SUMMER is finally here and today children say goodbye to school for the holidays.
HSE child experts have shared their top tips to help keep them safe.
Dr Abigail Collins, HSE National Clinical Lead, Child Health Public Health, said: “The summer holiday means a change in routine for children and parents.
“In the home, we are more aware of potential dangers, but with good weather we might be spending increased time outdoors and in less familiar places.
“Children are naturally curious, so it’s good to be aware of some of the steps you can take to help keep them safe over the coming weeks, whether it’s in the garden, park, visiting another home or on holiday.
“This includes thinking ahead about potential risks, such as unsupervised access to a balcony or pool, or going to a family member’s home that hasn’t been childproofed.
“It’s important to take steps to prevent heat exhaustion and sunburn, too.
“Parents can find advice on a wide range of topics on the HSE Mychild.ie website to help keep children safe and healthy during the next few months.”
THE most important thing is to supervise your child at all times.
If you’re out and about with children and other adults, it can be easy to assume the other person is supervising them in busy places such as outdoor events or playgrounds.
Always be clear on who is supervising the child and when.
If you’re going somewhere new with your child, think ahead. What are the potential risks and how can you address them?
For example, a relative’s home might not be child-proofed, so may have dangerous items within their reach, such as chemicals under the sink or medicines in a handbag.
If you’re on holiday with a swimming pool nearby, be very vigilant.
Ensure there is a locked gate or door between your child and the pool.
Don’t forget to apply for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you’re travelling abroad.
Before leaving home with your child, make sure you have packed some essentials such as sunscreen to keep them safe from the sun, fluids to keep them hydrated, hand sanitiser and a first aid kit.
CLOTHING TIPS
Make sure that babies and children drink enough fluids.
Children are at higher risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke because their bodies heat up much faster than adults’ bodies.
Wear clothing that covers your skin, such as long sleeves and collared t-shirts, and slap on sunscreen with SPF 30+ for adults and 50+ for children.
Early morning starts or departing just after food can give children travel or motion sickness, so try to organise the travel to make it a more comfortable experience for the whole family.
Try to reduce motion if possible, distract them by talking, listening to music or singing songs.
SWIM SAFETY
Discourage them from reading, watching films or using screens. Break up long journeys to get some fresh air, drink water or take a walk.
It’s important to think about water safety.
The summer holidays might mean opportunities to splash and swim in local lakes or beaches, or swimming pools here or abroad.
Never leave a child alone in a paddling pool. Empty them after use and store them so that they cannot fill with rainwater.
Teach your child to swim when they are at the right age, but you should still always supervise a child in and near water.
MEASLES REPORT
You can reduce the risk of poisoning by keeping products, such as dishwasher tablets, plant feed, batteries, room fresheners including liquid reed diffusers, plants, and essential oils out of your child’s reach and sight.
Also teach children not to put plant parts in their mouths.
Be protected with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The most recent monthly data shows that measles cases and outbreaks have been reported in many European countries.
These include popular summer holiday destinations, as well as countries further afield (such as USA, Canada, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines).
There is a concern that measles outbreaks may occur in Ireland this summer as families with unvaccinated children and adults travel to countries where measles cases have been reported.
Babies aged six to 11 months can get an MMR vaccine free from your GP before travelling to another country.”
