It’s time to play outside! If you are a new parent, you might be wondering what’s appropriate for outdoor time. There are a few guidelines for you to remember.
A general rule of thumb for temperatures and winds is if you are comfortable, it is usually OK for your baby or young child. Remember to use caution if temperatures are over 90 degrees. Babies can overheat quickly so limit their time outside, prioritize shade and emphasize hydration.
The amount of time you spend outside should be based on the child’s age:
Infants (0-12 months): 20-60 minutes at a time, one to three times per day. Good outdoor activities include stroller walks and sitting on a blanket in the shade. Children under 6 months old should avoid sunscreen and stay in the shade.
Toddlers (1-3 years): One to three hours total per day. Activities include playground and backyard time, short walks and bike rides.
Preschoolers (3-5 years): Two to four hours per day with activities including running, climbing and imaginative play.
School-age children (6+ years): One to two hours per day with at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity such as sports or bicycling.
Young children need close supervision outdoors. If your child cannot recognize danger, follow rules consistently or get help if needed — he or she is not ready to be outside alone. Other factors to consider are busy streets and access to hazards.
Be aware of traffic and driveways (even at home), water (pools and ponds), heights of playground equipment, trees and decks, extreme heat, insects, plants (poison ivy and thorns), animals (stray dogs and wildlife) and allergens (pollen and grass).
Make sure to create a space where your child can explore freely within safe limits. Scan the area before he or she starts playing, stay within sight and quick reach, dress him or her appropriately for weather and movement and set simple boundaries. Boundaries can include telling the child to stay where you can see him or her.
For outdoor play, please consider the following items;
- Sunscreen: SPF 50, broad spectrum, water resistant
- Bug spray: 10-30% DEET for children 2 months and older
- Fans
- Water
- Sunglasses
- A change of clothes
- Band-Aids
- Wipes for cleaning/sanitizing
- Properly-fitted bike helmets
- Life jackets
When you are outside with your kids, don’t forget to join in the fun. Together you can enjoy a myriad of activities — sidewalk chalk, bubbles, obstacle courses, tag, hide-and-seek, ball games, jumping rope, bikes and scooter rides, water balloons, water tables and sprinkler play.
Here’s hoping you have a safe and activity-filled spring and summer!
