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. 

Day 1) Mini food tour adventure: NYC is full of great spots. Take one morning morning to go sample hot chocolate all over the village, or decide who has the best waffles in Manhattan. If kids are picky, have them make a list of their favorite places and splurge by adventuring to a few of them in one day. (*Note* the best part of this adventure is some full, happy, and worn out kiddies by time you get home. Naptime, anyone?).

Day 2) Craft Day: St. Patrick’s Day is coming up and that means green everything! Make sure to cover your work space with newspaper in case of spills or accidents. We love:

• Construction paper rainbows. Directions: attach rainbow paper to a “cloud” made of cotton  or cut out of white paper.
•  Pots of gold. Directions: terra cotta flower pots can be painted on and filled with chocolate that looks like gold coins.
• Try-on leprechaun mask mirrors. Directions found here.
• Green garlands to decorate. Directions: cut strips of green paper, roll and stapling into a circle, repeat to make a chain.
• Shamrock decorations. Directions: cut out of construction paper or just colored onto regular paper.
• Dye Easter Eggs. Directions: Hard boil a dozen eggs, purchase a dye kit, dip eggs into colors as desired. 
• Make an Easter Bunny. Directions: cut out two almond shaped white pieces and have lil’ ones color the inside pink leaving an inch or so border. Staple or glue these on to a paper plate. Attach two googley eyes. Use a foam shape or color in a nose. For whiskers, take pipe cleaners cut in half and glue them coming out from the nose. 

Day 3) Museum Hopping: Luckily, NYC has plenty of fun museums to take lil’ ones to. Check out this great guide of museums for kids based on how old they are. Most museums let lil’ ones in for free or deeply discounted rates, making this fun and affordable!

Day 4) Spring Cleaning: This may not be the most fun activity on the list, but it’s sure to keep lil’ ones occupied. Take a day out of the week and have lil’ ones clean out their room or pick one chore to help with around the house. Getting lil’ ones in the habit of helping clean will help you and them in the long run! This is also an opportunity to share stories, memories, and crafts that turn up (and scrapbook them if you’re into that). If lil’ ones are looking for change rearrange the furniture in their room or add a new decoration as a reward for a job well done.

Day 5) Playdates: One of the best resources moms have is other moms! Get together with a few friends and have a playdate party. Keep lil’ ones entertained with Wii games, puzzles, a dance party/contest, homemade pizza making, or movies while having the chance to chat with other adults.

Day 6) Scavenger Hunt: This one can take as much or little planning as needed. Kids (supervised by an adult) can find things throughout the city, or can stay inside the home and find things. Scavenger hunts can also include mundane things such as “eating lunch” or “checking the mail” as well as wacky and ridiculous like “do a headstand and take a picture” or “find someone wearing a pink hat.”

Day 7) Relax: With school the next day, take this day to unwind. Pop some easy homemade cinnamon buns in the oven with lil’ ones, put your feet up, and enjoy a movie. Finish up any homework, pick out outfits for the next day, catch up on some reading and enjoy family dinner.

Our enthusiastic sitters are always happy to help out and take kids on adventures all over the city or help entertain them in the home! Enjoy break!

-Lauren has been babysitting for years and works in-house at LLD. Her favorite part of spring break is curling up with a book, hot chocolate, and fuzzy slippers!