Call for an appointment (208) 523-3060

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Summer Tips to Keep Your Child Healthy and Happy

Summer Tips to Keep Your Child Healthy and Happy

May 21, 2025 | atv safety, Bike Safety, Education, Healthcare, Prevention, Road Safety, Safety, Safety Tips, Summer Safety

Summer is a time for sunshine, outdoor adventures, and lasting memories. As your family enjoys pool days, hikes, and playdates, it’s essential to keep your child’s health and safety in mind. At The Pediatric Center, we want every child to have a safe, happy summer filled with fun — and that starts with a few simple precautions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Keep children protected from sun exposure with SPF 30+ sunscreen, hats, and shade.

  • Stay hydrated with water throughout the day, especially during outdoor play.

  • Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or dehydration.

  • Supervise all water activities closely — even for confident swimmers.

  • Use bug protection and proper clothing to prevent bites and stings.

  • Practice ATV safety by following age guidelines, using helmets, and riding responsibly.

1. Sun Protection is a Must

Children’s skin is more sensitive to the sun, which means sunburns can happen fast. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours—or more often if swimming or sweating. Don’t forget to cover often-missed areas like ears, the back of the neck, and tops of feet.

Pro Tip: If your child gets a sunburn, apply cool compresses and aloe vera gel to soothe the skin. Encourage extra hydration, and keep the area out of direct sun while it heals.

2. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

Kids may not always recognize the signs of thirst, so it’s up to parents to keep water flowing. Encourage regular water breaks, especially during physical activity or hot weather. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, which can contribute to dehydration.

Watch for signs of dehydration, such as:

  • Dry mouth

  • Dizziness

  • Fatigue

  • Fewer wet diapers or trips to the bathroom

3. Beat the Heat Safely

Too much heat can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke, especially in active kids. Keep playtime in shaded areas and schedule outdoor activities for early morning or evening when it’s cooler.

If your child becomes flushed, dizzy, or unusually tired, move them to a cool space, offer water, and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.

4. Water Safety Is Non-Negotiable

Whether it’s a backyard pool, lake, or water park, constant adult supervision is the number one rule. Drowning can happen silently and in just seconds, even in shallow water.

Other water safety tips:

  • Enroll kids in swimming lessons suited to their age and ability.

  • Always use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets near open water.

  • Never rely solely on floaties or inflatable toys for safety.

5. Protect Against Bugs and Bites

Insects love summer too, and some carry risks like Lyme disease or West Nile virus. Use child-safe insect repellent with DEET or natural alternatives like oil of lemon eucalyptus (for children over 3 years). Dress your child in long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas.

Check for ticks after hikes, and teach kids not to touch bees or unknown bugs.

If your child does get a bug bite, a few simple home remedies can help soothe the itch. A cold compress can quickly reduce swelling and discomfort. Applying a small amount of baking soda paste (just baking soda and water) or pure aloe vera gel can calm irritation and promote healing. For multiple bites, an oatmeal bath is a gentle way to relieve itchiness all over. Always avoid scratching, and contact your provider if the bite shows signs of infection or allergic reaction.

6. Stay Active – But Safely!

Biking, skateboarding, and other summer sports are great ways to stay active—but safety gear is a must. Always have your child wear a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads when needed.

Also, make sure playgrounds have soft ground surfaces and are appropriate for your child’s age.

7. ATV Safety for Kids

ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) are popular in rural and recreational areas but pose serious risks for children if not used properly. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under 16 should not operate adult-sized ATVs due to the risk of injury.

Key ATV safety tips:

  • Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, goggles, and protective gear.

  • Never allow a child to ride an ATV that’s too large for their age or size.

  • Avoid paved roads — ATVs are designed for off-road use.

  • No passengers unless the ATV is specifically designed for more than one rider.

  • Supervise children at all times when riding and avoid high speeds or rough terrain.

Why Choose The Pediatric Center for Summer Health Needs?

At The Pediatric Center, we’re here to support your child’s health in every season. Whether it’s a summer cold, bug bite reaction, or sports injury, our pediatric providers offer expert care and helpful guidance for your family’s peace of mind.

Let’s Make This Summer Safe and Memorable

With a little preparation and awareness, your child can enjoy every sunny moment to the fullest. If you have questions about summer health concerns or need to schedule a check-up, contact The Pediatric Center today. We’re here to help you navigate the season with confidence and care.

 

The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have concerns about your child’s development or suspect they may have autism, please consult with a healthcare professional or pediatric specialist. The Pediatric Center is here to offer guidance, diagnosis, and personalized care. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your child’s health and development.

