Follow these outdoor safety tips for kids to avoid more stress in your life.
Spring is here, and summer will soon follow. As the weather begins to warm across the country, families prepare for their annual outdoor trips of camping, hiking, fishing, etc. Here are outdoor safety tips for kids that you’ll want to remind yourself of so the whole family will have a great time!
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Related: Tips to Keep Your Home Safe While Traveling
Outdoor Safety Tips For Kids
While spending time outdoors is an excellent way for families to bond and can teach kids important lessons about the world around them, outdoor trips and activities with kids require extra safety precautions and considerations to keep them from getting into trouble.
Related: 10+ Kid-friendly Trips To Take in 2022
Establish Rules
Structure is essential for kids, especially when going outdoors. Establishing a set of rules can keep them safe and ensure you aren’t worrying the entire time. Remind kids not to talk to strangers, set a distance they can walk away from if needed, and don’t go too far from mom or dad. Remind kids of staying on the trail, keeping trails clean, etc. A set of rules can keep kids from getting into trouble, prevent injuries, and make the trip more pleasant for everyone in the family.
Teach Kids First Aid
If kids are old enough to utilize bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibacterial ointment, gauze, and other everyday first aid kit items, teach them how to use them and when to use them. Older kids may wander independently, so they must have a first aid kit and practice using different items and learning their purposes. The first-aid kit can help them avoid infections and have more confidence in exploring the outdoors.
Check For Safety
Some campgrounds will have playgrounds for kids, but parents should always check the play areas for safety before allowing them to swing on monkey bars or go down the slide. There could be broken glass bottles on the ground, the equipment could be unsafe, and there may be kids already playing that are too rough for your child Parents taking a few minutes to check the playground can ensure the safety of their children while also putting their minds at ease and giving them time to unpack at the campground.
Get The Proper Gear
While wearing a t-shirt and shorts may be acceptable, kids of any age need extra protection and gear. The younger they are, the more protected they need to be. Ensure kids have sturdy and protective shoes, and multiple outfit changes depending on the weather; if you’re hiking, ensure they have long socks or pants to protect their legs, etc. Investing in protective pants can make a massive difference for younger kids just learning to walk Sandra Aris creates stylish, innovative pants for more youthful kids using 3D padded technology found in motocross, motorbike, and ski apparel. The pants absorb the shock from falls and protect kids from bumps and bruises.
Keep Kids Cool
Kids will suffer from heat exhaustion quicker than adults because their bodies heat up faster. Ensure kids are drinking enough water and staying hydrated. It can also help to slow down your pace and match theirs so they aren’t pushed too far too fast. Make sure to take breaks for meals and snacks, too. Looking at the weather ahead can also help appropriately plan outfits for kids. Dress them light but be sure they aren’t too cool. Taking frequent breaks in the shade can also allow them to cool down and keep going.
Make Some Noise
No matter how well you’re watching them, kids have the potential to get lost outdoors. Teach your kids to be aware of their surroundings, follow trails, and find their way back to you. Also, teach them to make some noise. Giving kids a whistle that they can carry around their necks can help them alert you that they are lost. A whistle is the Boy Scout way. Teaching them to yell or scream for you is also beneficial if they feel they’ve gotten too far from the campground, hiking group, or other people.
Spending time with kids outdoors is a great activity to help them explore and learn about the world around them. Kids are prone to accidents, but don’t let that hinder you from wanting them to appreciate mother nature. Parents shouldn’t worry about the trip outdoors but should always keep extra safety precautions.
There you have it, outdoor safety tips for kids. Where are you traveling to?