Springtime, for most children, means more outdoor activities (camping, swimming, bike riding, etc.). For parents, this means being extra vigilant to keep their children safe, happy, and healthy. Here are some topics that can help to do this.
Playground Safety:
Learn to keep your kids safe beyond your front yard, creating safer streets and playing places for children for walking, bike riding, inline or roller skating.
Walking and Bike Safety:
Younger children are learning to become more independent. They enjoy walking, riding bikes and playing outside but they don’t have the judgment to cope with traffic by themselves yet. Learn to keep your kids safe when they are on the move.
Insect Repellent Safety:
Insect repellents containing DEET, citronella, and soybean oils can protect your children from insects that commonly bite children. Learn to keep your children safe from insect bites.
To effectively and safely use insect repellent, apply it to exposed skin and clothing, avoiding areas like the eyes, mouth, and under clothing. When spraying, do so in an open area and spray on your hands first before applying to your face, and wash hands after use. Use just enough repellent to cover the areas you need protection and avoid heavy application. When using repellent on children, have an adult apply it to their own hands and then apply it to the child’s skin.
Kid Sun Safety:
Use sunscreens to prevent sun damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer, use an SPF of 15 or higher. Experts recommend that all kids — no matter their skin tone — wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Whatever sunscreen you choose, make sure it’s broad-spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB rays) and, if kids are in or near water, it is labeled water-resistant. Apply a generous amount and reapply often.
Water Safety:
Learn Water Safety Tips to prevent drowning and promote water safety when swimming around pools, spas, creeks, rivers and the ocean.
Gardening Tips:
To get your kids interested in gardening as a hobby, include planting sunflower seeds, finding bugs and planting a kid’s garden.
Spring Allergies:
Many people with seasonal allergies have problems in the spring with runny noses, watery eyes, sneezing, etc. Learn how to help control your child’s spring allergies. Also, keep all medicines out of reach of children.