ParentLife Blog

Summer Safety

In our July 2011 issue, we offer some tips on summer safety on pages 32-33. We had so many safety tips, though, we couldn't cram them all into two pages! Here are even more safety tips for your summer fun.

Swimming Pool Safety

• Supervise children at all times while in or around a swimming pool.
• Provide “touch supervision” for infants and toddlers, which is an adult being in the water and within arm’s reach at all times.
• Install a pool fence that is climb-resistant and at least 4 feet high.
• Lock ladders and fences when the pool is not in use.
• Most pediatricians recommend swimming lessons for children 4 years and older. Each child develops at a different rate; therefore, each child will be ready to swim at his own pace, as well.

Stings & Bites

• Insect Bite ― Remove the stinger as soon as possible. Use the edge of a credit card to scrape the stinger out. Use a cold compress on the bite to relieve the pain. Call your pediatrician immediately if your child faints, has trouble breathing, or experiences extreme swelling, hives, nausea, or vomiting.
• Spider Bite ― Call your pediatrician or Poison Help Line and describe the type of spider. If a bite becomes infected, contact your pediatrician.
• Tick Bite ― Use tweezers to grasp the tick and quickly pull the tick from where it is attached. If your child experiences a rash, fever, or swelling at the bite, contact your pediatrician.

Playground Safety

• Supervise young children on playground equipment at all times.
• Keep children from shoving, pushing, or fighting around equipment.
• Install a protective surface at least 6 feet in all directions from home equipment.
• Use swing seats made of soft material, not wood or metal.
• Install home playground equipment correctly. Place it on a level surface and anchor it firmly to the ground.
• Check equipment often for loose nuts and bolts and broken, rusty, or sharp parts.
• Install playground equipment at least 6 feet from fences or walls.
• Check for hot metal surfaces on equipment, which could cause burns.
• Never attach ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines, or pet leashes to playground equipment.

Travel Safety

Stay safe when traveling by car.

• Always place infants and young children in a car safety seat.
• Always place all children under 12 years of age in the rear seat of vehicles.
• Wear a seat belt at all times, setting a good example for your children.
• Entertain children by bringing soft, lightweight toys; books; and favorite CDs for a sing-along.
• Never leave your children alone in a car, even for a minute. Temperatures inside the car can reach deadly levels in minutes, causing heat stroke.
• Pack a first-aid kit, water, healthy snacks, hand wipes, hand-washing gel, diaper rash ointment, diapers, and a water- and insect-proof ground sheet for safe play outside.

Stay safe when traveling by airplane.

• Allow extra time to get through security.
• Discuss the security screening process with your children beforehand.
• Know that the FAA allows children under age 2 to be held on an adult’s lap; however, it is recommended that each child has her own seat.
• Pack a bag of toys, books, and snacks to keep your child occupied during the flight.
• Feed your infant during take-off and landing to decrease possible ear pain. Older children can chew gum or drink water or juice through a straw.
• Wash hands frequently; use hand-washing gel often.
• Consult your pediatrician before flying with a newborn or infant who has chronic heart or lung problems or respiratory symptoms.
• Consult your pediatrician if flying within two weeks of an ear infection or ear surgery.

Photo used with permission of Flickr Creative Commons. Click on photo for source.