Stay cool

While many of us will be taking the opportunity to get out under the summer sun, we need to be careful. Too long in the heat and we will start to feel ill. Heat exhaustion is something we are all prone too, but take extra care with your kids, as they will spend more time being physical outdoors. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, and vomiting, so make sure you and your family stop all activity when you start to feel unwell and take shelter somewhere cool.

If you need a new air conditioner, replace your old one as soon as you can. Your home can offer respite from the burning sun, but not if it’s hotter than your oven. Make sure you have plenty of cool drinks available to offer rehydration and ice packs which can cool your family down faster when they suffer from the heat. However, always seek medical advice when your child’s body temperature is over 103 degrees, as it will lead to heatstroke which will require emergency treatment.

Beat the bugs

Insects enjoy the summer heat as much as we do, so do as much as you can to avoid them. Apply insect repellant on exposed skin, but not over any wounds or rashes. Bug sprays are safe for any child over the age of 2 months old, but make sure everybody washes their skin with soap and water when back indoors.

Use common sense when out in the garden. Don’t leave unwrapped food lying around as it can attract bees and wasps. It’s easy to panic when they fly near, but this will only aggravate these garden pests. Instead, stay calm, and if you see them flying near your child, gently wave them away. In the event of a sting, remove the stinger and apply a cold compress. An oral antihistamine and an application of hydrocortisone cream will relieve inflammation and irritation. For most people, an insect sting is harmless but if anybody in your family suffers from an allergic reaction, such as a swelling of lips and tongue, dizziness, and difficulty to breath, call the emergency services immediately.

Water survival

Water pistols, slides, etc. are a great way for kids to cool down and are a lot of fun. However, be aware that drowning is one the leading causes of death in young children, even in just a few inches. Therefore, be vigilant at home, whether it’s a swimming or a paddling pool and invest in some flotation devices and swimming lessons so your kids can enjoy playing in the water. Similarly, should you have a garden pond, ensure there are barriers in place to stop young children from falling in.