Play and recreation are critical to children’s well-being and development. The warmer days of spring and summer offer an ideal time for kids to get outside for some “serious” playtime.
“Spending time outdoors benefits kids in so many ways,” says Elizabeth Ermatinger, MD, a pediatrician with ThedaCare Physicians Pediatrics-Appleton. “From exploring the world to encouraging physical activity to engaging in imaginative play, outside time is a win.”
As playground, pedaling and pool season begins, Dr. Ermatinger offers some safety reminders for kids and parents alike.
“Don’t let a warm day go sideways,” she says. “Simple safety steps can go a long way in reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.”
1. Slather on sunscreen
Before heading outside, invest a little time in keeping kiddos safe from the sun. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends kids wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Remember, it’s important to wear sunscreen outdoors, regardless of the season and whether it’s overcast or sunny.
Follow these guidelines:
- For best results, apply sunscreen about 15 to 30 minutes before going outside.
- Cover all exposed areas, including the often-overlooked body parts of the ears, hands, feet, bridge of the nose and beneath swimsuit straps.
- Protect lips with an SPF 30 lip balm.
- Apply generously: 1 ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) is the amount experts recommend to cover adequately.
- Reapply every two hours or more often if swimming or sweating.
- Keep babies younger than 6 months old out of the sun. Instead, dress them in lightweight clothes that cover the skin, as well as a brimmed hat.
“Ask your child’s doctor if you have questions about which sunscreen is right for them,” Dr. Ermatinger says.
2. Helmet up
Helmets play a crucial role in helping prevent serious head and face injuries in the event of bike falls. Wearing a helmet while biking can decrease the risk of head injuries by about 85% and facial injuries by around 65%, according to the AAP.
“Helmets and bike riding should go hand in hand for people of all ages,” Dr. Ermatinger says. “Kids watch what adults do. Set a positive example by wearing a helmet whenever you bike.”
Here are some key points about helmets:
- Introduce helmets to your child from a young age. As soon as they start riding tricycles or scooters, have them wear head protection.
- Buy helmets that meet the safety standards of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check the inside of the helmet or its packaging to confirm.
- Ensure helmets fit snuggly and include a chin strap. They should sit squarely on the top of head and cover the forehead.
- If your child experiences a serious crash or fall while wearing a helmet, replace the damaged helmet.
- Make sure kids also wear helmets for other warm-weather activities, including scootering, rollerblading, skateboarding, horseback riding and all-terrain vehicle riding. In the winter, kids should wear helmets for skiing, snowboarding and sledding.
- Elbow and knee pads are a good idea for scootering, rollerblading and skateboarding. In addition, kids should wear wrist guards while rollerblading and skateboarding.
3. Swim safely
Swimming offers a great way to get active and beat the heat. From pools to lakes, water recreation offers endless fun. At the same time, it’s important to follow precautions to ensure everyone stays safe.
Drowning is a leading cause of death among children, especially for kids between the ages of 1 and 4 years, according to the AAP. Trips and falls also can lead to serious injury.
“Enrolling your child in swimming lessons is a great first step,” Dr. Ermatinger says. “It’s also important to stay vigilant and ensure everyone follows the rules and safety precautions at pools and beaches.”
The American Red Cross provides these guidelines.
- Swim in designated areas with lifeguard supervision.
- Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
- Provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising, even when a lifeguard is present. Avoid distractions, including cellphones.
- Designate a “water watcher” whenever in a group setting. Take turns among other adults to avoid getting fatigued.
- Stay within an arm’s reach of any weak or inexperienced swimmer who is in the water.
- Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water. However, do not rely on life jackets alone.
- Do not rely on the use of water wings, swim rings, inflatable toys or other items designed for water recreation to replace adult supervision.
- If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers to prevent unsupervised access to the water.
- Urge kids to walk, not run, around the slippery surfaces of pools.
- Enforce rules against dangerous play in and around water.
4. Take care with trampolines
The allure of trampolines is nearly irresistible. While the fun is undeniable, so is the risk. According to the National Institutes of Health, trampolines led to more than 800,000 injuries among kids and teens between 2009 and 2018. That led the AAP to recommend against letting children use trampolines, except in a setting that includes professional coaches and specialized equipment.
“It’s easy to understand the draw of trampolines,” Dr. Ermatinger says. “If you do choose to have a trampoline at your home or to let your child play on one, make sure to follow safety precautions.”
Follow these guidelines from the AAP:
- Wait until kids are at least 6 years old before allowing them to use trampolines
- Only one child should jump at a time
- Have adult supervision at all times
- No flips or somersaults, since these cause the most serious neck, head and back injuries
- Do not jump from rooftops or high places onto the trampoline
- The safety net around the jumping surface should stay zipped shut while jumping
- Take the ladder down when no one is bouncing to ensure kids don’t climb up alone
5. Practice playground precautions
Playgrounds provide a perfect place for kids to socialize and get active. Parks also get busy in the summer, and the season can introduce new hazards.
Follow these precautions:
- Ensure adult supervision for young kids
- Before allowing older kids to go to the park independently, assess their maturity and responsibility level — now’s a good time to remind all kids about stranger danger as well
- Reinforce rules about rough play
- Use equipment properly, such as using handrails to climb ladders and sliding down feet-first only
- Check playground equipment before using it, as surfaces can become dangerously hot in the sun
- Place trip hazards such as bikes and bags away from equipment
6. Stay Safe and Have Fun!
Dr. Ermatinger encourages families to savor the season get active this summer.
“A few simple steps today can protect a whole summer of fun,” she says. “Start before you step outside.”
