16 Smart Summer Safety Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics

(17 Photos)

American Academy of Pediatrics on Jun 2, 2011 at 10:30AM

chime in now

Single View
View All

1 of 17

16 Smart Summer Safety Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics

Boris Breuer/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Have a safe summer!

You’ve packed the swim toys, the water shoes, and the SPF 9000. But before you hit the beach or pool this summer, read through these smart safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Cover Up
For babies under 6 months, prevent sunburn by avoiding sun exposure and dressing infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts and brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn. When adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of suncreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands. If a baby gets sunburned, apply cold compresses to the affected area.