Summer Wellness Tips for Kids

Summer should feel light, fun, and full of discovery. But as routines shift, it’s important to keep wellness habits in place. A few simple steps can protect your child’s energy, sleep, and safety—all while letting them explore the season. These tips align with pediatric care best practices and support a strong partnership with your child’s doctor.

Shield Growing Bodies From the Sun

• Aim for shade during peak hours: late morning through mid-afternoon
• Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours or after swimming
• Dress smart: lightweight long sleeves, wide-brim hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses
• Do a quick skin check in the evening—note any redness or moles to mention at checkups

Hydration and Heat Readiness

• Offer water before play, during breaks, and at snack time
• Pack water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges
• Watch for heat stress signs like headache, dizziness, or fatigue—move to shade, sip water, and cool off
• Encourage kids to recognize early thirst, not wait until they feel parched

Keep Sleep Steady, Even When Days Get Long

• Stick to age-appropriate sleep targets and calming nighttime routines
• Use blackout curtains, white noise, and limit screens before bed
• If a late night happens (travel, fireworks), reset gently the next day with an early, quiet evening

Active Play, Safe Adventures

• Combine free play with skill-building like swimming, biking, or family walks
• Use helmets, life jackets, and properly fitted shoes to prevent injury
• Review yard, lake, or neighborhood rules together before heading out
• Keep a small first aid kit nearby for bug bites, scrapes, or minor rashes

Allergies, Bites, and Rashes

• Rinse off after lakes or pools, then moisturize to protect skin
• Use fragrance-free sunscreen and insect repellent as directed
• Monitor pollen counts or air quality alerts if your child has asthma or seasonal allergies
• Call your clinic if swelling spreads, breathing changes, or hives develop

Food, Growth, and Picky Phases

• Summer appetites can vary—serve balanced meals at regular times
• Build plates with colorful fruits, veggies, lean protein, whole grains, and dairy
• Keep snacks simple and portable to avoid skipping nutrition during busy days

Digital Balance and Eye Health

• Make outdoor play the default, then add in short screen blocks
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Encourage reading in good light and position screens at eye level

Checkups and Preventive Care

• Summer is a great time for sports physicals, vision checks, and vaccine updates
• Talk with your child’s doctor about concerns like snoring, joint pain, or emotional changes
• Celebrate growth spurts, new milestones, and progress together

When to Call Your Clinic

Reach out promptly if your child has:

• A fever lasting more than three days
• Severe sore throat, ear pain, or deep cough
• Vomiting or diarrhea with signs of dehydration
• Head injury, unusual sleepiness, breathing trouble, or a concerning rash

A Healthy Summer Starts With the Right Support

Great summers are built on small, consistent choices. If you want a care partner who’s here for both routine visits and sudden questions, Richfield Medical Group is ready to help. 

Explore our comprehensive pediatric care to learn how we support growth at every stage. For new concerns that should not wait, our same day appointments make it simple to get timely care this week, fast. We are here all summer.