We’re knee-deep into summer and with the fantastically warm weather we’ve been having here in Southern California, Jason and I have been wanting to get out and about with our little boy. We love the beach and the park and while we supervise our son constantly, there are some potential dangers inherent in the great outdoors. Just the other day my little boy tried to eat grass…yuk!
One of the things I am particularly cognizant of is the record-breaking heat wave we’ve been having the past few weeks. I carry a water-filled sippy cup with me at all times and try to offer it to him whenever possible so that he doesn’t get dehydrated. My son doesn’t have the benefit of mommy’s tanned, olive skin so I have be particularly careful about sun exposure. The sensitive skin he inherited from daddy means that I have to be diligent in protecting him from irritants. In the summertime that translates into protecting him as much as possible from insects, dangerous plants, and other potential allergy triggers.
I was recently introduced to MommyDocs, a website which provides practical pediatric information for moms. If you were to google any pediatric topic you could think of, you’d probably come up with 100’s to thousands of results to sort through. There is so much information available with one click and deciphering the truth from lies can be tricky. MommyDocs is a site written by two board-certified pediatricians so you know that the information is credible. The site contains informational podcasts, a health question and answer section featuring a variety of pediatric health topics, and my favorite section, entitled “Ask the MDs” where the docs answer reader-submitted questions.
With summer safety concerns looming, MommyDocs introduces five simple summer safety tips to put parents minds at ease.
• Have a Sun Protection Strategy: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15. Look for products that provide “broad spectrum” coverage to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Use this sunscreen routine with your child–daily application 30 minutes before going outside and reapplication every 2 hours (or sooner if swimming, toweling off, or sweating). Creating a routine will establish good habits for the future. In addition, don’t forget a wide brim hat, sunglasses with 99-100% UVA/UVB protection, and sun protective clothing.
• Keep Pests off Your Little One: In the summer, many insects can bite or sting your child. For pesky mosquitoes and ticks, consider a DEET containing insect repellant. Apply sparingly to exposed skin (avoid backs of hands and around the eyes and mouth) and/or to clothing once a day. As the percentage of DEET goes up, the duration of action increases. To prevent unnecessary exposure, always use the lowest percentage that will last for the planned length of time spent outdoors. Never go above 30% or use on children under 2 months old.
• Keep the Pool Cool and Clean: Small yard pools provide a great way for kids to have fun and cool down when the temperature rises, but they can also harbor germs, such as bacteria. To keep the pool free from unwanted “swimmers,” after each use disinfect it with bleach by cleaning with a solution of 3⁄4 cup regular bleach to one gallon of water, then rinse well and dry thoroughly. Safety must: Always supervise children regardless of age when they are around any water; whether it’s a bucket, a small backyard plastic pool, or the local community pool.
• High Heat Means Hydrate: Excessive heat exposure may cause your child to experience a heat-related illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. How to prevent this: take breaks in the shade, avoid playing outside during peak sun exposure hours, and drink, drink, drink! Make sure your child is taking in plenty of fluids before he become thirsty.
• Rid Rashes and Relieve Itchies: Running through the yard in bare feet, taking a nature walk on a trail, and picnicing in the park are some of the joys of warmer weather. But all of this outdoor activity can expose your child to a host of plants including those which cause poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. If an allergic reaction occurs, ask the pediatrician about an oral antihistamine and/or a topical skin care product such as a steroid cream or calamine. If the rash is extensive, looks infected, or is not getting better, call your doctor right away.
I’m bookmarking MommyDocs for all those nights when I have a question regarding my son and I don’t want my pediatrician to think I’m paranoid at 3 am!
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
Leave a Reply