Now that it’s summer, kids have more time to spend outside playing, whether it’s swimming with friends, a neighborhood water balloon fight, or a family bike ride. Summertime is all about having fun and making memories! Of course, every parent and caregiver at a Rockville day care wants to make sure their child is always safe. Take steps to beat the heat and keep your child from getting dehydrated or sunburned before you take them outside.
Put on sunscreen and clothes that will protect kids from the sun. Feeling the sun on your face in the summer can be nice, but getting burned is not. The sun’s UV rays are best in the summer, and kids younger than 18 are most likely to get skin damage.
When your child goes outside, put on sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Put it on again every three hours or immediately after your child has been in or splashed with water. Try not to be outside during the hottest parts of the day, and think about putting kids in clothes that protect them from the sun.
When the temperature is above 90 F or 84 F with 70% humidity, Rockville Daycare staff says to be careful when sending children outside to play. Young children may need up to 14 days to get used to warmer weather. Start by spending more time outside slowly over 10 to 14 days, taking breaks every 15 to 30 minutes during bad weather or extreme heat.
The best way to keep kids safe during any kind of extreme heat is through prevention. Try your best to shield them from the sun. Instead of during the middle of the day, schedule outside activities for the morning and evening. Drink plenty of water, dress comfortably, and take precautions against the sun, like using sunscreen.
When you’re outside having fun at home or at a Rockville daycare, don’t let the sun or heat get in the way. Follow these useful tips to help keep your kids safe in the sun.
It is recommended by professionals that kids of all ages wear sunscreen. Choose one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has at least 30 SPF. Help your child put on more sunscreen every two hours if they will be out in the sun for a long time. Make sure they’re covered again more often if they swim or sweat.
When the weather gets warmer, kids will want to go outside more. Keep a tub of sunscreen with a squirt bottle top by the front door. This will help you remember to put it on before going outside. Use walkers and car seats with sun shades to keep babies safe from the sun. To keep your baby from getting too tired from the heat, you might want to buy a small fan that you can carry around with you and clip on.
If your child develops a sunburn, apply aloe vera or a light moisturizer designed for sensitive skin. Avoid ointments or anything oily since they can trap heat against the skin and exacerbate the burn.
It’s common for kids to become engrossed in outdoor play and neglect to drink water. Dehydration, weariness, and headaches may result from this, though. Experts say that kids ages 1 to 3 should drink four cups of water every day, and kids ages 4 to 8 should drink five cups.
You can try several different things to get your kid to drink more water. Adding fruit to water will make it taste better. You can add fruit to cups of water, water bottles, or jugs of water stored in the fridge.
Buy small water bottles with handles that can be used more than once and are easy for your kids to hold and fill up. It can be more fun for your child to drink water if the cups and straws are cool and colorful or have their favorite animal or figure on them.
For an afternoon snack that will help you drink more water, make your own popsicles. You can buy lots of fun molds and find plenty of great recipes and tips online.
Dressing kids in proper attire is one of the most efficient ways to keep them cool throughout the summer. Choose light-colored clothing that reflects heat. Lighter shades keep your child cool and comfortable. Choose loose-fitting garments that allow air circulation, promote ventilation, and lower the risk of heat-related sickness.
Rash guards with UV protection factor (UPF), which is comparable to SPF but for clothing, will shield your children’s arms, shoulders, and torsos. These can wear out with time, so use them cautiously if handed down. Don’t forget your caps and sunglasses to protect the head and eyes.
Water is a great way to cool off and keep your kids cool. If you have a pool, tell your kid to go for a swim and play in the water. You could also put up a sprinkler in the garden for a fun and cool time outside. Activities in the water not only cool kids off but also keep them busy and active. Just remember to wear sunscreen and watch over them to ensure they stay safe.
It’s best to limit your time outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which are the hottest hours of the day. During this time, the sun is at its strongest, making getting sick from the heat more likely. Instead, do things outside in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler. If your child has to be outside during the hottest parts of the day, make sure they can find shade and take lots of breaks to rest and cool off.
As the summer heats up, it’s important to prioritize your child’s health and safety. The Rockville Day Care says that with these tips, you can help keep your kids cool and safe in the sun. Watch your kids for signs of any heat related illness and act quickly if necessary. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the summer with your kids while keeping them cool and comfy.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.
