Here are some Summer Safety Tips for Kids that will help you have a great time this summer. Keeping our kids safe during the summer can be a little tricky.  They spend a lot more time outdoors testing out new activities, which is wonderful, but can also be full of all kinds of hazards.

While you as the parent need to be on top of all these things.  It’s really important to be teaching your kids what to look out for and how to protect themselves.  Odds are, they’ll be venturing further from home and playing more at their friends’ homes so they need to know how to care for themselves.  Depending on their age, they can help manage many of these things.

Heading out for a Road Trip or Camping Trip this Summer?  Read The Family Road Trip – Ultimate Guide and Camping Tips and Ideas — Round-Up

Summer Safety Tips for Kids

1. Anticipate the Weather

Be sure when you’re headed out for an adventure that you’re paying attention to the weather.  If your kids aren’t dressed appropriately, then there are all kinds of things that can go wrong.

You’ll want to know if they’ll be out in the heat and blazing sun.  While sun may be the most obvious thing to be concerned about in the summer, there can also be all kinds of problems when a summer storm creeps up and there’s rain, wind, and even lightning.  

It’s a great idea to check your weather every day that you’re going to be out on an adventure or if your kids are headed away from you for some playtime.

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2. Always Have a First Aid Kit

Always have a first aid kit on hand.  You should keep a good one in your car at all times so you have it no matter where you drive.  It’s a good idea to keep a few items in your purse or diaper bag, too.  This kit comes with a mini kit that would be perfect for your personal bag.

If you’re going on a hiking or camping trip there will be an extra chance of injuries, so don’t forget to be prepared.

3. Kids Sun Safety Tips

The sun may be the biggest and most obvious issue for summer safety for kids.  A few things to keep in mind:

• The sun is the hottest from 10am-4pm.  Try to stay out of the sun during these times.  You could stay inside or spend your time in the shade.  When there is no shade around, make sure and bring your own shade tent.
• Wear sun-protective clothing.  Did you know that some clothing comes with SPF protection? Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses will help, too.
• Use the appropriate sunscreen. And don’t forget to reapply it frequently.
• And, remember that you can still get a sunburn on cloudy or overcast days.

4. Kids Need to Wear Shoes

I know that Summer is the time to run your toes through the grass, but it’s also the time to get lots of injuries to those precious little (or big) feet.  Having shoes on will protect your kids from things like glass, slivers, insect stings, sticks, nails, and spiky weeds.

5. Summer Eating Tips

BBQs and picnics are so much fun during the summer.  And, isn’t it great when you can share the load by having potlucks and picnics with your friends?  They can sometimes cause a few problems, though. It is very hard to keep food at the right temperature outside.  It frequently sits out for hours at a time and can grow bacteria without anyone even thinking about it. Follow these tips to help avoid food poisoning.

• Set up a handwashing station near the food with either soap and water or hand sanitizer.
• Have a designated time to eat instead of just grazing over the afternoon.
• Put away any food that can spoil, right after serving it.  Either take it inside to the refrigerator or place in ice chests with plenty of ice.
• If you want to leave snacks out, pick things that don’t easily spoil.  Things like fresh fruit, applesauce pouches, granola bars, chips, etc. work well.

6. Prevent Dehydration

Whether the kids are out playing a soccer game, or spending the day at the park, you need to make sure they’re staying fully hydrated.  Be sure to have them drink before they head out to play, then drink every 15 minutes or so while they’re playing. Know the signs of dehydration, as well. Here’s a great article to help you know the signs of dehydration.

7. Watch out for Insects

There are a lot of insects to be concerned about.  Bees, wasps, yellow-jackets, hornets, ticks, mosquitos, chiggers, spiders.  These are just a few to be concerned about. It’s important that you protect your kids with the right clothing, using insect repellents, and doing body checks after spending time outside.

Read this article on How to Prevent and Treat Bug Bites and Stings in Kids

There are so many different kinds of mosquito repellants available.  I’m going to be trying out many different kinds this summer as we venture out on lots of camping.

8. Communication Issues

Make sure you always know where your kids are.  You may find your kids trying to wander a little farther from home while they’re outside playing.  This can easily happen in your own neighborhood, but also when you go camping or are visiting family and friends.  

You’ll want your kids to know their boundaries and expect them to stay within it. If they’re out of your eyesight, you can use walkie talkies, whistles, or cell phones to keep in touch.

9. Helmets – ALWAYS

Don’t forget … your kids need to be wearing an appropriate helmet anytime they’re riding something with wheels.  Whether it’s a bike, scooter, skateboard, or anything else, get them to put that helmet on, have it adjusted correctly, and buckled.

10. The Buddy System

Make sure that your kids always have a buddy with them when they’re headed off to do something.  I make sure my kids have a buddy when they go to public restrooms, head out on a walk, go to concessions, play at the park, etc.

As they have entered the teen years, we have lightened up on this a little, but instead, we make sure we know exactly where they’re headed and we can track them on their phones.

As you can see, there are a lot of things to look out for when thinking of summer safety for kids.  But, I’m sure we can agree that their safety is extremely important.  Let them explore and have fun, but teach them to do it safely and keep yourself aware of potential problems.  The tips listed above will be a great help.

You can enjoy and fun and safe summer.