New York Nanny Center » Swim

Summer Water Safety

Lindsay Bell — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 06:02:21 +0000

Summer is a time filled with beaches, tropical vacations, swimming pools, slip & slides, kiddie pools, open fire hydrants, outdoor showers, lakes, and every other type of water imaginable to help beat the heat. Kids love the water, but they also need constant supervision.

We’ve compiled the most important safety tips of the summer to keep your lil’ ones safe and happy.

1) Always assign one parent or guardian to watch children actively and rotate if possible. This may seem like a no-brainer, but did you know that children can drown in under 2 inches of water? Drowning can happy anywhere with water; this means being absolutely vigilant when lil’ ones are anywhere near water and keeping your full attention on the children.

2) Ask children to go near water with a buddy. If something goes wrong, their buddy will be able to help or call for help to a nearby adult. This ensures that even if your gaze slips to your phone or the mosquito on your leg, your child will have someone else looking out for them.

3) Make sure your child feels comfortable around the water. Lil’ ones who know how to swim either from swim lessons are generally safer around the water. If your child is too young to learn to swim, make sure they are outfitted with the proper water safety equipment, such as floaties or a life vest, anytime they get near water (playing in a backyard with a pool, sitting on the sand at the beach, etc.).

4) Ensure the water (and child) is ready for swimming or playing before they get near water. Water that is too cold or rough can cause children to freeze up and have difficulty swimming. If you have a personal pool, consider getting a child-safe cover or fence to make sure they are not near the water when it is not ready or an adult is present. Children should have plenty of fluids to ensure they are not dehydrated and should let food digest; doing both of these helps prevent cramps mid-swim.

5) Have an emergency plan. Make sure children know where lifesaving devices are just in case and all adults should know the plan in the event of an emergency. CPR classes are always a good idea, but if you just need a quick refresher feel free to refer to Parents.com’s Guide.

Fun info fom the Red Cross book, Whale Tales

Water fun is always great during the summer; now you and your lil’ ones can enjoy it while knowing you are fully prepared to have a safe time! Splish Splash!

Lauren is a BFC (formerly LLD) babysitter and lover of the water. She grew up swimming and went on to become Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor certified! She currently works in-house as the Marketing & Social Media Consultant.

Henry in Hawaii

Lindsay Bell — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 17:33:39 +0000

When your parents offer to take you to Maui, you don’t turn it down, even if it you have to travel all that way with a very energetic 14-month old! Bob and I thought long and hard about how we were going to keep Henry happy, comfortable, and entertained for a 15 hour travel day. We purchased him his own seat, bought new toys and books for the airplane ride, planned our lunch/dinner breaks, and trained him to want to watch Bubble Guppies quietly on our iPads (even though I said I’d never be “that parent”!)—you’re welcome, fellow passengers. The anticipation for the trip was far worse than what actually transpired. The first half of the trip from Chicago to LA was the hardest part. Henry wanted to sleep but it was a daytime flight with a lot of announcements and movement in the plane. Oh well! We met up with my parents and brother and sister-in-law in LA and Henry was pumped to see his family! Everyone took a turn running with him around the airport and keeping him entertained. Bob and I appreciated the help! The second half he slept the whole way–way to go, Hank!

Henry on his first plane ride!

Henry surprisingly adjusted to the time difference with no problems. I think he knew that he had a fun day at the pool planned and didn’t want to miss it. Traveling with a child definitely changes the dynamic of a vacation, but it’s an entirely different kind of fun. Watching him splash around in the pool and play in the sand was awesome. He had a blast and never wanted to get out of the pool. The most challenging part was getting him to sit still long enough to lather him up with sunscreen! We visited the Maui Aquarium, took long walks on the beach, and went to some really cool parts of Maui–Henry loved it all! Especially all the whales jumping out of the water.

Henry splish splashin’

Thanks to the concierge in Maui, we were hooked up with the Lucky Lil Darlings of Maui called The Nanny Connection. They provided us with two amazing sitters for our time in Hawaii. I was so thankful for Andrea and Audrey so that we could go out for dinner and have some child-free adult time! My uncle Bill came from Oahu to visit us in Maui. It was so great to see him after 3 years! Henry immediately bonded with him and the two formed a fast friendship. We can’t wait to go back and visit him again soon! Everyone in Hawaii was so friendly and accommodating to us. We LOVED it there and can’t believe the trip is over!

Henry soaking up the last bit of sun before heading back to chilly Chicago

Getting back to Chicago in the middle of the “Polar Vortex” was challenging. Our flight from LA to Chicago was cancelled on Sunday and we had to find a hotel room in LA for the night. I’ve never been so thankful for having such a “chill” child. He handled the travel delays and change of plans/airlines like a champ. My husband wanted to get home but I enjoyed the extra day in the sun. We were able to meet up with an old friend in Manhattan Beach for lunch and enjoyed the unavoidable travel delay. Despite not having a good rest in over 15 hours, Henry enjoyed himself too! I’m so proud and thankful for his calm, happy demeanor. He made a really stressful, chaotic situation tolerable.

We’re back in cold Chicago and getting back into our regular routine! Aloha!

-Maureen is a sitter2mom, our Chicago City Coordinator, and proud mother of Henry!

P.S. Post-it Notes are an awesome quiet activity for a toddler. Henry stuck those things ALL OVER! (Mahalo, Cosette and all those who provided us with entertainment).

Quick Swim Tips for a Safe Summer

Lindsay Bell — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 15:13:29 +0000

Swimming has always been a popular summer activity. However, it is also a dangerous one. According to Parents Magazine, drownings are still the leading cause of accidental death for kids ages 1 to 4, so you can’t be too vigilant when it comes to water safety. There a few recommendations we have to help make your summer safe and fun.

1. If your child is going to be around water this summer, consider enrolling in lessons. Swimming lessons for the child and water safety classes for you will help ensure everyone is comfortable around water and will know what to do in case of an emergency. The American Red Cross offers many courses from ages 6 months and up that can be found here

Always keep your eye on the lil’ ones

2. Always be present. Don’t let your child go swimming without you or a lifeguard present. Teach children to always ask permission to be near the water. Unauthorized access to a bathtub, pool, hot tub, lake, ocean, or kiddie pool is all the same. Make sure they know they need an adult.

3. Pay attention. This one may seem like a no-brainer, but sometimes it’s easy to get distracted. Make sure when your child is in the water you are watching them at all times.

4. Wear a life jacket. If you’re going to be on a boat, dock, or body of water without a lifeguard, wearing a life jacket can help protect a child from harm, but should not be totally relied on for a child’s safety.

5. Be cautious. Even if you are not planning on swimming, be careful around all bodies of water as there is always a chance of slipping in by accident. Cold temperatures, undercurrents, or other hazards can make these bodies of water extremely dangerous to fall in to.

6. Be a responsible guardian. Avoid alcohol use when supervising children. If there are many adults together at the same time, take turns watching stepping away from the gathering and watching the children in the water. Remain alert and awake at all times if you are on watch duty.

7. Last but not least, have a plan for an emergency. Equip your home with the appropriate lifesaving devices such as reaching or throwing equipment, life jackets, and first aid kids. If a child is missing, always check the water first. Call 9-1-1 immediately if necessary.

If you would like to read more about summer water safety, the Red Cross website has many fact sheets, tips, and information available. Following these easy tips will ensure your child’s safety around water. So go ahead, splash away this summer!

-Intern & swimmer extraordinaire Lauren