How To Protect Kids From Concussions This Summer

School’s out for summer and kids are busy biking, hiking, and engaging in summer sports. From baseball and softball, to cycling and lacrosse, there are plenty of ways kids can take a bump to the head. The following suggestions will go a long way toward keeping your child safe as they head out to play.

Baseball and softball players should always wear a sturdy and properly fitting batting helmet, as well as shoes with good traction. It is also a good idea for children to wear sunglasses when fielding to help protect them from losing the ball in the sun. Additionally, make sure the team is properly supervised and that the coaches adhere to CHSAA guidelines on concussions. If your child does take a mild hit to the head, these guidelines can protect them from exacerbating the injury.

It’s no surprise that cycling is one of the most popular summer activities in Boulder. Before your next ride, make sure that kids have a well-fitting helmet that is designed to absorb the impact from a fall. There are many types of bicycle helmets, and the most expensive isn’t always the best. Before buying a helmet, thoroughly research the item’s crash effectiveness. Further, make sure that your child’s bike and riding clothes are equipped with reflective strips, headlights & taillights are working, and that the brakes and tires on the bicycle are well-maintained.

Lacrosse players should limit contact during drills and practice matches. During games, players should always have a properly fitting helmet. If the helmet shell is cracked, the helmet should be discarded. Children should also be trained not to hit other athletes on the head, and they should not use their helmet to make contact with any part of another player’s body.

Finally, if your child plans to jump on the trampoline, you need to make sure that the springs are covered in padding and that there is a safety net surrounding the platform. Moreover, children should always be supervised by an adult when using a trampoline.

For more information about how to protect kids from a concussion this summer, contact Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, PC. at (303) 447-1144. It is our pleasure to help you understand which activities have the greatest risk and the steps you can take to protect your child from serious injury.