Your Family’s 2022 Summer Safety Kit
Maybe you’re excited to reclaim the season after a challenging couple of years. Or maybe you’re still figuring out how to balance your family’s comfort level with safety and fun. Whatever your family’s plans, safety is always the name of the game.
In this summer safety toolkit, Connecticut Children’s pediatric experts share vital resources for keeping your family safe while you enjoy the season. From must-know water play tips to sun protection and everything in between – this is what parents need to know.
Tips for an Enjoyable, Memorable,
and Safe Summer!
The Great Outdoors
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All You Need to Know About Tick Safety
Summer in New England is prime time for kids to be out in nature! But it’s also prime time for ticks.
Recognize the Signs of Heat-Related Illness
What should you look for and what should you do if your child is showing signs of any heat-related illness?
6 Must-Know Water
Safety Tips
Water play is a major part of making summer memories and many kids are eager to splash, swim or attend pool parties.
Playground Safety
Playground injuries are very common, but also very preven- table. These tips will help your child’s avoid them.
When Can Kids Start to Wear Deodorant?
Puberty + summertime = a sweaty combination that probably includes some new odors. What should you know about starting a deodorant?
Growing Healthy in Summer & Beyond
Connecticut Children’s is dedicated to improving the physical and emotional health of children through family-centered care, research, education and advocacy. We embrace discovery, teamwork, integrity and excellence in all that we do.
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Know That Spending Time Outside Has Many Physical and Mental Benefits.
Stepping outside on a sunny day is a great way for kids to stay active, social and cut down on excess screen time while having fun. The key is striking the perfect balance between quality time outside and protecting their little bodies from too much sun exposure…
Sun and Skin Safety Tips for a Fun Summer
In New England, summer sneaks up after a long winter, which felt even longer as COVID-19 still looms. However, when the sun comes out, it’s out full force. Before you and the family head outside and “take back” summer, check out some summer sun safety tips to protect yourself and those you love against the sun’s harmful rays. Connecticut Children’s pediatrician Dr. Keri Wallace reveals the dos and don’ts of being outside in the sun.
Travel or Not, Start Preparing for a COVID-19 Vaccine for Your Child.
Does your child have any health conditions that put them at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 like immuno-suppression, diabetes, or chronic lung disease? If so, it may make sense to take a rain check on travel until your child is fully vaccinated. Otherwise, your family vacation could expose them to people and situations where the virus and its variants spread more easily. If travel is necessary, then use appropriate precautions like mask-wearing indoors, separating from other people if there is a crowd outdoors, and avoiding indoor events that are in a poorly ventilated building.
Consider Your Child’s
Risk Factors for COVID-19.
While most kids experience only mild illness with COVID-19, it’s possible for some children to become very sick or even die. So whether you’re at home or on vacation, please make sure any unvaccinated kids continue masking, social distancing, and handwashing – and plan on getting their COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can.
So your family is ready for a change of scenery, and the adults and older teens are fully vaccinated. But what if your younger child is still waiting on their COVID-19 vaccine? Before you make any spring or summer travel plans, Connecticut Children’s infectious disease expert John R. Schreiber, MD, MPH, has guidance.
COVID and Summer Travel:
Is Your Family Ready?
Summer has arrived. Vacations await.
Outside in the sunshine, lakes, rivers, and beaches are ready to be enjoyed.
Watch Out for the Strongest Rays of the
Day – 10AM to 2PM.
The sun is strongest and its rays the most powerful during these hours. If possible, try to limit the exposure to direct sunlight for this time. Plan indoor activities or seek shade during these peak hours.If staying outside is the only option, then apply and reapply sunscreen. Even if it’s cloudy, it’s still possible for the sun’s rays to reach the skin, so – apply and reapply sunscreen. Keep reading for more about that.
Keep Babies (6 Months and Younger) Out of Direct Sunlight
Baby skin is still developing and is extra sensitive because it’s so thin. If being inside is not an option on hot, sunny days, find a shady spot somewhere—like under a tree, umbrella or the stroller canopy. Dress your baby in lightweight, comfortable clothing that covers the arms and legs. Ask your pediatrician if it’s ok to apply sunscreen to exposed areas.
Stick to a Good Sunscreen, and Be Consistent About Applying It
Here’s what you should know about sunscreen:
• Look for “broad spectrum” on the label which means protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Go for a SPF of 30 or higher.
• Apply the sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going outside and reapply at least every two hours.
• Don’t miss the ears, shoulders and tops of the feet.
• If swimming is part of the plan, look for “water resistant” on the label. Reapply
Wear a Hat and Protective Clothing
Long sleeves and pants made from tightly woven clothing can help block the sun’s rays you can also look for clothing that is certified for ultraviolet protection—like rash guards keep the clothing dry—a wet t-shirt will offer much less protection than a dry one hats can help protect the scalp, face, shoulders and neck. Hats with a wide brim and neck flap are great, especially if your child won’t stay still easily to apply sunscreen. Sunglasses can be a great way to protect the eyes from harmful UV rays. Not all sunglasses offer UV protection so make sure to check the label.
Imaginative Ways
to Stay Hydrated
What are the best ways for us to make sure kids are taking in enough water as we face the inevitable summer heatwave?
Swimmer’s Ear – Ouch – What Is it?
It’s time for our kids jump into the water for lots of swimming! The not-so-fun part? The possibility of getting painful swimmer’s ear.
Visit Connecticut Children's Health Hub for More
Consider Your Travel
Destination’s COVID-19 Risks.
What is the community spread of COVID-19? Do your research, and avoid any places that are experiencing surges, if possible. How will you get there? Domestic air travel is now considered low risk for fully vaccinated individuals, but that’s not the case for unvaccinated kids. Shorter drives are your family’s safest bet for transportation during the pandemic, since you’ll have control over your environment except for one or two brief rest stops.
Airplanes, trains, cruises and buses are higher risk, since your unvaccinated child could be in close proximity to other unmasked people, sometimes for hours. Are your planned activities relatively low risk? If you can plan ahead for timed museum passes that allow for social distancing, or outdoor activities like hiking on a less-traveled trail, you can minimize the risk of your child coming into contact with COVID-19.
Will your family have a private place to stay? The fewer people that unvaccinated kids come into close, extended contact with, the better. So ideally, opt to stay at a private vacation rental or
the home of a fully vaccinated loved one. If you’re headed to a resort or hotel, make sure you can take precautions to stay distanced from other guests, whether that’s in the lobby or
around the elevators.
Consider your own comfort level with travel risks.
Your family may have lots of reasons they want to travel this summer – among them, thechance to see long-distance (vaccinated) loved ones, or just to have an adventure after so muchtime stuck at home. If you can take the right precautions to control the risks, that choice may make sense for your family. Or you may weigh the options and decide to wait until your child is fully vaccinated. That’salways your safest choice, and there are lots of ways to recreate travel experiences at home. It’s important to stay cautious and within your comfort zone.
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Connecticut Children’s is dedicated to improving the physical and emotional health of children through family-centered care, research, education and advocacy. We embrace discovery, teamwork, integrity and excellence in all that we do.
FOR PATIENTS & FAMILIES
Contact Us
Locations
Patients & Families
Find a Doctor
FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
Referrals
Research
Education and Training
Careers
Job Shadows & Internships
FEATURED SPECIALTIES
Cancer & Blood Disorders
Cardiology / Cardiac Surgery
Ear, Nose & Throat
Gastroenterology
Orthopedics
Pediatric Surgery
Sports Medicine
SUPPORT US
Make a Gift
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