Summer Safety Tips for Kids: Preventing and Treating Common Outdoor Injuries

Pediatricians advise parents to diligently attend to their children's injuries, such as scrapes, sunburns, and dehydration, particularly in the summer when they engage in outdoor activities.

According to Dr. Danielle Mercurio, a highly regarded pediatrician associated with Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, it is crucial that children partake in recreational activities and are presented with sufficient chances to enhance their imaginative skills. However, our utmost priority should be to prioritize their safety.

The following is a list of recommendations that pediatricians advise you to monitor closely.

What Should You Do When Your Child Is Overheated?
Please exercise precautionary measures during warmer weather, particularly when it comes to children, as they are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Remember to carry water bottles, don sun-protective attire and mineral-based sunscreen, and refrain from prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Parents should continuously monitor their children for indicators of exhaustion and assess the warmth and coloration of their skin. In the event that their skin appears reddened and excessively heated, it is recommended that a break be taken indoors or within a shaded area.

Mercurio identified three distinct categories of heat illness, which progressively escalate in severity.

Heat cramps can be remedied by administering electrolyte-rich fluids, such as coconut water or sports drinks, in order to restore the depleted salts caused by excessive perspiration.

Dr. Poj Lysouvakon, director of the Pediatric Injury Prevention Program at the University of Chicago, cautions that even sparklers pose a potential threat due to their dangerous level of heat.

Refrain from attending non-government-sponsored fireworks shows, and instead choose professionally organized displays held in controlled environments.

How to Play in Water Safely?
According to Lysouvakon, water bodies frequently serve as focal points for injuries during summer.

According to his viewpoint, it is vital to assign a responsible adult to supervise the pool while children are utilizing it. In the case of above-ground pools, it is imperative to verify that they are enclosed with 4-foot barriers in order to prevent unsupervised entry by children.

Dr. Kratlian cautions that even small quantities of water present a potential hazard for drowning, particularly among children. She strongly recommends the practice of emptying and securely storing inflatable pools following each instance of use.

If a child rescued from the water shows signs of choking, distress, or drowsiness, there might be water in their lungs. Dr. Danielle Grant from Texas Children's Hospital advises immediate medical help.

Soothing Scrapes and Bruises
Children may have accidents while cycling or using trampolines, resulting in minor injuries like scrapes and bruises.

Experts strongly recommend ensuring your child wears a properly fitted helmet when biking. Trampoline injuries are common, especially when multiple children use them at the same time.

Parents should choose age-appropriate playgrounds for their children. Toddlers should avoid oversized swings and tall structures. Check the metal slides for heat before using them.

Home management of scrapes includes cleaning them thoroughly and applying antibacterial ointments and bandages, especially if there are no signs of infection.

Seek medical attention for your child after a major fall, especially to the head. Also seek medical evaluation if your child has difficulty moving a limb or joint, severe cuts, or signs of infection around a wound.