A medically fragile child is defined as one who needs 24-hour supervision from a skilled caregiver because of a serious medical condition. They need help with basic activities like getting dressed, bathing, and eating. We want all children to have the same fun summer experience, so we are sharing five tips to keep medically fragile children safe this summer.

Proper Clothing to Avoid Sunburn

When trying to protect skin from the sun, it is important to wear clothes made from rayon, polyester, or denim. These fabrics are tightly woven and dense, so they provide high protection from UV rays. Long sleeves and pants are also a fantastic way to keep skin out of the sun but make sure the kids will not overheat. Also remember to avoid tight, dark-colored clothing.

Applying Sunscreen Regularly

Generally, sunscreen should be applied every two hours. If the kids are sweating or playing water activities, the sunscreen should be applied more often, every 60-80 minutes.

Play in the Shade

Shade and sun coverage is especially important because it helps protect children from the sun's harmful UV rays. Even on cloudy days and during cooler weather, the sun can still cause damage. Extended exposure to UV rays can increase the risk of skin cancer. For children in wheelchairs, an umbrella can be attached to them to make sure they are always in the shade.

Stay Hydrated

To stay hydrated, children ages 1-3 years old need 4 cups of water a day. Children 4-8 years old need about 5 cups a day. Children older than 8 need about 7-8 cups of water a day. When children are in the sun, it is helpful to always have water readily available.

Use a Fan to Keep Them Cool

For children in a wheelchair, a battery-operated fan could be attached to their chairs to allow for constant cool airflow. If you are near an outlet, a larger fan could be brought outside to keep the children cool.

Being outside can cause children’s internal body temperature to rise significantly. We hope this information will keep your kiddos safe for the remainder of the summer. There is so much fun to have during the summer, but it is important to be prepared and stay safe out there.