Summer. We’re not quite there yet, the kids are still in school until next week, but its coming up fast. I know it’ll be a busy one. Always a lot of activity and play time since we have to enjoy the good weather. Its beautiful and sunny (yes even in rainy Seattle) and with the sun and extra outdoor time, accidents can happen. Sunburn, dehydration, bumps, cuts and bruises. So today I’m sharing some Tips for Summer Safety, as well as a great CURAD First Aid Kits Giveaway.
Summer Safety Tips
- Sun Protection: Its goes without saying that sunburn is a big risk and so easy to get during the summer months. But getting an effective and chemically safe sunscreen isn’t quite as easy. Visit the Environmental Working Group site for an updated 2014 list of sunscreens including their “hazard score” based on the known safety of ingredients from chemical studies available to date. And of course hats and sunglasses do a world of good too!
Ellie says, “Don’t forget the sunscreen!”
- Protection on the Playground: Blazing sunshine doesn’t just burn skin. Check slides and metal playground equipment for heat before allowing kids to climb and slide. It might be advisable to bring a pair of long pants on playground excursions to avoid burns.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Dehydration and even heat stroke is also a big risk in summer months. Always carry water with you. Getting the typical “8 glasses a day” may not be enough when the sweat and play in summer. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends drinking about every 20 minutes if kids are active in sports. Keep an eye out for signs of dehydration, including dizziness, fatigue, lack of sweating or tears.
- Check the Food: At barbecues and other summer events, food is often sitting out in the heat for extended periods of time. Avoid food poisoning by not eating foods that contain ingredients that could easily spoil.
- Check for Ticks and Poison Ivy: Ticks and poison ivy hang out in grassy wooded areas. Ticks particularly in areas that are moist or humid (and what isn’t in summer). Be sure to check your kids for ticks particularly if they’ve been exploring in the woods.
- Carry a First Aid Kit: A good travel first aid kit is a must when running around throughout the summer, so today enter to win a set of six travel CURAD first aid kits on Motherhood Unadorned.
I’ve had a chance to check out these CURAD First Aid Kits myself. They are travel-sized, so perfect for the car, or a large purse, or gym bag. The refillable zippered case includes 75-piece latex-free first aid items (bandages and alcohol swabs). Its sold as 6 per case, which is a better price point per item than you’ll find anywhere else. Its a very basic case, so I’ve added a couple things like a tube of ointment and a thermometer, but we’ve already used it several times to bandage cuts on both Ronin and Ellie. I have no idea how they get “hurts” so often!
Having several of these is actually quite useful. How many times have I had to run downstairs to find bandaids in the pantry when we were upstairs in need of one. Now we have first-aid supplies upstairs and down, and in both cars. And thanks to Medical Arts Press I get to giveaway a case of 6 to one of you.
Enter the giveaway from today through Tuesday, June 24th at 12pm EST in the Rafflecopter form below.
Disclosure: I received compensation from Medical Arts Press for this post. Products were also received for review purposes and giveaway winner will receive products as well. Opinions are my own as always.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
To keep an eye on your children at all times. Also to stay hydrated in the heat!
Always keep tons of water and liquids handy. Either in your car or in your purse.
Stay hydrated, slab on the sunscreen and keep a close eye on your kids.
Always be more prepared with SPF and liquids.
great giveaway! That would be a handy kit to have around!
Buy new life jackets each year for the little ones. If their near a creek, pond, or pool a life jacket is a must. Little ones move so quickly and things happen fast. A little tidbit that I learned from a friend is that an accident involving a small child is more likely to happen at a group gathering because every one assumes someone else is watching the child.
Baby wipes. And antiseptic wipes are a must for us.
I am not really sure about SPF measurement which can be seen in sunscreen lotions. What does this SPF and the number means? Why it is so significant in a sunscreen lotion?
A good reusable water bottle for kids is swiggies, wrist water bottles. That way kids will always have water handy, so they don’t forget. And they can also be frozen to lower body temperature in the heat.