Outside Safety
Let's be safe this season while we are enjoying the outdoors!
We are back to school, but it is still hot outside! We know that you and your families have been enjoying time outside and in the pool. Here are a few important tips to make sure everyone is safe this season.
Sun:
First, let’s not forget that sunscreen! We recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15. Put it on 15-30 minutes prior to going outdoors. Try to avoid the hours of 10 am- 4 pm when the UV rays are strongest. Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming, drying off, or sweating. While we generally recommend sunscreen 6 months of age or older, if shade and protective clothing is not available, it is ok to put sunscreen on small areas for babies less than 6 months old.
Wearing hats and sunglasses can also protect against UV rays.
For more information about sun safety, visit https://www.northsidepediatrics.com/safety/fun-in-the-sun-keep-your-family-safe
Water:
Every child should wear a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard if on a boat or around bodies of water.
Getting off phones and devices and limiting other distractions are the best way to ensure we can watch our kids and their friends as they play in the pool.
If you or a loved one has a pool, please ensure it has a fence at least 4 feet high that self-closes and self-latches to help protect kids from drowning.
You can also check out more info here: https://www.northsidepediatrics.com/safety/a-parents-guide-to-water-safety
Bikes:
Another fun activity is biking and scooter riding! Be sure to wear your helmet, no matter how far or fast you are going. Also, be sure to follow traffic signals and ride on the right side, with traffic.
E-bikes and electric scooters have become quite popular. However, they have higher risk of severe injury and death. Check the vehicle code in your state and regulations in your community to see age requirements for operating an e-bike. The AAP recommends that riders or e-bikes and electric scooters be at least 16 years old. And, as always, wear a helmet that fits well.
Here are some great helmet tips:
https://www.northsidepediatrics.com/safety/tippabout-bicycle-helmets
