Camping with Your Toddler
Tips to Keep Young Explorers Safe
By Jessica Williams
Losing your child in an uninhabited area is incredibly frightening; so again, never leave your child unattended. But because toddlers are notorious for running off when you turn your back, you might want to carry a few current photos of your child with you and dress your child in bright colors (a hat that is "hunter orange" is a good choice). Teach your child to yell back when you yell for him. Sunburns can happen even on an overcast day or in cooler weather. Protect your child (and yourself!) from harmful rays by wearing large-brimmed hats and long-sleeved shirts and pants. Have your pediatrician recommend a good sun block for your child if you will be swimming. Protect your child from harmful insects. If you will be hiking in a wooded area, or if the campsite is less popular than others, you should dress your child in protective clothing (denim and other heavy fabrics are best if weather permits) or ask about a safe bug repellent. Ticks can carry diseases, so always check your child's entire body thoroughly when coming out of wooded areas (this applies to suburban parks, too).
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