Summer Safety from American Academy of Pediatrics

Experts advise that children play outside for at least one hour per day, weather permitting. This time of year, outdoor safety is critical, and we must consider things like sun protection, heat stress, water safety, and insect safety.

Here are a few outdoor safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. The SPF should be at least 15 and protect against UVA and UVB rays.
• Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• The intensity of activities that last 15 minutes or more should be reduced whenever high heat and humidity reach critical levels.
• Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.
• The current CDC and AAP recommendation for children over 2 months of age is to use insect repellent with 30 percent DEET. DEET should not be used on children under 2 months of age.
• Make sure metal slides are cool to prevent children's legs from getting burned.
• Never attach—or allow children to attach—ropes, jump ropes, leashes, or similar items to play equipment; children can strangle on these.
• Do not allow children to ride as passengers on ride-on mowers.

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