A Strong Coffee

Summer is an exciting season, where we are more likely to get good weather than any other time of the year (apparently). The kiddies are off school for another few weeks yet, and already you might have noticed them getting into a few scrapes. Safety is essential wherever you are, and the world is a very dangerous place. Keep reading for tips on how to keep your little people safe this summer.

Sun Protection

It seems simple. It is simple. Your child can burn easily when playing and they won’t even realise it until they are rolling around struggling to get to sleep because of their little burnt shoulders. Apply a factor 50 sun lotion or cream to your child 30 minutes before they plan to go out, paying special attention to the face, ears, neck, shoulders and tops of feet. Really, the whole body should be covered thoroughly. If you are going to the beach, a national park, or anywhere else that means you will be out for the majority of the day, make sure you know where there are sheltered areas, or take a little pop up family tent so you can all get some respite from the midday rays.

Wristbands

Some organisations offer free wristbands that you can put on your child on days out. These bear your name and details, which is invaluable if your child should wander off, only to find you went a different way. Losing a child while you are out is terrifying and even the most attentive parents have had little ones run off in the split second of distraction.

Pay Attention Around the Home

Summer holidays mean that you will all be spending a little more time in the house, and it is very normal for your house to look like a bus drove through it, spreading toy parts and debris as it passed. Make sure that anything that could be dangerous (especially the innocent items that can be turned dangerous) is out of sight and reach of children. If you don’t have the time or energy to completely clean through every single night after they go to bed, at least clear up and rubbish or tripping hazards and make sure that any safety measures such as corner protectors have not been dislodged during the wild one-toddler party that happened in your living room!

Teach Your Child to Stay Safe

Young children can be very trusting, so make sure you instil the dangers of accepting sweets and help from strangers. If they do take anything, make sure they know to ask your permission before eating or using it. When a child can talk, this becomes easier to explain. Have them hold your hand or the pushchair when crossing a road, teaching them to look both ways. If need be, try and use some educational play or role play activities to teach your child what to do or how to respond to things.
Basic safety skills will last them right through life, but for now it just makes mum and dad’s life that little bit less complicated!


About the Author This article was written on behalf of Galt Toys. Galt Toys have been manufacturing educational toys for children for 175 years! Galt really know a thing or two about learning… and having fun!