Return to Child Safety

Safe Summer Fun with the Wee Ones

Introduction

While our short Wyoming summer is winding down, it is still a good time to be thinking about sun safety. Outdoor play is a wonderful part of children's development, and we need to ensure that they are kept safe in the sun's rays. Just because we will soon say goodbye to warm summery days for another year, there are year-round considerations when children are playing outdoors.

Sun & Heat Protection

While most of us look forward to fun in the sun, we need to take necessary precautions with our young children to keep them safe and healthy.  To understand the importance of sunburn prevention, we should keep in mind that every sunburn increases our risk for later having skin cancer.  The American Cancer Society reports that one sunburn before a child is 18 years doubles their risk of skin cancer as an adult.  Using sun screen, protective clothing, and "basking in the shade" can reduce the risk of sunburn.  The sun protective factor (SPF) of a sun screen increases the amount of time you can be in the sun before your skin starts to burn.  Individuals have different skin types that burn in different amounts of time, so just be aware that the greater the SPF, the better the protection.  Sun screen is generally not safe for infants, especially under 6 months of age, so they should be kept in the shade.

Having shade available is another necessary practice when doing outdoor activities with young children, to protect from sunburn and heat illness.  If trees and  building shade are not  adequate, you can use large  umbrellas or gazebos. The  effects of too much heat can be life- threatening, and damage can be done before you even realize it!  Also keep in mind that the sun's rays can be damaging through the clouds, shining through glass, and reflecting off water, sand , or snow, so sun protection is a year-round need.

Hydration

Hydration is a very important consideration for young children throughout the year, especially in our low-humidity region.  In the summer heat, our body fluids can be depleted very quickly as the body's natural cooling mechanism works to maintain a comfortable temperature.  An average person needs two to four 8-ounce glasses of liquid every hour! If you think about it, most of us are mildly dehydrated much of the time! Active young children who play outside in the hot sunshine need to keep up an adequate fluid intake to keep their bodies going and avoid serious health complications.  We should assist our children in drinking frequently throughout the day, and especially when it is hot.  For infants, breast milk or formula generally provides enough fluid, except if they have diarrhea or vomiting (and once again, keep them in the shade).

Have a wonderful transition to fall, and enjoy the remainder of the warm days ahead.  As fast as time flies, it will be summer again before we know it!

 

                   

Safe Summer Tips for Tikes On Hydration. . . · Water is the best fluid to hydrate your body. · Drink BEFORE you are thirsty and during activities · Drink even after returning indoors from hot weather · Adults, set the example of drinking water · Remember to offer water OFTEN to children who can't ask for it · Carry water bottles with you to all activities   On Heat Protection. . . · Dress kids in lightweight, light colored clothing · Keep infants under 6 months of age in the shade and still watch the shade  temperature · Try keeping strenuous activities to a minimum to safeguard against heat exhaustion · Provide frequent breaks in shaded areas · Be aware that the hottest period of day is from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.   On Sun Protection. . . · Plan ahead! Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes BEFORE entering the sun · Keep infants 6 months and under out of the direct sunlight · Do NOT use sunscreen for infants, because they eat it! · While all skin types are capable of burning, fair skin with blonde or red hair, blue eyes and freckles may be at greater risk · Use sunscreen year-round to protect from sun & snow-glare

 

For more information, contact Healthy Child Care Wyoming:
Karen Williams, Project Director at 307-766-5537

University of Wyoming
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
P.O. Box 3354
Laramie, WY 82071-3354

Web Site: http://www.uwyo.edu/family/Healthy_Child_Care_Main.htm

 

______________________________________________________________________

 

 

 

Return to Child Safety 

Return to Healthy Child Care Wyoming Homepage