Tips for Safe Outdoor Play

Weather

The Child Care Weather Watch can help you understand weather forecasts and decide when it is safe for children to be outside. Along with local forecasts, this resource can help staff check the temperature, humidity, and air quality.

Follow these tips to stay up to date on weather conditions:

• Check the Air Quality Index and subscribe to EnviroFlash. This service from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state or local environmental agencies sends daily emails about local air quality. Poor air quality can negatively affect children with asthma and other special health care needs.
• Check the forecast for the UV Index Overview to limit exposure to the sun when the index is high.
• Sign up to receive hourly weather forecasts from the National Weather Service.

Sun Protection

Children need protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays whenever they’re outdoors. Shade and sunscreen protect children from sun exposure and can help to reduce the risk of some skin cancers.

Follow these sun safety tips to reduce UV exposure:

• If possible, use play areas that have some shade.
• Protect infants younger than 6 months from direct sunlight by keeping them in a shady spot under a tree, umbrella, or stroller canopy.
• Limit children’s sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
• Encourage families to dress children in cool clothing such as lightweight cotton pants and long-sleeved shirts. A hat will protect their face, ears, and the back of their neck.
• Get written permission from children’s parents or guardians to use sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30. Choose a “broad spectrum” sunscreen to screen out both UVB and UVA rays.
• Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outdoors so the skin can absorb it. Reapply it every two hours if children are outside for more than an hour, and more often if they are playing in water.
• For children older than 6 months, apply sunscreen to all exposed areas, including children’s ears if they are wearing a cap instead of a hat.
• For children younger than 6 months, use sunscreen on small areas of the body, such as the face and the backs of the hands, if protective clothing and shade are not available.

Hydration

Toddlers and preschool children cannot regulate their body temperatures effectively and require more water in hot weather. Regularly scheduled water breaks ensure that all children hydrate during active play, even if they are not thirsty.oridated water, whether bottled or from the tap, helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and is the optimal for young children between meals. For infants, staff may offer breast milk or formula, as water is not advisable those under six months. For further details, refer to the recommendations in Caring for Our Children (CFOC) Standard 4.2.0.6.