Winter is over and spring is here. Finally. Summer is just around the corner as well. After the cold and dreary winter months, we are all waiting to get back outside. No more snow, no more freezing winds, and no more gloves and jackets. It’s such a refreshing change to go outside without adding multiple layers of clothes!
But just because winter is over doesn’t mean we can step outside without any protection. You still need to take a few precautions to keep your babies safe under the sun. Spring means new flowers and greenery all around us. It’s not just humans who enjoy spring, it is a season for all kinds of insects and animals to come out of hibernation.
Here are a few tips before you take your babies into the great outdoors:
Protect Your Baby’s Skin
Sunlight isn’t quite so harsh in spring as it is in summer. But you still have to protect your baby’s tender skin from the sun. Don’t mistakenly assume that you need sunscreen only in the hottest summer months. Sunscreen is essential in all seasons, no matter the actual temperature.
Make sure to apply sunscreen on every inch of exposed skin. If you’re going to a park or some other outdoor place, keep a small tube of it handy. Remember that you have to reapply sunscreen every few hours.
Sun exposure can do even more damage if you’re going to spend time in the water. Make sure to use sunscreen that is designed to be used underwater.
Stay Cool
One person’s spring is another person’s summer. Not all places have cool spring temperatures. If you live in a sunny area, spring might be too warm for little kids. Make sure to stay out of direct sunlight if possible. This will protect your baby’s skin as well as keep them cool for longer.
Spring weather can also be unpredictable. It can be bright and sunny in the morning, followed by rain and dark skies in the evening. Keep a light jacket on hand in the car, just in case the weather turns out to be not so great after a few hours.
Clothes and Shoes
If your baby is crawling or running around on their own, you need to dress them appropriately for a day in the park. Avoid open-toed sandals. They might look cute and it’s tempting to put them on after winter shoes. But they’re a disaster waiting to happen as kids often trip over them. Opt for closed shoes with velcro straps instead of shoelaces. Your kids are less likely to trip over their shoes this way.
Apply a similar rule for clothes as well. Dress your baby in clothes that are easy to put on and take off. Then you’re prepared for every type of spring weather. Avoid too many straps, ribbons, and other cute accessories. Too cold? Bundle up in the extra jacket. Too warm? Take it off and let them have fun.
Adult Supervision
No matter where you are, kids need adult supervision. It’s even more necessary if you’re near a body of water like a swimming pool or lake. In a large group, you may assume that someone else is watching out for the kids. But if everyone thinks the same, who is watching the children? Designate one or two adults to supervise the kids, no matter what activity you’re engaged in.
Spring is the time when insects crawl out of the ground or fly around. Have some bug spray handy in the house and your car. Make sure there are no bee hives or mosquitoes nearby before sitting down in the backyard or nearby park. Keep a sharp eye out for small animals as well.
Inspect Outdoor Furniture
You’ll be surprised at how many sharp things there are outside your house. Inspect the fence, furniture and outdoor areas for protruding nails, screws or splinters. Remember that your baby will be at a different height than you. So get down on your hands and knees and check for sharp things at that level.
Make sure your backyard is safe by storing garden supplies and other chemicals safely out of reach. It’s not a good idea to have a child running around when someone is mowing the lawn or backing the car out of the driveway.
Another thing to watch out for is the risk of burns, especially if you are grilling outdoors. You’ll be surprised at how quickly babies crawl around when you’re not looking. Keep them far away from open fires, BBQ grills, and any other hot surface.
As with any other season, take sensible precautions before stepping out with your baby. An ounce of prevention will stop mishaps before they can get out of hand.