Summer parenting tips

Summer is a wonderful time for children to enjoy playing outdoors and exploring new activities. However, the rising temperatures bring a set of challenges, especially for young ones. Parents and caregivers should ensure that their children stay healthy and safe through the warmer months. Here are some handy tips for parents on making the summer a happy and healthy one for their children. 

Keep Them Hydrated

1. Frequent Fluid Intake: Children are more susceptible to dehydration than adults, especially during playtime. Ensure they drink water throughout the day. Fun tip: offer colourful water bottles or add natural flavours like berries or citrus to make hydration exciting.
2. Add a lot of hydrating Foods: Serve snacks that boost hydration. Watermelon, cucumbers, and strawberries are not only hydrating but also nutritious and kid-friendly.

Protect Their Skin

1. Sunscreen is a Must: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to your child’s skin 30 minutes before they go outside, and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
2. Create Shade: Use hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing to cover your child’s skin when out in the sun, especially during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
3. Plan Indoor Breaks: Balance outdoor time with indoor activities during the hottest parts of the day to avoid overheating.

Heat Safety

1. Cool Spaces: Utilize fans or air conditioning to keep indoor environments cool during peak heat times. If air conditioning isn’t available, plan visits to public places that are air-conditioned, like libraries or shopping malls.
2. Cool Baths: Help them cool down with a tepid bath or a gentle spray from a hose in the backyard. However make sure not to bathe your child with cold showers or just after coming back from outdoors. Always use lukewarm water for bathing. The immediate change of temperature can lead to variations of body temperature. 

Nutritious and Light Meals

1. Lighter Meals: Opt for smaller, more frequent meals. Heavy meals can raise body temperature and feel uncomfortable.
2. Seasonal Fruits and Veggies: Make the most of summer’s fresh produce. Serve lots of fresh fruits and veggies as snacks, in smoothies, or frozen for a tasty treat.

Safe and Fun Exercise

1. Morning or Evening Play: Schedule outdoor play times during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening.
2. Water Activities: Activities like swimming are excellent for staying cool while getting exercise. Just always ensure active supervision and appropriate safety gear. Use sunblock and necessary swim gear to suit the environment. 

Travel Tips

1. Preparation is Key: if you are planning an outing or a road trip, make sure to  pack essentials including water, healthy snacks, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, and extra clothing. 
2. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts to avoid extreme heat and plan your activities accordingly.

Conclusion

Summertime with your child can be full of fun and memorable experiences if you take the right precautions to manage the heat. At Little Stars & She, one of the leading paediatric hospitals in Hyderabad, we are dedicated to providing you and your family with the care and support you need to ensure a safe, healthy summer. From preventive health tips to comprehensive care, we’re here to help your little star shine brightest, even under the summer sun. Keep these tips in mind as you plan your summer days, and remember, we’re just a call away whenever you need us.