Summertime means spending the day’s outdoors, traveling and unlimited playtime for toddlers. However, summer is also a tricky season for keeping toddlers safe at all times. Here are some child proofing tips to keep your toddler out of danger.

Slather On The Sunscreen

Your toddler’s skin is very sensitive making it susceptible to sunburn. Combat this painful condition and the risk of getting skin cancer by using sunscreen. A waterproof sunscreen designed for kids with an SPF of 15 or higher should be applied generously to your toddler’s neck, tip of his ears, arms, legs and tops of his feet at least 30 minutes before going outside. Apply sunscreen to the areas covered by clothes as well. Reapply every two hours or whenever he gets wet or sweaty.

Stay Hydrated

Prolonged exposure to the sun can wear out your toddler. It can also lead to dizziness, exhaustion and dehydration. Let your toddler drink a glass of water every 30 minutes. On extremely hot days, have your toddler drink 2 glasses of water every 30 minutes even if he is not thirsty. This will help replenish the fluids in his body especially if he is doing physically demanding activities. Give him his own water jug or water bottle to encourage drinking. Avoid giving him caffeinated and sweet drinks as these can deplete the body of water.

Choose The Right Clothes

Layering or bundling clothes do not really make sense during the summer months. To help beat the heat and keep him feeling cool and fresh all day, dress your little one in clothes that are made from cotton, are lightweight and loose-fitting. Opt for clothes in light or pastel colors since dark-colored clothes tend to absorb more light, causing a person to perspire more easily. Change your toddler’s shirt after a round of running since wet clothing looses half of its UV protectiveness.

Stay In The Shade

Use a sunhat or a wide-brimmed hat to protect your toddler’s head and sunglasses with UV protection to shade your toddler’s eyes from the sun. Bring an umbrella every time you go out. Also, make sure to stay in the shade between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is most intense. Look for shady, breezy spots where your toddler can play.

Keep Bites and Rashes At Bay       

Protect your little one from insect bites by applying a kid-friendly insect repellent. Spray it on his clothes instead of his skin since repellents contain DEET (an active ingredient that can cause skin irritation) which is absorbed by the skin easily. Remember to wash off the repellent when it is no longer needed. Apply cornstarch baby powder all over his body to avoid heat rash.

Practice Preventive Measures

• Let your toddler play on age-appropriate equipments only.
• Make sure playgrounds have safe surfaces such as mulch and sand and have rubber matting materials.
• Check his clothes for any loose threads or any foreign materials that can risk your toddler’s safety.
• Always let him wear a helmet, elbow and knee pads. See to it that they are a good fit.
• Never leave your toddler unattended near or in the water (even when he is wearing a floater).
• Securely strap your toddler in a car seat both for short and long road trips.

The summer season is a fun time for toddlers. Practice the tips given above to make sure your toddler makes the most out of summer while remaining safe and unharmed.