If you have children, you’ll know that they love to play in the backyard. It’s a great place to enjoy the fresh air and take exercise after eating some much-loved chocolate cake! However, it’s important to make sure that they are safe while they’re playing. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the top items that can keep your kids free from harm in your backyard.
Some Form Of Shade
Whether it’s a tree, patio cover, or just sun umbrellas, being able to get out of the sun is key to keeping your children safe and healthy. UV light is a specific type of radiation that emanates from the sun. It can be harmful to your skin, and in some cases, it can lead to cancer. Not only will the shade protect your kids’ skin, but it will also stop them from getting too hot.
It’s also worth knowing that items such as patio covers and awnings can double as protection from the rain. This can enable your kids to stay out in more types of weather. If you live in Lansing, Michigan, you may know that there was a population of 118,489 people in 2020. By going online you can find providers of retractable awnings based in Lansing and they also offer retractable pergolas. It’s possible to schedule appointments over the internet and to buy accessories such as wind poles and sensors, and side and front screens.
Sun Protection Items
Your kids won’t be spending all their time undercover, however. They will want to run and play in the sun, so it’s important to make sure they are well-protected at all times. Be sure your kids wear wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen whenever they’re going to be outside for extended periods of time. Sunscreen should have an SPF of 30 or higher and it should be reapplied every two hours.
If your kids are playing in the water, make sure you put sunscreen on them before they go in the pool or lake – even if it’s cloudy outside. The reflection from the water can increase a person’s chances of getting burned whether it’s sunny or not. Another thing to keep in mind is the need for sunglasses. The sun’s rays can be just as damaging to your eyes as they are to your skin, so make sure your kids have a good pair they can each wear. When shopping, get sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection.
A Pool Fence
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2010, there were an estimated 352 fatal drownings involving children younger than 15 years old. About 60 percent of those deaths occurred in home swimming pools. Of the children who died in home swimming pools, almost half were not supervised by an adult at the time of the incident.
If you are blessed to own a swimming pool, it’s your responsibility to maintain it correctly and to steward the wellbeing of all its users. A pool fence is a sturdy, vertical barrier that surrounds a swimming pool and keeps children from accidentally falling in. Pool fences are usually made of metal or plastic mesh and maybe topped with a self-closing gate.
A Closely-Monitored Trampoline
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children don’t use home trampolines at all. The AAP found that from 2002 to 2011, there were more than 100,000 emergency room visits involving trampoline injuries among kids younger than 18 years old. Of these injuries, 71 percent were fractures or dislocations; the rest were sprains and strains. Most of the injuries happened when multiple people were jumping on the trampoline at once.
If you do allow your kids to use a trampoline, here are some important tips:
- Instruct children not to jump or play near the edge of the trampoline. This will help to reduce the risk of them falling off. Always use safety padding on all surfaces surrounding the trampoline to prevent injuries in the event that someone does fall or jump off.
- Make sure that there is always adult supervision when children are using a trampoline.
- Install a trampoline net to further reduce the risk of injury. A net will help keep children inside the trampoline and prevent them from falling off.
- Never allow more than one person on the trampoline at a time because this increases the chances of someone getting injured.
Bug Spray
Mosquitoes and other insects can carry diseases like West Nile Virus, so it’s important to use mosquito repellent whenever your kids are going to be outside. Look for products that contain DEET or Picaridin because these ingredients will provide the best protection against them.
You may also want to consider using a citronella candle or bracelet if there are a lot of mosquitoes in your area.
A First-Aid Kit
If your kids are injured while playing outside, you need to have the necessary supplies to be able to treat them quickly. Bite cream, antiseptic cream, bandages, and adhesive band-aids should all be included in your child’s first-aid kit. Some other key items to consider include:
- scissors
- tweezers
- sterile gauze pads
- adhesive tape
- a triangular bandage
- CPR mouthpiece
It’s also important to have a first-aid manual in case you need more information on how to treat an injury. Be sure to keep the kit in a convenient location so that you can reach it quickly if needed. Let everyone else know where it’s kept in case you’re not around.
Miscellaneous Items
To make sure your kids don’t wander off and leave your property, make sure they are in an enclosed space. This could be achieved using safety gates, boundary fences, hedges, trees, or sheds. If you have a baby monitor or CCTV, use this so you can watch your kids while you’re indoors.
These have been some of the key things you’ll need in order to protect your kids while they’re playing in your backyard. It will be worth all the time and trouble to see them enjoying themselves outdoors, knowing that they are going to be safe at all times.
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