SUN SAFETY

• Babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of the sun. When going outside, dress the baby in lightweight clothes that cover arms and legs and put a hat on them. Find a shady spot under a tree, or pull over the cover in a stroller (or even use an umbrella!) If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a small amount of sunscreen on exposed areas.
• Everyone should use sunscreen in every season, and especially during the summer!
  • Select an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher to prevent sunburn and tanning, both of which are signs of skin damage. Choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays (usually labeled as a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen).
  • Sunscreen sprays are convenient but use with caution. For starters, sprays are easy to breathe in, which can irritate the lungs. Some sprays also are flammable, so users must avoid sparks or flames when applying and wearing them. Sprays make it hard to tell if you have applied enough sunscreen, which increases the risk of sunburn.
  • Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours, depending on location, time of day, and sweating factors.
  • Do not use sunscreens with PABA, which can cause skin allergies.
  • For sensitive skin, look for products with the active ingredient titanium dioxide.
  • Water-resistant sunscreens should be used when in and around water, and they should be reapplied every hour. Additionally, after applying, wait 10-15 minutes before entering water.
  • Discard any sunscreen over three years old or that has expired.
  • Use lip balm with sunscreen.
  • All children (and adults) need to use sunscreen, regardless of their skin tone.
• Stay hydrated and remind your kids too!
  
  

VACATIONS, FUN, AND TRAVEL

• Before you strap in for road trips or vacations, make sure that your car seat is installed correctly and that you’re being safe on the road (including always using your seat belt!)
• Never leave a child unattended in a car, even for a minute! 
• If you or someone else you know has an at-home pool, make sure to adhere to some basic water safety guidelines. Public pools will open, or some families may take trips to some open water areas for swimming or boating -situations where water safety is still important!
• Summer is the perfect time for grilling. For more tips on safe grilling, check out our spring page!
• In nicer weather, you might want to air out your home by opening the windows. Remember to open them from the top if possible, or install window guards and stops to prevent falls.

   

CELEBRATIONS

• Summer holidays -particularly the Fourth of July -are lots of fun when safety is considered! The safest choice is to leave fireworks to the professionals and to go to a public show. But, if you are setting fireworks off at home:
  • Only set off fireworks outside, away from cars, buildings, and any flammable materials (including trees, bushes, dried grass/leaves, etc.)
  • Keep children a safe distance away from where fireworks are being set off (around 150 feet or 50 yards at least).
  • Purchase fireworks from a reliable source, and only use them as directed (never alter them).
  • Have an adult conduct the family show, and a different adult supervise all children.
  • Anyone using fireworks should have proper safety gear, including safety glasses and some water nearby.
  • If a firework is a “dud” do not try to relight it. Instead, wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Soak all spent fireworks in water before placing them in an outdoor trash can.
• For a public firework show, some kids might be more comfortable using headphones to block some of the loud noises. Take this into consideration when planning on attending a show!
• Prepare yourself and your kids for going back to school including reviewing school bus safety and pedestrian safety!