Outdoor Summer Safety Tips

Summer is here and that means it is time to enjoy the outdoors to the fullest. From heading to your local swimming pool to an exciting weekend camping trip, the possibilities are endless. However, it is important to be prepared for the countless hours that the children will spend in the summer sun. Check out these outdoor summer safety tips to help you get prepared for a great day outside.

Wear Plenty Sun Sunscreen

When you have young children, applying sunscreen can seem like it takes forever. However, protecting your children’s skin is one of the most important things you can do. The first step is to make sure you are choosing the most effective sunscreen. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher and ensure that it blocks out both UVA and UVB rays. It does not matter if you use a spray, lotion, gel, cream or stick. Many people prefer sprays since they are great for being on-the-go with young children and are easy to use with little mess. As an alternative to lotions, there are plenty of clothing options that have  similar sun protection properties, ranging from hats to shirts to pants.

It is also important to note that sun protection is still needed for overcast days. Children can actually be more exposed to UV rays on cloudy days because they may be outside longer. To be on the safe side, you can also keep your children out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UVB rays are the most harmful.

Always Pack Bug Spray

Pesky bugs can ruin a great day out. Whether you are on a family picnic or a fun nature hike, bugs are sure to emerge. Keep your young ones safe from bug bites with child-safe bug repellent. Check the ingredients of your bug repellent for Deet or Picaridin. These ingredients come in varying strengths and are safe for children as young as 2 months old. If you prefer to skip chemicals all together, there are also natural bug repellents made with plant oils such as lemongrass, peppermint and cedarwood. Although they need to be reapplied more often, they are just as effective.

Once you have selected a repellent for your family, make sure you use it properly. Only apply the product to exposed skin and always wash off the repellent once your child is finished being outside. If you plan on being outdoors for long periods of time, make sure to re-apply as instructed. As another option besides sprays, you can consider using insect repellent wristbands. Simply slip it on your child’s wrist before they go out to play. These wristbands can be effective for up to 100 hours if stored and used properly.

Stay Hydrated Before, During and After Activities

Getting children to drink water can be difficult. Most children do not get enough water in general, let alone when it is hot outside. Make sure they are drinking water before their fun summer activities, not just during them. Encourage them to drink a glass of water about 30 minutes before swimming or outdoor games and follow up with more water every 15 to 20 minutes. Here is the amount of water the Institute of Medicine and National Academies recommends per age:

• 1-3 years old: about 4 cups
• 4 – 8 years old: about 5 cups
• 9-13 years old: about 8 cups for boys, about 7 cups for girls
• 14-18 years old: about 11 cups for boys, about 8 cups for girls

If your children want some flavor, try adding some fresh lemons, limes, oranges or their favorite fruit of choice. You can also offer your children hydrating summer foods such as apples, berries, grapes, oranges, cucumbers, pineapples, or watermelons, which are 91% water!

Have fun with your family this summer! At Perry Homes, we love to provide tips for your family to stay safe in and outside your home. Take a look at our new homes for sale and keep checking our blog for tips throughout the year.