Summer is a time for kids to enjoy playgrounds, pools, and outdoor activities, but it can also bring a range of injuries like scrapes, sunburns, and dehydration. Pediatricians offer advice on how to keep children safe and treat common summer injuries.
Preventing Heat Illness Kids are more susceptible to heat illness, so it’s important to take precautions: – Ensure they have water bottles, sun-protective clothing, and mineral sunscreen. – Monitor for signs of fatigue and check skin for redness and warmth. – Understand the three types of heat illness: – **Heat cramps:** Treat with electrolyte fluids like coconut water or sports drinks. – **Heat exhaustion:** Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, weakness, anxiety, and fever. Move the child to a cooler area, give fluids, spray with water, or use a fan. – **Heat stroke:** Symptoms include confusion and strange behavior, requiring immediate medical attention.
Fireworks Safety The American Academy of Pediatrics advises keeping children away from all fireworks, including sparklers, due to the risk of burns. Attend only professional, government-sponsored fireworks displays.
Water Safety Pools and other water bodies pose drowning risks: – Assign a designated adult to monitor the pool. – Ensure above-ground pools are fenced with 4-foot walls. – Drain, flip, and deflate inflatable pools after use. – Watch for signs of water in the lungs, such as choking, breathing difficulties, or lethargy, and seek medical help if needed.
Treating Scrapes and Bruises Children often get scrapes and bruises from falls: – Ensure they wear helmets while biking, with a snug-fitting strap. – Supervise trampoline use, limiting to one child at a time. – Choose playground equipment appropriate for their age and check for hot surfaces like metal slides.
Clean minor scrapes, apply antibacterial ointments, and use bandages. For significant falls, especially head injuries, consult a doctor. Look out for inability to move limbs, large cuts, or signs of infection (redness, pus, heat, streaking).
When in doubt, contact your pediatrician for guidance.
