Handling the Scrapes and Screams of Summer

Ah, summer…the bright heat of sunshine, the smell of sunscreen and backyard barbecues, and the sound of kids' laughter, playful shouting and, let's be real, occasional screams. Kids have more time and freedom to play in summer and that fun and adventure comes with a fair share of bumps, scrapes, and minor cuts.

But we’re here to help you get ready for those summer boo-boos, so that you and your kids can get back to fun quickly. 

Preventing Common Outdoor Injuries in Kids

Whether in the backyard or the local playground, falls are the most common cause of injuries in kids. This includes falls from playground equipment, falls from bikes and scooters, falls while on trampolines and more. It’s important to remember though that falls are a normal part of playing and not to beat yourself up when they happen.

The common culprits of summer injuries

Bikes, scooters, and skateboards – The best prevention is to make sure your kids wear the right protective gear. This means wearing a helmet and knee, elbow, and wrist guards. The helmet should fit snugly, with the front sitting just above the eyebrows.

Playgrounds – Choosing a playground with softer surfaces and appropriate equipment for the age of your child is the best way to help prevent or limit injuries when kids fall. Of course, supervision is important, but watching alone can’t prevent accidents from happening.

Trampoline – Trampoline injuries are often the result of collisions due to multiple kids jumping at once (similar to inflatable bounce houses). You can limit injuries by allowing only one kid to jump at a time and by having a safety net that encloses the trampoline to prevent falls to the ground.

Family barbecues – Keep children a safe distance away from grills and fire pits. Use barriers if possible or have them play in a different part of the yard. Keep all matches, lighters, charcoal, and any firestarters out of reach of kids at all times. And don’t forget to apply sunblock and/or bug spray to help prevent sunburn and bug bites while outdoors.

Preparing for Kids' Summer Scrapes and Cuts

At any time of year, especially in summer, you want to make sure you have basic first aid supplies on hand. You can buy a basic first aid kit from local drug stores and big box stores. However, you may want to build your own, with your favorite products geared toward your family’s needs and activities.

Whether you’re going to the beach, camping in the mountains, or staying in your own backyard, pick from the following supplies to build a first aid kit for each place or activity.

First-aid box essentials include:

• Anti-bacterial pain-relieving ointment, spray or wound wipes
• Adhesive bandages or liquid bandage paint
• Instant ice pack
• Tweezers (for ticks and splinters)
• Scissors
• Gauze and medical tape
• Wipes or water to help clean hands and minor wounds

Depending on the activity or environment, you may also want to add:

• Sunblock (for the kids and adults)
• Sunburn relief spray or aloe gel to relieve sunburn pain
• Bug spray
• Insect itch & sting relief spray
• Meds for allergic reactions, motion sickness, etc.

Treating Your Kids' Minor Scrapes and Cuts

With kids, sometimes the minor wounds seem like major ones, at least in the intensity of their cries and screams. All you want to do is get them to feel better quickly. A first-aid spray may be the trick to that, and, bonus, it requires less touching of the actual wound which should help minimize the drama.

• If your child has a minor cut or scrape, first wash your own hands before you take care of them.
• Stop any bleeding with gentle pressure on the wound using gauze or a clean paper towel or washcloth.
• Once the bleeding stops, rinse the area with cool water. You can wash around the wound with a little soap, but don’t get soap in the wound.
• With scrapes, you may need tweezers (cleaned with rubbing alcohol) to remove stones, splinters or other debris and then flush the wound with water.
• Gently pat the wound dry with a clean cloth or gauze pad.
• To help the skin heal, you can use an antibacterial ointment or spray the area, as directed, with Dermoplast® First Aid Antibacterial Spray or Kids Sting-Free First Aid Spray. This will help numb the pain too and you won’t have to touch the cut.

Bandage the wounds as needed (or as wanted if the bandages have favorite cartoons or fun designs). Not only will you be protecting the wound, but for kids, wearing that bandage is like a badge of honor—an easy way to turn a scream into a smile. But we’re sure you’re quite familiar with that already!

Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself 

Accidents are going to happen, so forget about being the perfect mom and be the prepared one instead.  With just a bit of preparation, a basic first-aid kit, and a healthy dose of humor, you'll be ready to handle whatever summer throws your way. So go ahead, let your little adventurers roam free—just don't forget the sunscreen and enjoy some of the summer yourself.