Keeping Your Children Healthy Through the Summer

by Staff

Warmer weather means that you and the fam are enjoying the outdoors and all the fun it entails. The outdoors and summer season brings new challenges to keep the kiddos safe. So here are the top tips and must-haves to keep your family happy and healthy so they (and you) can enjoy extra the summer season. 

Multivitamins

Summer season means more active kids and mom staying on the go as well. One of the best ways to keep your kids healthy in the summer is to have them taking a multivitamin. It allows them to stay healthy from the inside out. Gummy children’s multivitamins are a win-win. With fun, gummy flavors that are responsibly sourced, there is definite peace of mind without having to fight with your child to take their vitamin. Some gummy vitamins are packed with sugar so be sure to read the ingredients list. Look for a sugar-free multivitamin. 

Multivitamins provide immune health support with Zinc, Vitamin D, and Vitamin C. Multivitamins with Omega-3 and DHA encourage proper brain function. Vitamin K, Vitamin D, and Zinc support proper bone health. Also, look for a multivitamin that has probiotics. This supports your little digestive health. Kids are picky eaters so having them take a daily multivitamin gives you peace of mind as a parent. 

Hydration

Keeping your littles hydrated in the heat can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Children from one to three years old need at least four cups a day. Children four to eight years old need at least five cups. This can vary depending on how long your kids are out playing in the heat. The best way to keep your kids hydrated is to be prepared and have hydrating drinks handy. 

Insulated Water Jugs

When planning a beach day or any family outdoor outing, plan for hydrating the family. Insulated water bottles are great because they will keep your water cold and refreshing. Kids are more likely to hydrate if the bottle is personalized and fun. Packing individual water bottles will pay off on your family outing. Also adding flavors or fruit is another way to keep your kids coming back for more water in between the fun.

Popsicle Molds

Popsicle molds are perfect for hanging by the pool or a refreshing snack to help you and your kiddos stay cool after playing in the yard. Popsicle molds are great because you can decide what ingredients are in your kids’ snacks as opposed to untold chemicals and tons of sugar in store-bought popsicles. Look at adding fruit like watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, or kiwi because they are known as hydrating fruits, nutritious, and taste yummy. Popsicle molds are great remedies for everything from hydration to teething reflux vomiting

Dehydration Symptoms in Kids

If you are worried about your child being dehydrated look for these symptoms:

  • Dry, sticky mouth
  • Lethargy, low energy
  • Dark urine or no urination in 12 hours
  • Irritability

Sun Protection

Fun in the sun right? To fully enjoy the sun and all the fun it brings, proper sun protection is vital. Here are the must-haves to keeping your family safe in the sun.

Sunscreen

When looking for the best sunscreen for your kids, there are few things to look for in a sunscreen. First, select a sunscreen with a high SPF. While no sunscreen can guarantee 100% coverage, waterproof, broad-spectrum sunscreen provides the best protection for your kiddos from harmful UV rays without the worry of the water washing it off. 

Next, go with mineral sunscreen. Mineral or physical sunscreen is best for not only the environment but for kids and their sensitive skin. General sunscreen sits on top of the skin as opposed to a chemical sunscreen that is absorbed into the skin. This barrier on the skin reflects the sun’s rays. Lastly, use a lotion sunscreen. Sprays and rub-on balms have the risk of not being adequately applied. A mineral lotion sunscreen with a waterproof, high SPF will give you peace of mind while the kids have fun in the sun.

For smaller children and babies, the shade is the best option to ensure your littles don’t get sunburn. Avoiding peak sun exposure and having an umbrella or having your baby wear a hat can help provide sun protection. 

UV Sunwear

Another great option for sun protection for kids clothes with UV protection. UV Sunwear can offer better protection for the sun than sunscreen. Clothes that are labeled UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) describe how much sun the material will allow. Look for materials with a UPF of 50 or more. This will offer optimal protection. UV Sunwear is a great option because it doesn’t have to be reapplied and it avoids putting any chemicals on your little’s sensitive skin. More and more companies are making hats, swimsuits, rash guards, and shoes that offer proper sun protection. 

Bug Repellant 

Bugs can easily ruin a family outing. Being prepared and having the right products on hand will help keep your family comfortable, healthy, and happy.

Spray 

Bug spray is the most common product for bug protection. Most chemical bug sprays contain Deet and Picaridin. Deet is safe for children up to 2 months old and should only be applied once a day. Picaridin is another synthetic chemical sed in sunscreen and can be applied the same as bug sprays containing Deet. When looking for sunscreen for children, look for natural ingredients. Citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint, and cedarwood are all-natural ingredients found in sunscreen. Natural bug sprays are a great option, but they do have to be applied more often than chemical bug spray.

Bracelets 

If you are against bug sprays or lotion, bug repellent wristbands are a great option. Most bug bracelets use natural ingredients like citronella, lemongrass, and geranium oils. They are easy to apply and you don’t have to worry about reapplication. Many bug bracelets last 100+ hours if stored properly. Other options that work similarly to bug repellent wristbands are citronella candles or radius zone insect repellants. This is great for backyard cookouts or late-night bonfires. The candles and radius zones release insect deterrents into the air. 

Wipes

Lastly, insect repellants are a great option for keeping your kids’ bug bite-free this summer. They are perfect for outdoor outings because they are portable and easy to apply. Just use the wipes on the exposed areas. Most bug repellant wipes are deet-free and use natural ingredients. They generally have to be applied more often than chemical bug sprays. 

Things to Remember

  • When spending a day outside in the heat, keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion. They include extreme tiredness, nausea, headache, and irritability. If your child shows any of these signs, be sure to bring them into a cool place, have them drink liquids with electrolytes, and apply a cold towel to their head. 
  • When outdoors be sure to check yourself and the kids for ticks and bug bites. Use tweezers to remove ticks and apply rubbing alcohol to the infected area. Bug bites can be treated with hydrocortisone. 
  • For treating sunburns Aloe Vera can be treated to cool and moisturize the area. It’s important to have your child drink plenty of fluids to help alleviate the sunburn. 

Photo by Leo Rivas

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The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.

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