Whenever summer comes along, our appetites for a lot of things change. We suddenly want to abandon the homes that have served us well through the winter months.
So out goes our trusty cardigans and mittens, and the shorts and tank tops come. Now, light clothes reign supreme.
You're probably yearning to go on a trip. Everyone loves those. But you've got your kids along now and I'll be busy worrying about them.
We have a few tips you can follow to make the most out of your summer vacation and still keep your kids safe. You can have the best of both worlds if you follow these rules.
Summer Safety Checklist for Kids
Use Touch Supervision Around Pools.
Keep your children close enough to touch around pools. It is easy to get distracted when relaxing poolside, but try not to stray too far from your child.
You could also designate an adult to watch your children. Of course, that doesn't mean you should leave the vicinity, but it frees you to relax.
2) Use Appropriate Bug Repellants
Bugs are a menace during outdoor activities. The heat of the summer is suffocating enough. But when the bugs come out, your kids can get irritated. But, of course, let's not mention that some of these bugs transmit diseases.
Picking them off your child won't do the trick. First, you have to make sure they don't come close. Bug repellants would help with that.
3) Prepare For Medical Emergencies
You can rest easy when you know all the bases are covered. But, of course, one huge one is medical emergencies. But you can also take care of those.
Does any of your kids need regular medication? Maybe a case of asthma or juvenile diabetes? If so, you should ensure their drugs are on hand.
If you're traveling out of the country, you should ensure you get travel insurance with emergency medical benefits.
4) Ensure Car Safety
Ensure that your child's car seat fits safely before you move. Double-check for your children in the car before you lock it. Make that a routine to prevent locking your child up mistakenly. For example, you could use the teddy bear method for a child in a car seat.
5) Let Them Memorize Important Information
Despite your efforts, your child may get lost. Unfortunately, that happens for older kids who want to explore independently.
To prepare for that, you can make them memorize your phone number in case of an emergency. The nanny should also keep your vacation home's address in mind.
This way, they can get help or find their way back to you no matter what happens.
6) Keep The Kids Hydrated
Kids get dehydrated faster than adults. So please don't wait until you're thirsty to give them water. Your children may not want to take water breaks due to all their fun, but it's for their safety.
Heatstroke cases also spike during summer, so you should be alert. Watch your kids for signs like heat cramps and exhaustion. You should also make sure they dress lightly.
7) Ensure They Use Sunscreen
Speaking of heat, you should protect your children from the sun. Their skins are more delicate than yours, so sunburns are a valid concern.
You should apply sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher on your child when going outdoors. Dips in pools will wash it off, so reapply once your child is out of the pool. It would help if you also tried to avoid activities when the sun is at its peak.
Keep Safe This Summer!
There are a few others that didn't make this list. However, tips like keeping the kids hydrated and using sunscreen are equally crucial.
These guidelines should let you keep your kids safe on your own. The Elite Nanny Team will be glad to offer our top-notch services. Our nannies are trained and ready to step in whenever they're needed.
Check us out. We won't disappoint.