Summer Safety in Chicago
Summer in Chicago is awesome, especially for kids. With average temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s, it’s easy to see why kids want to head outside and play. However, it’s important to keep those kiddos safe during the summer season. Practicing water safety, sun protection, good hydration, and more can help you and the kids enjoy summer to the fullest.
1) Wear sunscreen
Summer temps in Chicago don’t get as high as they do in other cities around the country, but that doesn’t mean you’re safe from harmful UV rays. Even if it’s a cloudy day, 80% of the sun’s UV radiation still reaches the earth.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends wearing sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 for everyday activities like going on a walk or running errands. For days you’re spending an extended period of time outside, like swimming, hiking, or playing games, SPF 30 is recommended. Apply 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours.
If the kiddos are swimming in the backyard pool, or playing with water guns or water balloons, remember to reapply sunscreen! All sunscreen eventually washes off, even if it’s labeled as water-resistant.
2) Cover up or stay out of the sun
For an extra layer of protection, 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.
To avoid peak sun hours, you might plan outdoor activities in the late afternoon or early morning. If that’s not possible, take frequent breaks as much as you can. Stay inside or under shade as often as you can between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., especially if you have infants in your care. Babies over 6 months old can use sunscreen. Even while in the shade, stay covered up and wear sunscreen. You can still suffer from sunburn in the shade.
3) Keep hydrated
Not only can the summer heat damage your skin, but it can also cause dehydration, too. Dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluid than you take in. If you don’t replenish those fluids, you get dehydrated.
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
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.
4)Practice water safety
Whether you’re at a public beach, lake, community swimming pools, or your employers have your employers have a backyard pool or kiddie pool, it’s important to practice water safety at all times. Drowning is the leading cause of death among preventable injuries for children from 1 to 4 years old.
Give the kids your undivided attention while playing in the backyard pool. Stay off your phone, and don’t leave them unsupervised. As a nanny, you may have CPR and First Aid certifications, but what about water safety certification?
5) Stay safe from bugs
Outdoor pests can spread Lyme disease, West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE), and more. Plus, outbreaks tend to be more common in warm climates. To keep kids safe from insect bites and insect-borne diseases, spray exposed skin and clothing with safe insect repellent products. As an alternative to spray, there are insect repellent bracelets and clip-ons you can use.
If you’re taking the kids on one of the many trails in Chicago, protect them from ticks. Dress them in light-colored long sleeves and pants, if possible. 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.
6) Enjoy the summer
There’s a lot of summer safety information to digest, but don’t let fear prevent you from taking the kids outside! With proper precautions and planning, you and your charges can enjoy the sunshine, warmth, and break from school.
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