Monthly Archives: June 2017

Wellness

Keep Your Kids Safe This Summer: My Top Product Picks For 2017

Photo attribution: Summer is upon us, which means lots of sun, swimming and fun outdoors.
The many activities of summer come with inherent risks and potential dangers. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children under 15, especially those age 1-4. Sadly, three children die daily from drowning, and often children drown despite being surrounded by well meaning adults who don't notice their silent death. Experiencing severe sunburns as a child increases risk of melanoma, and this season is projected to be the worst yet for ticks. Should we just keep our kids indoors and protect them from all the dangers of the world? NO, of course not! Our kids deserve to enjoy the summer just as we did, but they also need to be safe and secure. I have compiled a list of some of my go-to safety products; this list is not exhaustive, and is not meant to replace your pediatrician's recommendations.
PS - scroll down for a 20% off coupon for my favorite swim suits and sun-protective clothing...

Swim Safety:

All kids should learn how to swim from an early age. This is essential if you have a pool, but really all kids are exposed to water, so it applies to everyone. Parents should all learn CPR and basic life saving techniques in case of threatened drowning. Adults should also always watch their children near water - put down your cell phones, minimize the chatting, and turn off your music. Also, remember to have a strong pool cover and/or keep your pool fenced in. The water safety products below are not a replacement for parental supervision.
SEAL SwimSafe Monitor System with 2 Swim Bands
This is the Cadillac of swim safety systems. From their website: SEAL SwimSafe is a wearable device that protects swimmers at the pool, on the beach, anywhere you swim, boat, splash or float. The Hub and wearable Bands alert parents and lifeguards with strobes and alarms if a swimmer is submerged too long.
Poolguard PGRM-2 In-Ground Pool Alarm
Alarm goes off if anyone enters the pool (remember to turn it off before you voluntarily go in!). People who have it, love it.
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Safety Turtle Swimming Pool Alarm w/ Green Wristband
The Safety Turtle works with a similar concept as the Seal System but with a lower price point and with fewer bells and whistles: an alarm goes off if the bracelet is submerged for an extended period of time. People really like this system also.
 
Stearns Kids' Puddle Jumper Dinosaur Life Jacket,fits kids 30-50 lbs
This is an awesome life jacket, and is far superior to any other I have ever seen. We have used versions of it for all our kids for years and they have always been comfortable and happy to put it on and stay in it. It keeps their heads above water, but lets them paddle around and play easily.

Wearable Sun Protection:

Kids and parents should layer with sun-protective clothes and opt for rash guards for extra swim-time protection. Cabana Life is my go-to company for chic swimsuits and coverups and cute, functional rash guard/swimsuits for my kids. Your child will outgrow their Cabana Life bathing suit before it wears out. Use the coupon code CarlySnyder20 for 20% off! Additionally, always outfit yourself and your child with a hat and sunglasses. Interestingly, not only are sunglasses important for protecting eyes, but they block a complex process that ends up with a darkening of those unsightly lip lines or melasma some of us retained after pregnancy.

Sunscreens:

Below are my three favorite sunscreen brands. Check out the Environmental Working Group's list of top sunscreens for a more comprehensive list of the best and worst to see if your pick is making the grade. Don't forget to apply enough (1Tbs or more) and reapply at least every 2 hours.
COOLA Organic Suncare, Unscented Sport Classic Sunscreen, SPF 50 , 5 Ounce
Coola is a very clean line that is very easy to put on, not chalky or gross at all, and is well tolerated by sensitive skin. They also make a good spray, if you want that option.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Kids Sunscreen for Face and Body, SPF 60 with Antioxidants and Vitamin E
This sunscreen includes an inbreeding that is a complete sun barrier, and apparently is the best of the best for skin protection.
EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50, 3.0 oz
EltaMD is an awesome brand that makes face and body sunscreens, moisturizers, and other skin care products that are hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic.

Bug / Tick Spray:

Summer means battling mosquitoes and other nasty bugs. If you live in parts of South Florida or Texas, mosquitoes may carry Zika. Elsewhere, mosquitoes continue to pose a small but real risk for West Nile Virus.  Mosquito bites are also just annoying and itchy. The CDC and other regulatory agencies suggest DEET to ward off mosquitoes, though some say picaridin is superior. Ticks are out in full force in the North East this year, which increases the risk for Lyme Disease. Prevention includes frequent tick checks, bug spray, and knowing what to do if a tick is found. You can send a tick to Tick Report to find out within three days if the the tick carried any disease-causing microbes, and then opt for antibiotics if indicated based on the results.
Sawyer Products SP713 Premium Maxi-DEET Insect Repellent Pump Spray, 3-Ounce
Sawyer Products SP543 Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, Pump Spray, 3-Ounce
Picaridin is an alternative to DEET
 

Think I missed something? Did I forget your favorite brand or product? Let me know! I'd love to hear from you.

Save Save Save">Keep summer fun and safe with Dr. Carly Snyder's top picks for swim, sun and pest protection.

Keep summer fun and safe with Dr. Carly Snyder’s top picks for swim, sun and pest protection.

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