From pool days to playground adventures, a few simple habits can go a long way
In our Moms Helping Moms series, we tap parent experts to share the practical advice they actually use in their own lives (and work). We’re back with three familiar faces: Dr. Hadley Brighton, Dr. Saskia Gex, and Dr. Brooke Spector, board-certified pediatricians, moms, and co-founders of My Pediatrician Friend.
When you’re a kid, summer is the best. It’s weeks and weeks of everything you love – pool days, beach trips, camp drop-offs, ice cream runs, and plenty of reasons to bring dinner outside. But as any parent knows, summer also comes with its own set of challenges. We asked the pediatrician moms behind My Pediatrician Friend to share the summer safety habits they swear by, for their families and their patients. Here are their summer safety tips for kids.
#1. Sunscreen: Keep It Simple
If there’s one thing these pediatrician moms want families to remember, it’s that sunscreen is a must – and that the best sunscreen is the one your family will actually use consistently. But to narrow down your options without getting overwhelmed by the endless options lining the aisles, Drs. Brighton, Gex, and Spector suggest checking out the American Academy of Dermatology – specifically their “How to Select a Sunscreen,” which offers simple, practical advice on picking the right SPF.
The basics are actually pretty straightforward: look for an SPF of 30 or higher, make sure it’s broad-spectrum (protecting against both UVA and UVB rays), and choose a format that works for your kids – lotion, spray, stick, or some combination.
“In general, we reach for mineral sunscreen over chemical sunscreen for kids since it’s less irritating. Look for ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide,” says Dr. Brighton.
The bigger challenge isn’t choosing the sunscreen, it’s remembering to reapply it.
“Every two hours” sounds simple enough, but when you’re bouncing between the pool, playground, beach, and ice cream stand, it’s easy to forget. That’s why the doctors recommend keeping sunscreen everywhere – in beach bags, sports bags, strollers, and cars. Make reapplying part of the summer routine instead of an afterthought.
#2. Bugs, Bites, and Tick Checks
Summer adventures often happen outside – and outside can mean bugs. While your typical summertime mosquitoes and ants are usually harmless, there are a few precautions worth taking, the doctors advise.
For mosquito protection, the My Pediatrician Friend team generally recommends repellents containing DEET, which is safe and effective for children when used properly. Families looking for more natural alternatives can try products packed with oil of lemon eucalyptus or citronella (though they typically don’t provide the same level of protection as DEET).
When applying any repellent, avoid your child’s hands, eyes, and any broken skin. For babies younger than two months, skip repellents altogether and lean into lightweight clothing and stroller netting to keep the bites away.
And if your child does end up with a bite? Try your best to discourage scratching, which can lead to even more irritation and, in some cases, skin infections. Alternatively, try applying a bug bite patch, available online and at virtually any drug store. These easy-to-affix patches help cover the bite, reduce the temptation to scratch, and can make those itchy summer days a little easier to manage.
Though mosquitoes are likely the biggest summertime culprit, the doctors warn parents not to forget about ticks, especially for kids heading to camp or spending time hiking, biking, or walking in more wooded areas. After hikes, camp days, or afternoons spent in tall grass, get into the habit of doing a quick head-to-toe tick check. Pay special attention to easy-to-miss spots like behind the ears, along the hairline, under the arms, and around waistbands.
Final tip: skip the scented products in the warmer months. Unscented lotions, shampoos, and creams are a better bet during bug season.
#3. The Summer Safety Topic That Makes Pediatricians Nervous
While Drs. Brighton, Gex, and Spector spend a lot of time reassuring parents, they admit water safety is one of the few topics that makes them genuinely anxious. Whether it’s a backyard pool, lake, beach, or even a bathtub, any body of water can pose a serious risk for children. But with some planning and added vigilance this summer, many accidents are preventable.
Rule #1? When someone is supervising children around water, that should be their only job. No scrolling through Instagram, no answering texts, no stepping away for a minute to grab snacks – and no assuming another adult has eyes on the kids. Even better? For younger swimmers, staying within arm’s reach at all times is ideal. Add in Coast Guard-approved life jackets for non-swimmers, and you’re off to a very safe start.
Barriers are also key if you’re spending time around a pool. Fences, self-latching gates, locked doors, and alarms all add important layers of protection. If it’s your pool, it’s easy to implement these precautions. If not, be sure you and your kids are aware of the safety features anytime you’re taking a dip at a friend or family member’s house.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
We all love the spontaneity of summer, whether it’s a last-minute beach trip, surprise sprinkler session, or impromptu playground stop. The trick, though, says our pediatrician mom friends, isn’t eliminating risk, it’s preparing for it.
- Keep sunscreen in your bag
- Pack bug spray
- Do tick checks
- Establish water safety rules before anyone jumps
With a few small, simple habits, you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the warm weather. Because at the end of the day, that’s what summer should be about.
For more parenting support, expert guidance, and direct access to board-certified pediatricians, visit My Pediatrician Friend.
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