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THE SAFETY OF OUR PROVIDERS AND THE FAMILIES THEY SERVE IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. LEARN HOW.
Summer is a time to kick back, relax, and enjoy fun outdoor activities. When you’re a nanny, though, summer also presents its fair share of challenges, especially regarding safety.
Don’t fear, though. We have you covered with this summer safety guide to ensure the children you nanny for have the best summer ever while staying safe in your care.
These five tips from our summer safety guide can help your kids stay safe as we enter the heat of the summer season.
1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
It’s so easy for kids to get dehydrated when they’re playing outside, especially if they’re playing at the beach, in the pool, or the sprinklers. When they’re cooling off in the water, they can forget that their bodies are sweating out precious water.
So, make sure your kids have their fill of water every day. A good rule of thumb is for kids eight and older to have at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water. Younger kids should have at least six 8-ounce glasses of water.
Dedicate a water bottle for each of them, and fill it up as soon as you get to the house. If kids are resistant to plain water, make it more appealing by adding a splash of lemon, lime, or orange.
Some foods like pineapple, watermelon, and cantaloupe can also be extremely hydrating. Offer fresh fruit as a snack to help your kids get the water they need throughout the day.
2. Apply sunscreen like it’s your job
Whether planning a quick trip to the park or an all-day beach excursion, ensure you thoroughly apply sunscreen to your kids. Use a sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF. Make sure to get all of their exposed body, including their head, ears, and feet. In addition, get SPF 30 lip balm to keep their lips from getting burnt (yes, it can happen, and it is painful!)
It’s a good idea to ask the parents of the children you are caring for if they have a preference on which sunscreen they want their kids to wear. They will likely supply it to you, so all you need to worry about is making sure it gets applied at least once every 90 minutes (more frequently if they are toweling off).
3. Practice smart water safety
Don’t take kids around water without explicit permission from their parents. Even then, make sure the parents tell you what their kids are and are not capable of doing. Some kids may be perfectly fine to swim on their own in a pool with a lifeguard, while others will need you to be right there with them at all times.
Don’t take kids to a pool or beach if you don’t feel safe or comfortable doing so. If kids want to cool off, look for other options, like sprinklers, a splash pad, or the garden hose. There are lots of ways to stay cool that don’t involve going to a pool.
4. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
Kids are notorious for playing until they get exhausted, so it can be difficult to tell when they are starting to get overheated.
Know these warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you see the children you care for exhibiting them, immediately have them stop what they are doing and get them inside to a cooler environment. Have them lie down and slowly sip some water. If you are concerned they may have heat stroke, call emergency services immediately.
Signs of heat exhaustion
Signs of heat stroke
5. Dress for the weather
Keep the kids dressed in clothing that is light in color and material. Have them wear a hat and sunglasses to protect their face and eyes from the sun.
Here at At Ease Family Solutions, we want to help you have the best summer experience yet. We hope this summer safety guide will help you have fun with the children you care for while ensuring their safety at all times.
If you are looking for a placement with a family this summer, we’d love to help with your search! Fill out an application on our website to get started.
