Baby and Child Safety During Holidays

1. Sun protection and outdoor comfort

Spending entire days outdoors requires some extra care:

• Apply sunscreen suitable for children and reapply it throughout the day.
• Use hats, UV-protective T-shirts, and lightweight clothing.
• Seek shade during the hottest hours of the day.
• Take regular breaks for rest and hydration.

Small habits help children enjoy summer days comfortably and full of energy.

2. Near water: constant supervision is the most important rule

Whenever there is water nearby (whether at the sea, a swimming pool, or a river) safety starts with one very simple rule: children should always be under direct adult supervision. This means staying close enough to intervene quickly, even if the child already knows how to swim.

Some good practices include:

• Keep children within arm’s reach while they are in the water.
• Never assume someone else is watching them.
• Avoid distractions such as mobile phones or reading while children are playing in the water.
• Children who cannot swim confidently should wear flotation aids (swim vests or armbands) appropriate for their weight when playing in or near water. These should comply with EN 13138-1 safety standards. Adult supervision remains essential, as these devices do not prevent drowning.
• Empty inflatable pools and buckets immediately after use.
• Ensure that swimming pools in private homes, holiday rentals, and tourist resorts have barriers or protection that are difficult for children to overcome, providing adults with more time to react (vertical barriers at least 110 cm high, non-climbable, without openings larger than 9 cm, and equipped with self-closing gates). There should be no objects near these barriers that children could use as steps.
• Encourage water familiarisation classes and swimming lessons appropriate for the child’s age.

Drowning is one of the greatest risks associated with water, but many incidents can be prevented through simple habits. More important than anything else, supervision must be active and continuous. Even in shallow water, children can slip or lose their balance, so an attentive adult makes all the difference.

3. Teaching children what to do if they get lost

Beaches, parks, and tourist attractions can be crowded during the summer. Becoming separated from parents for a few minutes can happen, and preparing children in advance helps prevent panic.

Prepare outings with a few simple strategies:

• Use an identification wristband with the responsible adult’s contact details.
• Explain that if they lose sight of their parents, they should stay where they are and not try to look for them on their own.
• Alternatively, they can seek help from an adult who works at the location (lifeguard, park employee, shop assistant, police officer, or security guard).
• Show the wristband or note with the parents’ contact details.
• Older children may benefit from memorising a phone number.
• Upon arrival, agree on a visible meeting point, such as a lifeguard station, café, restaurant, or specific shop.

These simple conversations help children feel confident and stay calm.

4. First nights away from home: preparing children (and parents)

During holidays, children are often invited to sleep over at friends’ or relatives’ houses. For many children, these are their first experiences spending the night away from their parents—a positive experience, but one that requires some preparation.

Before accepting an invitation, it can be helpful to clarify a few details with the adults responsible for the child:

• Who will be present during the night.
• Whether there will be access to a pool or water areas.
• Whether they will travel by car or take part in activities requiring safety equipment.
• What the household routines are (bedtime, meals, activities).
• Whether any special care is needed regarding allergies or food.

For children, the most important thing is feeling safe and comfortable enough to speak up if something does not feel right. Some simple conversations beforehand can help:

• Remind them they can call their parents at any time.
• Reinforce that there are no secrets in the family and that they can share anything with their parents.
• Explain that they can always seek help from a trusted adult in the house.

It can also be reassuring to bring a familiar item, such as a favourite stuffed toy or pyjamas, and to know exactly when their parents will pick them up the next day.

These first experiences help children develop independence and confidence and can become happy holiday memories.

5. Playing in public spaces: freedom with supervision

Parks, promenades, and public squares are wonderful places for children to play during holidays.

Some useful recommendations:

• Set clear boundaries for where they are allowed to play.
• Identify landmarks quickly (benches, umbrellas, trees).
• Dress younger children in distinctive clothing to make them easier to spot.
• Keep an up-to-date photo of the child (preferably taken that day) to help describe and locate them if they become lost.

The goal is not to limit freedom but to allow children to explore safely.

6. Paying attention to food away from home

During holidays, families often eat out more frequently, enjoy picnics, dine at hotels or buffet restaurants, and buy snacks at the beach. These changes in routine can sometimes lead to digestive discomfort or food poisoning.

With babies and young children, a few simple precautions make a difference:

• Always have water available and encourage frequent hydration.
• Avoid foods that have been exposed to the sun for long periods.
• Bring snacks and meals from home whenever possible.
• Always check that food is properly stored and smells fresh.
• Try to maintain the child’s usual mealtime routine.

7. The most important thing: presence and attention

Between swims, sandcastles, and late-afternoon ice creams, holidays are precious moments for families.

With attention, a few simple rules, and calm conversations with children, it is possible to create a safe environment where everyone feels confident enough to enjoy the best of summer.

Because when parents feel calm, children do too.

With attentive supervision, simple prevention habits, and open conversations, families can ensure greater safety at the beach, pool, and on holiday, creating peaceful, confident, and truly happy memories.