Let’s Talk About Constipation!

Let’s Talk About Constipation!

Feb 15, 2023 | Healthcare

Being able to go when you need to is something most people take for granted until they can’t! Constipation can happen to anyone no matter how young or old they are. If constipation isn’t taken care of properly, it can become quite painful for children and adults alike. There are some things you can do to help prevent constipation and to help relieve it if it happens to your children.

CONSTIPATION CAUSES:

  • High Milk Diet. Milk and cheese are the only foods that in high amounts can cause constipation.
  • Low Fiber Diet. Fiber is found in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
  • Low Fluid Intake. This is rarely the only cause of constipation, but can contribute to it.
  • Lack of Exercise. Exercise helps keep things moving! This is not usually a cause in children unless they are confined to a bed.
  • Trying not to go due to pain. If going causes pain, many children will hold off on going. This can also happen in the case of bad diaper rash or other health issues.
  • Holding it in because of power struggles. This is the most common cause of recurrent constipation in children. Most often it’s a battle around toilet training. If they are already trained, it may begin with the start of school. Some children refuse to use public toilets or others don’t go because they are too busy to sit down.
  • Slow passage of food through the intestines. This type usually runs in families and is sometimes called slow transit time.

CONSTIPATION SYMPTOMS:

Symptoms can vary from person to person but usually include stomach pain or even crying when trying to use the bathroom. Another symptom is not being able to pass a stool after straining or pushing longer than 10 minutes. Going to the bathroom should be free of pain. Any child with pain during stool passage or lots of straining needs treatment. At the very least, the child should be treated with changes in diet.

The normal range is passing a stool once every 2 days or up to 3 times per day. Once children are on normal table foods, their pattern is like adults. If your child has gone 3 or more days without passing a stool, they could be dealing with constipation. The exception to this is breastfed babies who are over 1 month old.

TIPS TO HELP ALLEVIATE CONSTIPATION:

There are things you can do to help with your child’s constipation. These suggestions vary greatly depending on the age of your child. If your baby is constipated, help them by holding their knees against the chest. This is a natural position for pushing out a stool and can help. Gently pumping the lower stomach may also help. If the constipation is a result of toilet training, it is ok to put your child back in diapers or pull-ups for a short time. Give praise when they go into a diaper and give reassurance that it won’t hurt. Avoid any pressure or punishment and never force your child to sit on the potty against his will. This will only cause a power struggle. Treats, hugs, and rewards for not holding it in always work better!

If your child is toilet trained, try setting up a normal routine to sit on the toilet for 10 minutes after meals, especially after breakfast. Once able to go, they don’t need to sit again that day. Sitting in warm water can also help your child relax. There are also dietary changes that can help ease constipation:

  • Age over 1 month old only on breast milk or formula- Add fruit juice. Give 1 ounce (30 ml) per month of age per day. Pear or apple juice is okay at any age.
  • Age over 4 months old- Add baby foods with high fiber twice a day. Examples are peas, beans, apricots, prunes, peaches, pears, or plums.
  • Age over 8 months old on finger foods- Add cereals and small pieces of fresh fruit.

Diet for Children Over 1 Year Old

  1. Increase fruit juice apple, pear, cherry, grape, prune. Note: Citrus fruit juices are not helpful.
  2. Add fruits and vegetables high in fiber content. Examples are peas, beans, broccoli, bananas, apricots, peaches, pears, figs, prunes, or dates. Offer these foods 3 or more times per day.
  3. Increase whole grain foods. Examples are bran flakes or muffins, graham crackers, and oatmeal. Brown rice and whole wheat bread are also helpful. Popcorn can be used if over 4 years old.
  4. Limit milk products. This includes limiting milk, ice cream, cheese, yogurt to 3 servings per day.
  5. Try a stool softener. If a change in diet doesn’t help, you can add a stool softener such as Miralax to children over 1. Give 1-3 teaspoons (5-15 ml) each day with dinner. 
  6. Fiber products such as Benefiber are also helpful. Give 1 teaspoon (5 ml) twice a day. Stool softeners and fiber work 8-12 hours after they are given and are safe to continue as long as needed.

At the Pediatric Center, we want to give you and your child the best information and treatment you can get. If your child’s constipation lasts more than 1 week after making changes to diet or you are concerned about your child’s health for any reason, please don’t hesitate to call your doctor at the Pediatric Center. You can contact us at our Idaho Falls location at (208) 523-3060 or our Rigby location (208) 745-8927, to set up your appointment. We have a wonderful team of physicians available for all of your children’s needs!