Longer summer days means dramatically more time spent
outside in the sun with our kids: from hanging out on the beach or at
the pool, to running in the yard, to hiking through the woods. Amidst
these summer activities, safety issues lurk from insects to sun burns
to keeping hydrated. The Mommy Insider, in cooperation with Mom Central who has joined with The Clorox Company and MommyDocs we share with you these
important summer safety tips:

• Have a Sun Protection Strategy:
  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sunscreen with a minimum
  Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15.  Look for products that provide
  "broad spectrum" coverage to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
  Use this sunscreen routine with your child–daily application 30
  minutes before going
  outside and reapplication every 2 hours (or sooner
  if swimming, toweling off, or sweating).  Creating a routine will
  establish good habits for the future.  In addition, don’t forget a wide
  brim hat, sunglasses with 99-100% UVA/UVB protection, and sun
  protective clothing.

• Keep Pests off Your Little One:
  In the summer, many insects can bite or sting your child.  For pesky
  mosquitoes and ticks, consider a DEET containing insect repellent.
  Apply sparingly to exposed skin (avoid backs of hands and around the
  eyes and mouth) and/or to clothing once a day. As the percentage of
  DEET goes up, the duration of action increases. To prevent unnecessary
  exposure, always use the lowest percentage that will last for the
  planned length of time spent outdoors. Never go above 30% or use on
  children under 2 months old.

• Keep the Pool Cool and Clean:
  Small yard pools provide a great way for kids to have fun and cool down
  when the temperature rises, but they can also harbor germs, such as
  bacteria.  To keep the pool free from unwanted "swimmers," after each
  use disinfect it with bleach by cleaning with a solution of  ¾ cup
  regular bleach to one gallon of water, then rinse well and dry
  thoroughly.  Safety must: Always supervise children regardless of age
  when they are around any water; whether it’s a bucket, a small backyard
  plastic pool, or the local community pool.

• High Heat Means Hydrate:
  Excessive heat exposure may
  cause your child to experience a
  heat-related illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heat
  stroke. How to prevent this: take breaks in the shade, avoid playing
  outside during peak sun exposure hours, and drink, drink, drink!  Make
  sure your child is taking in plenty of fluids before he become thirsty.

• Rid Rashes and Relieve Itchies:
  Running through the yard in bare feet, taking a nature walk on a trail,
  and picnicing in the park are some of the joys of warmer weather.  But
  all of this outdoor activity can expose your child to a host of plants
  including those which cause poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac.  If
  an allergic reaction occurs, ask the pediatrician about an oral
  antihistamine and/or a topical skin care product such as a steroid
  cream or calamine.  If the rash is extensive, looks infected, or is not
  getting better, call your doctor right away.

All safety tips can also be found on MommyDocs.com.