The summer sun is finally here, so it’s time to get outside and enjoy the warm weather! But if you have a toddler, you know that keeping them safe in the summer heat can be a challenge.
It’s crucial to remember that small children have delicate feet, so they require extra care when the mercury begins to rise, and they spend more time outdoors.
Here are some practical and timely tips to help keep your toddler’s feet safe this summer:
Limit Barefoot Time Outdoors
While for many toddlers, there’s nothing as thrilling as running barefoot outdoors, without shoes, their little feet could be at risk of stepping on something sharp or hot or getting a painful sunburn.
So while it’s important to let your toddler have some barefoot time outdoors, foot safety is imperative. Ensure they have supervision and that the ground is safe and clean.
If you’re spending time at the beach or pool, bring a pair of water shoes to protect your toddler’s feet from hot sand or concrete.
Choose The Right Shoes
Having the right toddler shoes can make a huge difference in summer shoes.
Ideally, shoes for daily wear should be made of a breathable material like canvas or mesh to help keep feet cool, and they should have a flexible sole to allow for natural movement.
Keep in mind that you’re dealing with toddlers, so selecting summer shoes with straps or Velcro closures can make getting them on and keeping them on a lot easier.
When choosing shoes for specific activities, make sure they’re appropriate for the activity and offer the right level of support and protection.
For example, if your toddler will be playing in the sprinkler or running through the sprinkler, water shoes or sneakers with good tread are a must to prevent slips and falls.
Be Mindful Of The Heat
You might be shocked to learn that when the air temperature hits 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the surface temperatures of asphalt and concrete can reach 125 degrees! That’s way too hot for your toddler, or anyone, to walk on without shoes.
To avoid painful burns, check the temperature of surfaces before letting your toddler walk on them with their bare feet or in shoes with thin soles.
You can test the surface temperature by placing your hand on it for 10 seconds. If the heat makes it painful to keep your hand on, it’s too hot for your toddler’s bare feet.
Exercise Common Sense
As a parent, it’s essential to use your best judgment and common sense to keep your toddler’s feet safe this summer.
For example, if your toddler has a cut or scrapes on their foot, avoid letting them go barefoot outdoors until it heals to prevent infection. Also, if your toddler has diabetes or any other condition that affects their feet, be sure to take precautions to protect their little feet from injury.
When in doubt, always err on the side of caution to keep your toddler’s feet safe and healthy all summer long!