While the internet and technology seem to have taken over the younger generation’s time for the most part, it’s important to stress the importance of outdoor play. For older generations, before the internet, everything happened outdoors as a child.
Playing in the park with friends or going outside to play in the mud, it’s a nostalgic treat that should be reliving with your own children. If your kids already love playing outdoors then you’re already winning. However, it’s important to keep your children safe when they’re outside. Here are some top tips to help keep your children safe in the garden during the summertime.
Lather them up regularly with SPF
First and foremost – SPF. Despite the time of year, if the sun is in the sky – which is every day – then they’ll need to be wearing sunscreen.
While some days may not warrant such extreme SPFs as factor 50, you may want to lather them up regardless when they’re not wearing much clothing. The same goes for when they are wearing clothing as UV rays can still penetrate through them.
Be mindful of how much you apply and how long they’re out playing before the SPF needs to be reapplied. Lathering them up might not be fun for them but they’ll be grateful to come in at the end of outdoor play without any sore spots or sunburn.
Ensure they’re getting plenty of hydration
Hydration is important when you’re a child, especially as they’re going to sweat out all of the water they’ve drank so far. If you’re able to, provide your children with a water bottle to take out when they’re playing with friends.
If they’re playing outside in the backyard, then make sure you’re topping up the water jugs with fresh, icy water to keep them cool and hydrated throughout the day. It’s easy for them to forget to drink too, so make sure to remind them.
The last thing you want is for any of them to get sunstroke when they’re outside playing. That doesn’t make for an enjoyable experience.
Consider anti-slip materials to avoid injuries
Anti-slip materials are great to help avoid any injuries that may happen in your backyard, especially where water is concerned. Whether that’s the pool or water balloon fights, having the right materials laid down is worthwhile to avoid a broken bone or busted lip.
A company like Rubacrete is great for updating your outdoor space to be more child-friendly. Children will often run about in excitement, despite you warning them of the dangers. With this company fitting your outdoor flooring, you should have no problem with them slipping up and banging their head.
Make sure you’ve got barriers and covers for any pools
Talking of pools, it’s good to be aware of the dangers that pose in your own garden and yard areas. For example, a pool without any barrier or pool covers is likely to be the most dangerous for little ones.
No matter how much you tell them not to, there’s always that temptation that they may try and get in the pool while you’re not looking. If they’re not able to swim without their training rubber bands or pool noodles, then they’re in trouble.
It’s an extra cost for your pool and pool maintenance but it’s something that’s worth doing for peace of mind. Not only that but you’ll be able to lock them out of the pool area when you don’t want them in it any longer.
Kit them up with all the safety accessories when riding a bike or scooter
If they’re going out on their bikes or scooters, it’s important to make them aware of the safety when playing on them out and about. For example, wearing a helmet and fluorescent outerwear for when it gets dark so they can be seen by cars passing by.
By giving them all of the safety accessories, you’ll protect them from getting injured or minimize any injuries that happen when you’re not watching them.
Use insect repellant to avoid any nasty bites
To help avoid any of those nasty bug bites that happen throughout the year, ensure they’re wearing insect repellant. This is great for those who are more susceptible to the bites during the warmer months of the year.
Keeping your children safe when out and about is important, especially when there are dangers present in your own garden. Make use of these tips to keep your children safe so that they can enjoy the outdoor weather without any fuss.
