Summer has a way of coming in, well…hot. One minute you’re looping through carline, and the next you're juggling camp schedules, pool days, and playdates—all while trying to remember if you packed the sunscreen. It’s a fun season, but it requires a little more preparation to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
In fact, most summer safety concerns can be mitigated with small, everyday habits. Things like packing extra water bottles, reapplying sunscreen, and staying attentive around pools and lakes can help you and your family safely enjoy all that summer has to offer.
Sunscreen has entered the chat
We’ve all been there—your kindergartener is dancing away while you sprint to get even a sniff of sunscreen on their neck, while your toddler is in the corner with the face stick applying it to their…hair? Adding sunscreen to the routine is not for the faint of heart.
But the simplest hack for summer sunscreen is making it part of the routine. Weave it in as the next step after brushing your teeth and getting dressed, and by day 5, the kiddos may not think twice when you go to apply.
As you’re applying sunscreen, don’t forget those easy-to-miss spots like:
- Ears
- Tops of feet
- Back of the neck
- Scalp along the hairline
- Tops of hands
Depending on your location, it might be wise to apply sunscreen every day, no matter the forecast. Don’t forget to keep an extra set in the car or swim bag for easy reapplication on the go!
Water safety starts on dry land
Let’s be honest—cooling off is one of the best parts of summer. Whether you’re jumping in a lake, hitting the pool, or playing on the splash pad, most kiddos are ready to get wet. As a parent, your job is far more than packing snacks, it’s keeping everyone safe.
One of the most effective ways to enforce water safety is to clearly assign responsibilities. Even in as little water as a splash pad, supervision matters. And when multiple adults are present, it's easy to assume someone else is watching. Communicate with the other adults when you arrive on what the expectations are for each child, including swimming abilities and any other information. If you step off to use the restroom or run to the car, make sure to hand off supervision to a specific person.
When you’re on duty, that means putting down the phone, stepping away from conversations, and focusing on the kids in the water. If you have little ones in swimming lessons, many instructors will advise them to stay out of pools for the time being, so as not to set back progress.
In the event of an emergency, be ready to help or get help quickly. Teaching older kids best practices—like yelling for help immediately instead of jumping in after a small child—is especially beneficial this time of year.
Hydrate, and then hydrate again
When popsicles and juice boxes take center stage, it’s easy to forget about the unsung hero: water.
On those hot summer days, the kids’ 14oz water bottles will drain quickly. Before you head out, stock a cooler for the car with backup water bottles and ice.
We all know how challenging it can be to get little ones to drink water while they’re playing. Setting 20-minute water break timers can be a fun way to keep everyone well-hydrated—maybe you also dole out a salty snack at a few intervals. As you get ready to head home, pop a cool water bottle in the carseat cupholders, and don’t forget to give yourself one, too!
Beyond outdoor hydration, you can pair water breaks with natural transition points. Ask each child to take a quick sip:
- Before leaving the house
- After outdoor play
- Before getting in the car
- During snack breaks
- After swimming
Before you know it, they’ll be drinking up without a reminder at all.
Heat safety is about pacing
Staying safe during hot summer days doesn’t mean avoiding the sun entirely, it just means paying attention to the clock and being mindful of your location.
For a South Florida family, hitting the playground between 10am-4pm is an absolute no-no. UV index 25, anyone? But in Maine, you might be just fine with a mid-morning stroll.
If and when you do venture out, make a plan for shade, breaks, snacks, and water. A little research on parks that have indoor areas or gazebos can help. You may even find some that are near libraries, making for a perfect indoor break in the day.
Indicators that a child might be getting too hot are facial flushing, excessive sweat, and lack of wet diapers. Remember that sometimes the smartest choice is deciding that everyone's had enough sun for one day.
Don't forget the caregivers
When you spend the summer hours making sure the kids are well-cared for, it’s easy to neglect yourself. But your body can be prone to heat, dehydration, and exhaustion, too. As you’re taking steps to keep the kids comfortable, do the same for yourself. That could mean reapplying sunscreen to your face, drinking an extra glass of water, and planning for an indoor movie day if things are heating up just a little too much. Remember: the kids rely on you to make a fun summer happen, and that means taking care of yourself.
Perfect the summertime bag
Every parent eventually develops their own version of the summer bag. The one that somehow magically contains sunscreen, snacks, wipes, swimsuits, water bottles, a spare outfit, and at least one mystery item that's been there since last June (we see you: broken fidget spinner and petrified lollipop.) If your bag is ready to go by the back door, take a few minutes to prep it before the season begins. You may find that favorite roll-on sunscreen has dried out, or a suit is a few sizes too small.
Safety steps for more fun this summer
It's easy to read safety advice and feel like every activity comes with a warning label. But summer is meant to be fun. Putting a few safety systems in place allow you to spend less time worrying and more time soaking up those long bike rides and late nights on the porch. Once you’ve got your plan, it's time to get outside and make the most of the season.
Need an extra set of hands this summer?
Between camps, vacations, and shifting schedules, summer can feel like a full-time logistics project.
Whether you need date night coverage, backup care, or a sitter for the whole break, SitterTree makes it easy to connect with local caregivers who can support your family's routine.
Browse caregiver profiles, read reviews, and find care that helps your family enjoy summer a little more—and worry a little less.