It is summer! How do you make sure your kids stay safe?

Days are longer, kids need protection from the sun if they plan to venture outdoors. Most of the time during summer especially during the day, kids spend their time indoors here in the UAE. How do you ensure your children are healthy and safe this summer?

Most of us expats have left our countries for better prospects and made our fortunes in the Middle East. Thanks to the warmth and welcome we have received from the locals. We who are based in the UAE will surely agree to this. The one thing that we need to take into stride, year on year is the scorching summer. Parents with small kids, I hope you have planned your summer.

Sun Protection:

Use Sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15 or greater reduces UV ray’s intensity that causes sunburns. Ensure you apply almost 20 minutes before your kids head out, this goes for adults too.  Do reapply every couple of two hours, special if your kids head out to a swimming pool.

Summer clothing does not mean less is better. Cotton or linen clothing covering the neck, knees, elbows with hats can be a good barrier for UV rays. Infants need to be dressed in comfortable clothing heads covered.

Eating:

Check and monitor what you give your children to eat or what they do eat on their own. Food gets contaminated very quickly in the summer even though it is refrigerated. It is very important that fresh food is consumed daily especially in children whose immune system is not as strong as an adult.

Be careful of what you order for home delivery, the time taken for the food to be delivered and the method of delivery is critical for the food to remain safe for consumption.

Water:  Prevent Dehydration

Staying indoors and especially in an air-conditioned environment does not make one very thirsty although it is scorching summer in the outdoors. Please ensure your children drink water as much and as often they can. Room temperature water is advised. This will stop them from dehydration and we as parents do understand the importance of drinking liquids. Water cannot be substituted by any drink. If the child is active and playing it is good for him or her to drink at least 10 gulps of water every 30 minutes.

Driving around during summer:

Don’t stay in the car or leave your children in your car for even a minute when your car is not switched on and your AC is not functioning. With 40 degrees plus. Kids are at a great risk for heat stroke. Their bodies heat up much faster than an older person.

Kids in Nurseries or Preschools:

Nurseries are well planned to handle kids during the start of summer as in the UAE all schools close for summer.  However, teachers need to watch for signs of dehydration, headache, muscle cramps, fatigue, or slow down in activity.

You can find articles related to parental care, kids health, education and other on www.uaenurseries.ae. These articles will be an additional guide in handling kids and planning their activities.  Registering into the right nursery to get your child the best is very important. On www.uaenurseires.ae, One can find the best nurseries in Dubai’s Midriff, Jumeirah, Karama, or be it Sharjah’s  Al Ghubaiba, Al Qadisiya, Al Shahba, Rolla Square and many other areas in the UAE based on proximity to your location, curriculum or affordability.