July is here and the hot summer sun is here with it. For children to spend time outside, parents need to know how to keep them safe. And, in the summer of 2020, safety may look a little different than it did in years past. What kinds of things can you do to keep your girls safe while spending time outside in the sunshine and heat this year? Let’s take a closer look. 

Hydration

Staying hydrated in the summertime is essential for you and your girls to stay healthy and avoid complications from overheating. Children should consume about 8 to 10 cups of water per day depending on their age. These numbers provide guidelines but know that we get some of our daily hydration met through foods and other liquids. 

There are several signs of dehydration parents should watch out for including: 

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Dry skin

Sunscreen

While we need sunlight to help our bodies make essential vitamin D, too much sunlight is also bad for our skin and can cause many long-term problems, including skin cancer. Using sunscreen on children is an important step to keeping them protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays in the summertime. 

Apply sunscreen whenever your girls will have prolonged sun exposure. Be generous and don’t forget about their ears, feet, and hands. 

Hats and Summer Appropriate Clothes

The right clothes can make all the difference in the summertime, too. A hat will protect your girl’s scalp from sun exposure. Many parents are using swim shirts rather than bathing suits when spending time at the pool. Protection for the upper body will be more complete. 

When your girls are outdoors playing, choose clothing that will help them stay cool and protect their head and face. 

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion, which can occur due to dehydration or prolonged sun exposure, is a serious matter. Parents need to watch out for the signs, including:

• Weakness
• Dizziness or fainting
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Increased sweating
• Raised body temperature

Learn more about heat exhaustion here. Prevention is also the best strategy, so follow summer sun recommendations whenever your girls are outside. 

Wearing a Mask to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

2020 has given us a new summer safety consideration for ourselves and our children. With the novel coronavirus spreading in the U.S., people are encouraged to wear masks to protect themselves and the most vulnerable in our communities. 

We encourage parents to teach their children about the positive benefits of wearing a mask. Cloth and filtered masks are now available through a variety of sources. If it helps your child feel confident wearing a mask, allow them to pick out a design they’ll love. Teach them that by wearing a mask, they’re showing their compassion for the people around them. 

Do you want to know more about summer safety and recommendations for keeping you and your family safe from the novel coronavirus? Ladybug for Girls can help.