Hi Parents!

Summer is here—and while the sun, pools, and parks promise loads of fun, we want to keep safety top of mind. Here’s your quick guide to sunshine, bugs, bikes, and more!

Sun Safety: Keep the Rays at Bay

• Babies < 6 months: No direct sun—use shade, sun protective clothing or stroller canopies. Use sunscreen on small areas only if shade/clothing isn’t an option. 

• Dress Smart: Light, long sleeves, tight-weave fabrics (less light through fabric = more protection) or look for clothing labeled with Ultraviolet Protection Factor UPF such as rashguards, wide-brim hats.

• Limit your sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.

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Sunscreen

• SPF 30-50, broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB protection), 15–30 min before heading out.

• Use physical blockers - zinc oxide/titanium dioxide (look at the active ingredient list), physical blockers are better than chemical blockers such as oxybenzone for multiple reasons including safety, risk of allergic reaction and environmental impact

• Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating.

• Sweat and water resistant (no sunscreens are waterproof)

• Fragrance free, often labeled for sensitive skin

• Yes, even on cloudy days!

• If you are using spray - spray into your hands first to avoid inhalation 

Don’t forget UV-protective sunglasses for you and your little one!

Bug Off: Insect Safety Tips

• Use EPA-approved repellents with DEET (10–30%, not for kids < 2 months old), picaridin (5–20%), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for kids <3 years old). Tip: the higher the percentage the longer they last 

• Avoid combo sunscreen/bug sprays - you’ll need to reapply sunscreen more often

• Don’t apply repellent on hands, face, cuts, or under clothing 

• Do apply repellant over clothes and on exposed skin 

• Dress in lightweight long sleeves & pants when outdoors in buggy areas

• No scented lotions/soaps, which attract bugs

• Wear a hat in wooded areas to prevent ticks. Check for ticks after outdoor play, especially in wooded or grassy areas.

• Natural sprays (citronella, peppermint, etc.)? Safe, but less effective—okay if insect-borne illness isn’t a concern.

Travel Smart: Your Summer Med Kit

Pack these:

• Children’s Tylenol or Motrin (for fevers/pain)

• Antihistamines such as Zyrtec (better than Benadryl for itchy rashes/allergies)

• Hydrocortisone 1% ointment (for itchy insect bites or rashes)

• Topical Antibiotic Ointment such as Bacitracin - avoid Neosporin 

• All prescribed meds (asthma meds, daily meds, etc.)

  
  

Outdoor Fun 

Pools

• Always supervise

• No running near the pool

• If home pool - make sure pool is completely enclosed by fence and can be locked

• Young swimmers? Consider swim lessons and always use proper flotation

Fireworks? 

Leave it to the pros. Even sparklers burn at over 1,000°F. Attend community shows instead of lighting your own.

Wheels in Motion: Bike, Scooter, Skate Safety

• Helmets every time everywhere—look for the CPSC sticker.

• Helmet fit: level on head, snug straps so can fit 2 fingers between strap and chin, covers forehead.

• Right-sized gear only—no “grow into it” bikes

• Skate/scoot on smooth surfaces, not the street

• Be a role model - wear your helmet, children learn by observation

Trampolines

• Avoid home trampolines - risk of serious injury even when supervised

• Netting - offers a false sense of security and does not prevent injuries, as most injuries happen on the trampoline, not from falling off

• One person at a time - 75% of trampoline injuries occur when more than one person is jumping at a time

Stay healthy and have fun this summer!