Essential Outdoor Safety Tips for Preschoolers
The great outdoors offers them a wealth of experiences and opportunities for a child’s growth. However, it's crucial to prioritize their safety while they venture outside. Whether it's a trip to the park, a nature hike, or a backyard adventure, implementing essential safety measures can ensure that preschoolers enjoy their time outside while minimizing potential risks. In this blog post, we’ll share some valuable tips and guidelines for outdoor safety for young kids.
Protect Young Skin from Harmful Rays
The sun's rays can be harmful, even for young children, so protecting their delicate skin is of utmost importance. Now is the time to teach your child these sun protection habits that will last a lifetime!
Apply sunscreen
Before heading outdoors, make it a habit to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Ensure complete coverage on exposed skin, including face, arms, legs, and ears. Reapply every two hours or after water play, sweating, or toweling off.
Cover up
Dress your child in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers their arms and legs. Consider hats with wide brims or caps that shade the face and neck. Sunglasses with UV protection are also essential to shield their eyes.
Keep Cool in Hot Weather
High temperatures can pose risks for kids, especially when they are actively playing. When the mercury rises above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, it's important to take extra precautions to keep preschoolers safe and comfortable:
Limit heat exposure
When the temperature soars, reduce outdoor activities or plan them during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. Ensure shaded areas are available for breaks.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Encourage your child to drink plenty of water before, during, and after outdoor play. Offer water breaks at regular intervals, even if they don't express thirst. It’s important to avoid sugary drinks since they can cause dehydration.
Dress appropriately
Choose lightweight and breathable clothing for your child to help them stay cool. Opt for light colors that reflect heat rather than dark colors that absorb it.
Watch Over Adventurous Spirits
Preschoolers have boundless curiosity, which makes supervision a critical aspect of outdoor safety. While outdoor play promotes physical activity and development, it's crucial to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
Be attentive
Always ensure a responsible adult is present and actively supervising outdoor activities. Engage in interactive play and exploration with your child, keeping them within sight and earshot.
Set boundaries
Establish clear boundaries for where your child can play, ensuring they understand the limits. This could be a designated play area, the backyard, or a specific section of the park.
Teach stranger danger
Educate your child about interacting with strangers. Teach them not to talk to or go with someone they don't know, emphasizing the importance of staying close to trusted adults.
Ensure safe play areas
Regularly inspect outdoor play equipment for any signs of damage or hazards. Ensure that swing sets, slides, and other structures are well-maintained and installed on a soft, impact-absorbing surface like sand or rubber mulch.
Encourage safe practices
Teach your child about playground etiquette, such as waiting their turn, avoiding pushing or shoving, and using equipment as intended. Teach them to be mindful of potential hazards like rocks, roots, or uneven surfaces.
First aid preparedness
Keep a well-stocked first aid kit handy for minor injuries like cuts, scrapes, and insect bites.
Safety at Small Strides
Our staff at Small Strides applies these safety principles for our kids during the hot summer months. Our goal is for them to fully enjoy the outdoor weather while protecting their precious little bodies.