How to look after children during the summer: a guide to a break without scares

• Paediatrician Margaret Threadgill, of Mass General Brigham, offers advice on protecting children in summer from the sun, dehydration, drowning and bites.

Summer is a time for children to splash about, play and experience nature. Behind those days of fun, however, there may lurk sunburn, dehydration or bites that could be avoided with a little prevention.

“Knowing how to protect children from the sun is important during the summer months”, says Margaret Threadgill, MD, a paediatrician at Mass General Brigham in Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “But parents should also be aware of other serious risks, such as dehydration, drowning and Lyme disease”.

Mass General Brigham paediatrician Margaret Threadgill offers clear recommendations to prevent common incidents and promote children’s health in summer, when the hottest months of the year fall.

Water safety: active supervision, not passive

Swimming pools, beaches, rivers or lakes can become a potential danger if there is no constant supervision. Drowning happens in seconds, even when adults are nearby.

Drowning prevention is a matter of paying attention. “When you are in charge of watching children in a pool, it is essential to give them your full attention”, says Dr Threadgill. “That means not getting distracted by reading or using your phone. To make it easier to concentrate 100%, swap 15 to 30 minute shifts with another adult so you can take breaks“.

When you are near the water, set clear rules with the children. Make sure your children know they cannot get into the water without telling an adult. And if they go out on a boat, children should always wear a life jacket.

How to prevent sunburn in babies and small children

When you are at the pool or the beach, water safety is not the only concern. Sun protection matters too. “We know that many skin cancers in adulthood have their origin in childhood sunburn”, says Dr Threadgill.

Mineral sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) 30 or higher is recommended when children are exposed to the sun. If you are not sure how much sunscreen to use or how often, Dr Threadgill suggests reading the instructions on the packaging.

Garments with UPF ultraviolet protection (ultraviolet protection factor), which is similar to SPF but for clothing, are also effective allies: T-shirts, swimsuits, rash vests, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.

In the event of a burn, the best thing is to apply aloe vera or light creams for sensitive skin. Avoid oily ointments that trap heat and make the redness worse.

Extreme heat: how to avoid heatstroke

Children tend to ignore their body’s signals when they are playing. That is why, on days above 85 °F (29 °C), the recommendation is to take them into a cool space every 30 minutes, even if they do not complain.

Hydration should not be reactive but constant. Encourage them to drink water even if they are not thirsty, because by the time thirst appears there is already a degree of dehydration. If you are planning a road trip, put visors or sun shades on the windows to avoid direct exposure to the sun.

And never, under any circumstances, leave a child inside a parked car. Just 10 minutes are enough for the temperature inside the vehicle to reach dangerous levels. On hot days, heatstroke can set in even faster.

Insect bites: prevent first, soothe afterwards

Insect bites and stings such as those from mosquitoes and bees are common in summer. Avoid going out at dawn or dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. Wear clothing treated with permethrin or apply repellent with up to 30% DEET, safe for children from two months old.

Choose lotions with a dispenser rather than sprays, and avoid applying repellent to small children’s hands to prevent contact with eyes or mouth. Some bites can cause considerable swelling or even a mild fever. To soothe them, apply hydrocortisone cream or a children’s oral antihistamine if the reaction is severe.

Cover bites with plasters if the child tends to scratch, and watch for signs of infection such as redness with pus or pain. At any hint of trouble, consult the paediatrician.

Lyme disease: the silent threat of ticks

Beyond the nuisance of insects, some species —such as ticks— can transmit serious diseases. A bite can pass on the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, affecting the heart, joints and nervous system if left untreated.

To prevent it, avoid areas with long grass and dense woodland. If your family is going to be in those settings, wear long trousers, light-coloured clothing, high socks and hats. Garments treated with permethrin and repellents with DEET are essential.

When you get home, check your child’s whole body: scalp, behind the ears, armpits, groin and between the toes. If you find a tick, remove it with tweezers, pulling firmly upwards, and keep it in case it needs to be analysed. Putting the clothes in the tumble dryer for 10 minutes at maximum temperature also helps to get rid of any tick still attached.

Grills and bonfires: enjoying them without accidents

Grills and fire pits create memories, but also risks. “When it comes to open flames and barbecues, it is important to keep an eye on small children so they do not get burnt”, says Dr Threadgill.

So set clear rules: children should not go near without supervision. Avoid leaving hot utensils or skewers within reach, and teach them to handle these carefully if they are old enough to use them.

Remember food risks too. Do not leave perishable food in the sun for long. If a cold salad warms up, it is better to throw it away. That reduces the risk of food poisoning that can ruin the celebration.

A safe summer begins with awareness

The key is to stay ahead of the risks and turn care into routine. Checking children before and after they play, applying sunscreen as part of the daily routine, offering water frequently and teaching basic safety rules may seem like a lot, but it is worth it.

Children’s health in summer does not mean restricting them, but preparing the ground so this season carries on being a time of discovery, games and laughter. It only takes a little attention for everything to run smoothly.