10 Ways to Keep Your Children Safe in the Sun

Summer is here, and everyone loves a nice day outside in the sunshine. While summer can be full of fun, it is not without risk: the sun, the heat, bugs and pools can be dangerous to your child, so make sure you know how to look out for them while still having a good time this summer. As part of our weekly series of parenting tips, here are 10 tips for keeping your children safe in the sun.

1. Dress children in layers of light clothes, taking off one layer at a time. Babies can overheat very quickly, so dress them in light cottons this time of year.
2. Always apply sun cream. Cover children from head to toe before dressing them and top up throughout the day.
3. Insect repellent can be very useful if children are in the gardens a lot.
4. Always get children to wear sunhats.
5. Sunglasses and shades on babies’ buggies are very important.
6. Supervise paddling pools every minute children are around them. Never leave the water in them and let children out to play alone.
7. Keep babies out of the direct sun at all times and keep young children indoors in the high temperatures.
8. Encourage children to drink plenty and don’t worry so much about how much they eat, in warm weather their appetites will change.
9. Children can be a little more challenging in warm weather. Be patient with them.
10. When taking babies for walks in buggies, be aware of how hot they might be and be very aware of the sun shining on them. Even in the evening time the sun can still be very strong.

This week’s ’10 Ways to …’ is compiled by One Family’s Director of Children and Parenting Services, Geraldine Kelly.

Coming soon: 10 Tips on Being Assertive; 10 Tips  for Respecting Difference; and 10 Tips on Preparing Your Child for Preschool

If you would like support, information or advice in relation to the topic above, contact our lo-call askonefamily helpline on 1890 66 22 12 / support@onefamily.ie.

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