or an outdoor area which is properly covered.

Safety tip:

1. Keep your baby hydrated. Always carry ample water with you.
2. If your baby gets a sunburn, use cold compression and aloe vera gel.

Mosquitoes or bug bites are common. So when taking the baby out in the pram, cover it with a mosquito net. For toddlers and older kids, make them wear mosquito repellent bands.

#2 Keep them cool

The soaring temperatures can lead to heat strokes and exhaustion in kids and this cannot be ignored! They may show signs of fatigue, extreme thirst and cramps in muscles. If the child is not supplied with enough water they can suffer from dehydration and then a sunstroke. A heat stroke will cause vomiting, dizziness, headaches etc. dehydration is major problem.

Safety tips:

1. Make your children drink chhanch or nimbu paani at regular intervals along with water. Fruits are great too.
2. If you suspect a heatstroke, heading to a pediatrician is a must.
3. Bathe the child at least twice in a day. If not possible, bathe once and give a sponge bath.

Please note: never leave kids unattended in the car in the heat.

#3 Swimming is fun but beware

Water is the one element children find irresistible! They love to splash about in the swimming pool and can spend their entire day sitting in it. However, as a parent one needs to be cautious. Children under the age of 4 should not be left in the pool unattended. A parent or a guardian should be in the pool with them or there can be an incidence of drowning.

Safety tips:

1. Check the pool for cleanliness
2. Children should wear water resistant sunscreen when stepping into the pool. They should eat light food before they go swimming
3. If you have no access to a pool, you can get inflatable pools so that your child can enjoy playing in it
4. Choose proper flotation device for kids based on their size

#4 Avoid burns and poisonous plants

When kids are at home life can get very chaotic. They shout, run around, create a mess etc. this also means that their curiosity will get the better of them when it comes to touching kitchen appliances. So be very careful of hot irons, griddles, toasters and even microwaves. In their fun and frolic, children often get burnt around these appliances.

Safety tips:

1. Unfortunately, if your child suffers burns, hold the burnt area under cool water immediately
2. Contrary to popular belief, do not put ice or any ointment
3. Head to a doctor soon

Parks and home gardens are a big attraction for kids during this season. However, they are not entirely safe, with bugs and ants, and other insects lurking in the foliage. Kids can suffer rashes or boils, even cuts when playing around plants and shrubs. Hence, it is best if you check your garden or nearby park for problem plants and avoid that area. Bee stings are also common in this season. To avoid these, don’t dress kids in floral-patterned clothing nor use floral fragrances.

Safety tips:

1. If your child is stung by a bee, you need to rub the stung region with a metal object like a key or a bangle
2. Head to a doctor to check out the damage
3. You can also apply baking soda and water

#5 Eat homemade foods to avoid food poisoning

The summer heat causes food to spoil easily. Also, eating fast food, the hygiene of which cannot be controlled should be avoided. Cases of food poisoning increase in summer and therefore, fresh homemade food is the best option. Also, once back home, children should wash themselves – hands, legs and change clothing if needed before they sit to eat. Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly as well.

Safety tips:

1. Look out for nausea, vomiting or diarrhea in children. If there is fever, simply take a doctor’s appointment.

And lastly, monitor your kid’s screen time. Yes, it is hot and yes, playing outside all the time is not an option but it does not mean that the child should be allowed to watch television or play on the iPad or phone all the time. Drawing, coloring, blocks, reading, storytelling etc. make wonderful options too.

Happy summer everyone, be safe! If you have anything to add, do tell us in the comment section below.

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