Summer Safety

Summer (outdoor) Safety

So summer has been here for a little bit now but I feel you need to know these safety tips.

Sun Safety -

• Avoid being in the sun from 10 am to 3pm.
• Stay in the shade as much as you can.
• For babies 6 months and older apply SPF 15(at least) sunblock on half an hour before going outside.
• For babies 6 months and under, if there isn't enough shade apply small amounts of sunblock on the exposed skin.
• Reapply sunblock every 2 hours.

How to treat Sunburn -

• Cold compresses.
• over-the-counter pain reliever.
• Aloe.

Keeping your kids cool -

• Spray them with cold water from a spray bottle or from a hose.
• Fan them.
• If you notice overheating, ice packs to the armpits and groin can speed up the cooling process.

Insect protection -

• Dress in lightweight long sleeve shirts and pants when in wooded area's.
• Avoid bright colors and floral patterns as they attract stinging insects.
• If stung, do not pull stinger out with fingers or tweezers, but use a credit card and scrap the stinger out the same direction it came in.
• To relieve a sting, use a paste made of baking soda and water or 0.5% hydrocortizone cream.
• If swelling occurs in the childs face and lips and is pronounced, or you know they have an insect allergy then you should call emergency services.
• Some swelling and itching is normal.
• Use a non-DEET bug repellent.
• For spraying repellent on clothing, do so before putting them on the child so they do not breath in any fumes.
  

Water Safety -

• Keep your pool fenced in, and ask neighbors to do the same.
• Never let child be around any body of water without a responsible adult there to supervise.
• Drowning can occur with less than an inch of water.
• Take a child/infant CPR course.

With these tips you can have a fun, safe time with your child outside this summer

Baby Proofing

Baby proofing. It is very simple and can keep your child out of unneeded danger. First, make sure there are no power cords anywhere in sight of the baby, if the baby can see it it WILL get to it. Second, table corners, you can buy nifty little padded corner cover's that stick on with a sticky tap, they are wonderful. Third, kitchen cabinets, they have several different kind of locks for cabinets, doesn't matter which kind you get as long as you get some, you don't want you baby to go get into your cleaning chemicals or have things fall out on top of them. Fourth, appliances that open and toilets, you can buy some locks for these things to keep your baby from opening them up, but I suggest buying different sticky tape, I have not had success with the tape that came with these locks.

You can also look into straps that keep your book shelves and entertainment center's upright and at the wall instead of falling onto your child when they are just pulling themselves up to stand. You can get these pad things that you put on your door that prevent it from closing all the way which stops it from jamming your babies fingers. They also have door knob covers that prevent your child from opening a door that you don't want them to open.

Look into your child proofing options and please child proof for the sake of your child's safety. I know we can't stop all bumps and bruises but we can stop them from getting hurt when they don't have to.

Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help!

This is a VERY important tip. It is probably one of the most difficult tips for some mom's, but it is important. You are on the go from the time your child is born. It is very easy to get overwhelmed. You are not alone, you must never forget it. We have all done things to get through motherhood that we probably think we are the only one(for example: most of the time we cannot shower everyday). It might be difficult but do not be afraid to ask for help. You have so many people who care about you and your child that most are willing to help you. It can be small things, for example a great friend of mine stayed up all night on the phone with me when my daughter was 3 weeks old and would not sleep just to make sure that I would stay awake and to support me because all mothers know how difficult it is to a mother. You can ask a friend or a relative to come over and watch the baby so you can just jump in the shower. You must not be afraid to ask for help, no matter how big, small, or embarrassing it is for you. A great support system will help you through this difficult journey, because we are not perfect and we need help.