Whether your kids are staying close to home this summer or planning to sleep away at camp for a few days, Minute Clinic has both, great tips AND a great deal for you. Keep reading to find out more!
Our kids are always on the go. Always moving. Always running. There are few exceptions. Camp will surely not be one of them. It's important to keep in mind, whether we're with them or we're not, a good handful of things we can do to keep them safe.
A few of them that are always at the top of my mind and are also recommended by Minute Clinic are:
SUNSCREEN
* Outdoor play is a blast. Whether they're swimming, at the playground, playing sports or playing in the sand our little ones need coverage. Sunscreen is a MUST. It's essential. Think about it - think of how many years we've lathered ourselves up with coverage to ensure that we didn't burn and find ourselves soaking in a bath of witch hazel and aloe by day's end. Our little ones need that even more than we do. As with everything else, they need us looking out for them to ensure that they don't get hurt. Don't skimp on the sunscreen. A few of my favorites come in stick form - some actually come in foam now! - and it's no lie that I have personally been using Coppertone Water Babies since my 20s. It's not just for kids.
HATS
* A wide-brimmed hat is best for our kids when they're out in the sun. It shields their scalps and their faces in a way that other head gear won't do. Baseball caps work in a pinch, as well. If you don't have a hat go back to the first recommendation and spray some sunscreen on their scalp and the part of their hair. Sunburn on the head is awful and we can protect them from it.
SUNGLASSES
* My eye doctor told me that kids need sunglasses even more than adults do. Their eyes are extra-sensitive to the sun's rays and a shield against them is a must.
SAFETY GEAR
* Water safety seems a given. If your children cannot swim, get them the gear they need to keep them safe on the water. Life jackets (a MUST for kids when out boating), puddle jumpers, backpack floaties. Personally, I'd stay away from water wings, because they just don't seem safe enough. They don't stay on and they won't really keep your baby afloat unless you're holding them up right in front of them. Look into Coast Guard approved gear and put your mind at ease.
* Biking safety is beyond a given. Be sure that if your kids are anywhere where there will be bikes that they have a helmet that fits them well. I see so many kids rolling around the neighborhood helmet-free and it freaks me out. It's not how we grew up, but it's so important and really easy to ensure they wear.
* Playground safety is something I think about everyday. My daughter's class has recess outside and they have some pretty awesome play structures. It's important that our kids have the right kind of shoes for playtime at the playground. Flip flops and sandals and even "croc-like" shoes aren't the best. Your best choice is a pair of sneakers. (What do you call them where you live? I've heard everything from tennis shoes to my personal favorite, kicks!) Admittedly I am not always one to enforce this rule, but I do make sure flip flops and open-toed shoes are a no-go for the playground. See the picture below for my own confession ...
And please, be sure your bigger children are aware of little ones. While it's not your responsibility to take care of someone else's child, it IS your responsibility to teach your child(ren) proper playground behaviors.
Minute Clinic wants to help you ensure that your child is at his/her healthiest and gets off to camp okay. Click through to a $20 off camp and sports physical coupon for the Minute Clinic at your local CVS.
And to keep up with Minute Clinic and receive regular tips on summer safety, follow them @MinuteClinic on Twitter.
*This post is a sponsored post on behalf of Minute Clinic. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.*
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