Banish your summer woes!

The good old summertime is here! Nothing excites the kids like fun in the sun; vacations, beach holidays, summer camps, splash pool parties, ice pops and of course mouth-watering mangoes! It also comes with its share of parental woes, doesn’t it? Read on to know about how to keep your little ones safe this summer.

• Stay sun safe
  • Protect your children from the scorching midday sun between 11 am to 3 pm when the UV rays are the strongest. Keep children under 1 year away from direct sunlight as much as possible. Take a trusty umbrella along or have the stroller canopy open whenever you head outside.
  • Dress your children in cool, flowy, airy clothing in light colours and breathable summer fabrics (cotton, natural linen or sheer). Invest in a comfy summer hat or a beach bucket cap (with a 3-inch brim) and protective sunglasses for them to wear outdoors.
  • Unprotected skin gets damaged with sun exposure resulting in sunburns. Sunburns leave their delicate skin red, angry-looking, itchy and blistering. Use sunscreens with SPF of 15 to 50 generously on them 30 minutes before they step out. Reapply every 2 to 3 hours. Reapply if your child has been splashing around in the water or is drenched in sweat. Avoid in infants below 6 months. Do not use tinted or aromatic sunscreens. Make sure you choose a mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
• Water – the elixir of life!How much water is enough water?
  • 5- to 8-year-olds need 5 to 8 glasses, 9 to 12 years – 7 glasses and children over 13 require 8 to 10 glasses for optimal hydration every day.
  • Children are more prone to dehydration in hot humid weather and are particularly at risk of heat illnesses (heat cramps/heat exhaustion) if they aren’t drinking enough fluids when in the sun.
  • It is imperative for parents to recognize the tell-tale signs of dehydration namely dry lips, parched tongue, sunken eyes, fatigue, reduced urine output and highly coloured urine.
  • Heat exhaustion is characterized by weakness, nausea, vomiting, fever, irritability and cold clammy skin. Heat illnesses can be managed simply by cooling your child’s body and swift rehydration. Severe cases will need emergency medical care.
• Summer meals and snacks plansProvide fresh and healthy food. Include plenty of fruits and salads in your meal plans. Offer fresh seasonal fruits, delectable fruit and nut shakes/smoothies, coconut water and lassi/buttermilk every day. Treat them to homemade frozen delights by whipping up a fruit popsicle or a fruity yogurt. Avoid processed snacks, heavy spicy foods, fizzy drinks, sweetened beverages and caffeine.
• Skin WoesIn addition to sunburnt cheeks, children can be afflicted with rashes due to prickly heat, fungal, bacterial and viral infections, eczema flare-ups and insect bites.

  General summer skin care measures are as follows.

  • Bathe them twice a day with a gentle cleanser.
  • Get them out of their sweaty clothes and ensure they wash their hands and feet thoroughly after play.
  • Protect them from insect bites using kids-friendly repellent sprays or creams.
  • Use cool compresses, aloe vera and calamine lotion to soothe itchy skin.

  Meet your pediatrician for advice with regard to specific skin conditions that require attention.

• Summer Maladies and Allergies
  • Food and waterborne illnesses are quite common in summers with diarrheal diseases in the forefront. Follow basic food and water safety guidelines. If your child has developed loose stools, rehydrate them with plenty of fluids (ORS- oral rehydration solution or homely available ORS equivalents). Meet your pediatrician if your child develops a fever, abdominal cramps has a bloody stool or exhibits signs of dehydration.
  • Allergies triggered by pollen can cause sneezing, watery eyes, nose and throat itchiness. Simple antihistamines can be used to manage mild symptoms. For seasonal allergies resulting in wheezing meet your pediatrician promptly.

Enjoy a safe summer with your little ones!

Good sunshine! Happy times!