While it’s interesting to watch your child socialize with other children, there is always the doubt if your child is ready to be taken outside. Don’t just take the kid out without reading these few reminders.

Make them wear protective clothing. For very young ones, the late morning and early afternoon sun may just be harsh enough to get them sunburn. Make them wear clothing with ample coverage and a dab of sunblock also would help.

When in playgrounds, check the safety of the area. Slides, swings and seesaws may have sharp edges that can harm your kid. Every so often, kids will get hurt. Scrapes and bruises will be part of the whole going-out-to-play thing so be prepared. Always have a first aid kit handy in your car and be sure you know how to do first aid.

Pools usually require babies to be in swim diapers to avoid the possibility of infecting other babies when they poop while swimming. This is very important and hygienic because infection from poop may give your baby diarrhea. Your child might get a painful condition known as Swimmer’s Ear - ear becomes red, itchy and very tender. Pus might start to form in your child’s ear and he might complain of pain when chewing. Avoid the growth of bacteria in your child’s ear by using antibiotic eardrops.

Regular cleaning of ears with the use of cotton swabs sometimes result in infection because the cleaning can remove the protective wax and might scratch the lining of the ear canal. A good way to totally prevent this condition is by making your child wear earplugs or bathing caps to cover the ear while swimming. Also, remind your child to always dry their ears after a swim by tilting the head to the sides, while pulling on the outer ear.

Taking children out means that you have to always be on your toes, alert for any danger. Giving your child instructions i.e., not running around in a crowded grocery or talking to strangers are effective ways of controlling your kids outside.

Always keep an eye on your child. It only takes one second of misdirection for some of the baddies to get to you child.