Summer Safety Tips for Our Littlest New Yorkers
Summer is finally here! While your little one gets ready for a fun-filled season, make sure to watch out for activities that could put them at risk.
The heat, the pool and beach and insects have their own dangers. Learn how you can keep your child safe with these tips!
Keep your little one cool
Protect your little one from the summer heat.
On the hottest days, bring your child to an air-conditioned place like a library, a friend’s home with air conditioning or a city cooling center.
Remember to keep your little one hydrated by giving them plenty of water on hot days, even if they are not thirsty.
Avoid giving your children drinks with lots of sugar.
Close window shades or curtains to keep the sun out of your home.
Watch out for the water
Be aware of the dangers when swimming at the pool, beach or any body of water.
Teach your child how to swim. The best way to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim.
Never leave your child around water without supervision, and make sure they wear a flotation device.
Set water safety rules for the whole family based on swimming abilities (for example, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water less than chest deep).
Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts. Stop swimming at the first sign of bad weather.
Prevent mosquito bites
Make sure to use repellents against mosquitoes during outdoor activities.
Keep your little one protected by having them wear clothing such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
Avoid shaded, bushy areas where mosquitoes like to rest.
Limit outdoor evening activity, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus to help reduce mosquito bites.
Other resources
For more on summer safety tips, check out:
Our insect repellent use and safety and reducing mosquito exposure pages, which provide tips on how to use repellents.
The pool and water safety page has advice on how you can keep your little one safe at the beach or the pool.
Our summer heat tips brochure offers guidelines on how to stay cool during extreme heat weather.
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ Summer Safety Tips give resources to keep you safe while outdoors.