Posts Tagged ‘Summer in South Florida’

Our last blog focused on preventing sunburns this summer.  However, sunburns aren’t the only thing you need to worry about this summer.  Spending time outdoors also increases chances for bug bites and bumps and bruises.  Take a look at these preventive steps to help ensure you and your nanny are safe and healthy during the summer months.

Playing Outdoors

Children of all ages are excited to play outside. While each state has safety regulations of its own for outdoor play areas, there are few important things to check:

1)    Is there mulch, sand, or rubber matting under the play structure?

2)    Is the play area/equipment age appropriate?

3)    Is the play are fenced in?

4)    Should your babysitter check the play area daily for hazards?

Bug Safety

The American Academy of Pediatrics has a few tips for protecting your child from the pesky bugs during the summer:

1)    Avoid scented soaps, perfumes, or hair sprays on your child.

2)    Avoid areas where insects nest or congregate, such as stagnant pools of water, uncovered foods, and gardens where flowers are in bloom.

3)    Avoid combinations of sunscreen and bug spray. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied, and bug spray should not be reapplied.

4)    Talk to your babysitter about how to properly remove stingers, ticks, and treat potential bites. It is important your sitter knows about any allergic reactions your child might have if stung by a mosquito or a bee. These bug emergencies may require medical attention such as administering an antihistamine, topical cream, or, if severe enough, an injectable medication such as an EpiPen or Ana-Kit. For children, these can typically be administered with the help of an adult. But do not take this for granted. You need to be aware of your state requirements allowing providers to administer medication. These regulations will determine whether or not your provider will be able to assist your child in the event of an allergic reaction. While allergies and risk of reaction might be seasonal, regulations allowing a provider to administer medication typically do not change as frequently. Keep this in mind when selecting a childcare provider.

5)    DEET is considered to be very effective in repelling ticks and mosquitoes. Keep in mind there are differing levels of DEET, available in a variety of products. Higher levels of DEET are suggested for infants (older than 2 months) and young children.

Emergency Weather Planning

Weather is often unpredictable. To ease the stress of you, your child, and your nanny, it is important to have an emergency preparedness plan in place if a weather emergency arises. Here are a few key things to discuss:

1)     Make sure your sitter knows the safest place to take the kids in case severe weather does arise.

2)    How will you and your nanny communicate during the emergency? Be sure to always have updated emergency contact information on hand for your nanny and yourself.

3)    Do you have a disaster kit readily available? The kit should include supplies to last up to 72 hours. If you do not have one, work with your nanny to make one.

Communicating with your nanny about these topics will allow for your child to not only have a fun summer, but a safe summer!