With every season comes different hazards for parents to be aware of. This summer, make sure you’re prepared to have as much fun as possible while keeping your little ones safe. Read on for five summer safety tips from early childhood educators at First Steps Day Care & Learning Center in Southbury, Connecticut.

5 Early Childhood Summer Safety Tips 

1. Always Supervise Swimming

When your family heads to the beach to beat the heat, don’t rely on the lifeguard to watch your children. Supervise them while they play in the water, or better yet, join them.

2. Wear Sunscreen

Sunscreen wears off from sweat and water exposure, so make sure your kids reapply sunscreen every 30 minutes to protect their skin. The early childhood professionals at First Steps Daycare recommend using at least SPF 50 to ensure protection.

3. Stay Hydrated 

Many adults don’t drink enough water, and as such, they may not encourage their children to drink water either. When it’s hot out, make sure your children have several glasses a day. Fill fun-patterned water bottles, and place them in the freezer so that the water stays cold when you head to the beach.

4. Avoid Poisonous Plants

Taking a family hike can be a blast until your little ones walk through a patch of poison ivy. Teach them what it looks like and always be on the lookout for other plants with thorny nettles. This is extremely important during early childhood, as you don’t know how your child’s skin will react to the venom.

5. Avoid Strenuous Activity

When the temperature rises, consider alternative activities for your child. Instead of high-energy fun like running around the yard playing catch, try walking through sprinklers or heading to the library for some air-conditioned play time. Avoiding strenuous activity can minimize your families risk of heat stroke. 

Summertime is full of fun, outdoor activities, but make sure you’re prepared before sending your kids outside in extreme temperatures. If you’re struggling to find the time to play outside with your children, then call First Step’s Day Care & Learning Center at (203) 264-3735 or visit the website for more information regarding their early childhood education programs. You can also enroll in their afterschool program once summer ends and the leaves begin to change colors.