Outdoor play is an important part of a child’s development and can have great health benefits. However, parents need to take steps to protect their kids’ health while they’re playing outside. Indeed, you would never consider outdoor activities without looking for a bug repellent first, for instance. Some brands are unsafe to use in the presence of young children and pets, while others, such as Lemongrass Farms, are packed with natural ingredients that won’t harm children. But aside from bug repellents, what do you need all year round to protect kids playing outdoors? 

The answer is a little more complex than it first appears, even though most things are straightforward. Let’s dive in to learn more about keeping your kids healthy during outdoor adventures!

 

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Playing Outdoors is Good For Their Health

Being active in the fresh air and sunshine can help to improve physical health, mental wellbeing, and even social skills. Not only does being outside provide more space for running, jumping, and other forms of exercise, but it can also increase a child’s awareness of their environment, helping to build a strong connection to nature and its many wonders.

The benefits of playing outdoors are especially important during the winter months, when kids are prone to spend more time indoors, often exposed to the dangers of sedentary living. With regular outdoor play, kids can improve their physical fitness, strengthen their bones, and get the energy they need to maintain a healthy weight. Not only that but playing outdoors can also boost mood and stimulate creativity. Research has shown that children exposed to natural environments, including parks and gardens, can experience improved concentration and problem-solving skills. 

The Importance of a Hygiene Routine

Establishing and maintaining a good hygiene routine when children play outdoors is important. A proper hygiene routine can help keep your children healthy and free from infections, illnesses, and other potential health problems. This includes washing their hands often, especially after playing outside. Teaching kids the importance of handwashing and keeping clean is a great way to keep them healthy and reduce their risk of infection. Indeed, playing outside exposes children to more germs and bacteria. However, the dirt and bacteria they gather on their hands and fingers can easily be washed away with soap. Ultimately, problems occur when they start rubbing their eyes or licking their fingers without washing them first. So, making it clear that they can play outside and get dirty as long as they wash will make a great deal of difference. 

Sunscreen Protection at All Times

Sunscreen protection is important, even in the winter. UVA rays, which can cause skin damage and premature aging, are just as prevalent during the winter months as in the summer months. Therefore, it is important to make sure your children are wearing sunscreen whenever they are playing outdoors. Not only will this help protect their skin from sun damage, but it will also help prevent skin cancer. Even on cloudy days, the sun’s UV rays are still present and can cause harm to skin that isn’t protected with sunscreen. Additionally, if your child is participating in snow-related activities such as skiing or snowboarding, they must have sunscreen applied to their face, neck, and other exposed areas of skin. The risk of not wearing sunscreen when playing outside in winter can be very serious and should not be taken lightly.

Dress for the Weather

Is it too cold to play outside? The temperature will determine whether it is safe and how long it is safe for outdoor play. Extreme blizzard temperatures would, of course, prevent any outdoor activity. Yet, in normal weather conditions, it is okay for kids to go outside, even in winter, as long as they are dressed appropriately. Some kids tend to run outside without a jacket or gloves because they find it more convenient. So, as a parent, your job is to make sure they cover themselves. 

 

Additionally, when playing in wet or muddy conditions, ensure your kids wear waterproof shoes and pants to prevent getting soaked. 

Play With Supervision

Even if your child knows how to be safe, there are still potential risks outside of the home that can put them in danger. Supervision is key to keeping your kids safe and healthy when playing outdoors.

Supervision can help prevent injuries from occurring. Accidents can happen even when precautions are taken, so being present to intervene quickly can make all the difference. Supervision also helps to keep kids from engaging in risky behavior, such as running off or playing too close to traffic or water. 

Does playing outside make kids sick? The answer is no. Playing outside is perfectly safe as long as kids follow basic rules, such as washing their hands and avoiding dangerous games. In fact, experts recommend encouraging this generation to spend more time outdoors for their health.