Summer Safety in Boston
There’s something about summertime in Boston. With average temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s, it’s easy to see why kids want to spend their summer outside playing.
As a nanny, you know that keeping your charges safe is one of the most important parts of your job. Summertime may be more relaxed, but their safety is no less a priority. We’ve outlined some summer safety tips for you below so you and the kids can enjoy your summer to the fullest this year.
Wear sunscreen
Whether it’s cloudy, warm, clear, or hot, you have to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Even on overcast days, 80% of the sun’s UV radiation still reaches the earth.
For everyday activities like running errands, walking around the neighborhood, or going on a short bike ride around the block, you should wear sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15. Going swimming, hiking, or playing sports games all day outside? A sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 is recommended. To let the sunscreen bind to your skin, apply 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours.
After swimming or sweating a lot, remember to reapply sunscreen immediately! All sunscreen eventually washes off, even if it’s labeled as water-resistant.
Practice water safety
Drowning is the leading cause of death among preventable injuries for children from 1 to 4 years old. In fact, it was the leading cause of unintentional injury death among Massachusetts children under 14 years of age in 2015. Practice good water safety by giving the kids your undivided attention while they swim and play. Stay off your phone, and don’t leave them unsupervised. You may have CPR and First Aid certifications, but you might consider getting water safety certified as well.
Stay hydrated!
Keep the kids well-hydrated if you’re spending the day outside by taking water breaks about every 20 minutes. CHOC Children’s recommends that kids should drink the number of 8-ounce cups of water equal to their age. This doesn’t include other fluids they may drink during the day, like milk or juice.
Be on the lookout for these signs and symptoms of dehydration in infants and young children:
Listlessness or irritability
No tears when crying
No wet diapers for three hours or less frequent urination
Dry mouth and tongue
Sunken eyes or cheeks
Dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluid than you take in. If you don’t replenish those fluids, you get dehydrated.
Rest in the shade and protect your skin
Avoiding peak sun hours can help keep kids hydrated and protect them from sun damage. Try to plan outdoor activities in the late afternoon or early morning, but if that’s not possible, take frequent breaks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., especially if you have infants in your care. Apply sunscreen to babies over 6 months old.
During breaks, stay inside or under shade as often as you can. And even while in the shade, stay covered up and wear sunscreen. It will be less harsh than direct sunlight, but you can still get sunburnt in the shade!
For an extra layer of protection from sun damage, dress the kids in lightweight, sun-protective clothing and hats. Swim shirts, wetsuits, and hats with wide brims can act as a barrier between their skin and UV rays. Protect your eyes by wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, too.
Beware of ticks and bug bites
Insects can spread Lyme disease, West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE), and more. Plus, outbreaks tend to be more common in warm climates. Use a safe insect repellent spray on exposed skin and clothing. As an alternative to spray, consider using insect repellent bracelets and clip-ons instead.
Heading out into nature? If possible, dress the kids in light-colored long sleeves and pants to protect them from ticks. After walking or hiking on a trail, do a thorough search for ticks on their clothing and skin, particularly around their ears and hairline. Wash their clothes as soon as you can to prevent the spread of ticks.
Remember, some kids react to insect bites more than others. If one of your kids seems to have an allergic reaction, or they develop a rash or fever after a bite, seek medical attention.
Have fun!
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by safety information, but don’t let caution prevent you from having fun with the kids outside. You and your charges can enjoy the sunshine, warmth, and break from school while also being safe at the same time.
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