Sunglasses, swimming, rosy cheeks, squealing laughter, and freckled faces are just a few of the beautiful scenes of summer. It’s a magical time for children and for parents as we watch them have the time of their lives. While families look forward to sunny days, they can also lead to heat advisories and high temperatures. With that in mind, we always want to make sure that our little ones are safe from the sun’s rays by preventing overheating, thirst, and sunburns. To help you keep you and your child safe and enjoy those sunny days even more, here are six reminders for staying safe in the heat.
1. Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is crucial when facing hot temperatures. Make sure that your child is drinking plenty of water before, during, and after being outside in the heat—no matter their activity level. Keep a special color-coded refillable cup of water for each member of the family and make a game of it. Maybe everyone drinks their water together every half hour, or the person who reminds everyone to drink their water gets a small reward. There is a lot of room here to get creative!
2. Wear Breathable Fabrics and Apply Sunscreen Often
One of the best ways to shield your child from the sun’s rays is by making sure that their skin is protected. They should be wearing sunscreen (of at least 30SPF) and applying it often. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the back of the neck, back of the knees, ears, and feet. In addition, make sure that children are wearing light-colored clothing that is breathable, such as white linen or cotton. Finally, don’t forget sunglasses and hats to keep the sun off their scalp, face, and eyes!
3. Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses
Heat exhaustion can quickly evolve into something more serious if not prevented and treated quickly. Look for signs of dizziness, fatigue, headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and muscle aches. Never hesitate to call your pediatrician if you have a question about your child’s health and safety.
4. Get Plenty of Rest
Heat makes us more tired than usual. Make sure that children get plenty of rest after any activity in the heat so that their little bodies can recover. If possible, limit outdoor time to the coolest parts of the day, such as the early morning or evening.
5. Never Leave Your Child in a Car Unsupervised
This reminder is common, but it always bears repeating. Never leave your child in a car unsupervised, even just for a moment in any temperature. Remember to double-check the back seats before walking away from your vehicle. During the spring, summer, and even early fall, temperatures inside a car can rise rapidly, even with the windows cracked.
6. Find Indoor Activities in Your Area
Playtime doesn’t have to stop because of excessive heat! Your area likely has many indoor activities such as indoor playgrounds, aquariums, museums, and more. There are also plenty of indoor activities that you and your child can do at home!
The Gardner School is Here to Support You
At TGS, we pride ourselves on partnering with our parents. Together, we can provide your child with exceptional opportunities inside and outside the classroom. We share frequent content on our blog to help with that, answering questions you may have or providing insight into topics that you’d like to learn more about. To learn more, take a look at our other blogs.
Looking for a preschool that will walk alongside you in your parenting journey? Reach out to schedule a tour of the school in your area! We’re always here to talk.