Summertime Safety

Sun and Heat Exposure

There are a few tips that will protect your child’s skin in the summertime. In babies, skin is thinner and more sensitive, so keep them in the shade. Dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats. For children, apply sunscreen/block of >SPF 15 at least 30 minutes prior to exposure and every 2 hours. Attempt to avoid sun at peak times, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Remind teenagers of the danger of sun, and that "pre-tanning" is not shown to decrease the risk of skin cancer. Choose sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays.

The most effective way to prevent overheating is to keep children very well-hydrated when humidity and temperature are high (non-caffeinated drinks and water are best). Encourage periodic drinking during activity and limit intensity of activity when it is for more than 15 minutes. Clothing should be light-colored, lightweight and limited to one layer of absorbent material to facilitate evaporation. Babies overheat faster than older children and adults, so watch them closely for overheating and don’t leave babies (and children) alone in a car. Watch for signs/symptoms of heat stroke/exhaustion (change in mental status, temp above 105, lack of sweating, loss of consciousness), and call your pediatrician if you are concerned.

Bicycle and Lawnmower Safety

Bicycle riding is a wonderful way for children to get exercise! To be safe they should always wear helmets and protective equipment. The bike should be the right size for your child, not a size that your child will grow into. Training wheels should stay on until your child is ready for removal, at around 5-6 y.o. and foot brakes are safer than hand brakes for the younger and less experienced rider. Young children should avoid traffic, and older children should ride with the traffic, in bike lanes if able, and follow traffic laws.

Lawnmowers can be a hazard if not used with care. It is very important that children don’t ride as passengers on riding mowers and that children under 16 y.o. don’t drive. While mowing, sturdy shoes, eye, and hearing protection should be worn. Pick up objects on lawn before mowing to avoid the danger of projectiles. Do not reverse mower if possible and of course, do not put a hand near moving blades

Preventing Insect Bites

Prevention is key! Do not use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays on your child. Avoid areas that attract insects - stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods, and gardens with blooming flowers - and avoid clothing with bright colors or flowery prints. Use insect repellent (30 % DEET is most effective, do not use on babies) but do not use combinations of DEET & Sunscreen (apply DEET separately first) as sunscreen is applied more often. Mosquito netting over a baby’s crib/stroller is a cheap and easy way to protect babies in buggy areas. There are many ticks in the Princeton area. Remember to check children and infants for ticks on days when they are out in grass or under trees. Have kids wear shoes when outside – splinters and lacerations are not fun either!

Plant Irritants and Dangers

Plants can cause an itchy, uncomfortable contact dermatitis or can even be dangerous if ingested. Learn to recognize poison ivy, etc (Google® it!) and teach your kids to avoid it. Check which plants are in your yard and in areas where your young children play. Some perennial plants are poisonous to people, investigate if you have young children. Have children wash with warm water and soap after gardening or playing in woods – this may prevent the rash that poison ivy can cause.

See your doctor if poison ivy rash is on the face, otherwise symptomatic treatment (Benadryl®, topical Cortaid®, oatmeal bath, ibuprofen) is often helpful.

Miscellaneous

Fireworks are not safe! Fireworks can result in severe burns, scars and disfigurement and those that are often thought to be safe (sparklers) can reach temps above 1000 degrees F. Parents should attend professional fireworks displays rather than using fireworks at home.

If you are going on a long trip, consider bringing a First Aid Kit. Consider including an information card (age, weightt, allergies, medical history, doctor phone number), pain reliever, all prescription medications (daily and as needed), lip balm, rehydration solution (Pedialyte), antibacterial and hydrocortisone ointments, insect repellent with DEET, sunscreen, tweezers, nail clipper, saline solution (for eye irrigation), hydrogen peroxide, and dressing/adhesive bandages. (See www.pedgroup.com/trvlinfo.htm for a more complete packing list and helpful suggestions.)

Count to Ten by Susan Kassler-Taub

Sunscreen by Paula Zollner, MD

Preventing Swimmer's Ear

Coping with Lyme Disease by The Pediatric Group

Packing Healthy Lunches Kids Will Actually Eat by Jill Shaffer RD