Are You Ready for Summer?

School’s out for summer! Those words can strike fear into the hearts of many parents. You likely need to figure out child care and/or summer camp, not to mention other questions that come up: What’s the best sun protection? How can I teach my child water safety? What do I do about summer rashes? And can your baby take a bath during a lightning storm? (Yes, someone did ask that, and the answer may surprise you.)

Below, you will find 10 of my most popular articles on ParentData about summertime. And feel free to ask a question if you have something else summer-related on your mind.

How to Travel with Kids

For many people, summer means travel. Air travel, car travel, boat travel. Travel with friends, travel with kids, travel alone. For many of us, how we experience travel is one of the most significant changes post-children. Read more.

In the airport transit hall, a parent pulls two children along as they ride on rolling luggage in front of a large window with an airplane outside. — Getty Images

Eczema and What to Do About It

There are many nice things about summer. More time with my kids! Camp! Travel! One of the less nice things are the rashes. Read more.

A kid grimaces as they itch their arm, which is red. — Getty Images

All About Sunscreen and Kids

A big pitch for sunscreen is skin cancer protection. I’m sure you’ve heard this. However, the evidence on the link between sunscreen use and decreased skin cancer is actually not obvious in the data. Read more.

Caregiver putting sunscreen on child on beach — Kindel Media / Pexels

Is It Safe to Take My Newborn Out on a Hot Day?

In terms of heat, the primary issue is that babies do not sweat as much as adults and get hot more quickly. They are therefore more prone to overheating, heat stroke, and dehydration. Read more.

A straw infant hat and pink heart-shaped sunglasses are seen on a yellow background. — Getty Images

A Different Way to Look at Screen Time

Questions about screens are among the most asked in emails I get from parents. They’re such a big part of our lives — a source of benefit and of stress. Read more.

Child in bed with iPad — Cottonbro Studio / Pexels

A Data-Driven Approach to Summer Camp

From a logistical standpoint, especially if all the adults in the household work, the summer can be a nightmare. Sure, our kids love it, and we love them. But we need child care! Read more.

Kids at summer camp — RNDE Stock Project / Pexels

Is Juice Really Bad for Kids?

My younger brother, as a child, had juice as his primary food group. Especially in the summer, when he would eat these popsicles that my dad made out of orange juice. I think his record for daily popsicle consumption was 11. Read more.

A bright blue background with an overhead arrangement of glasses of orange juice, orange straws, and orange slices. — Getty Images

Swim Lessons, Pool Fencing, and Water Safety

It’s post-Memorial Day. Which means it’s time to dig out the white pants, put on our flip-flops, and switch our parenting concerns to sunscreen and swimming. Read more.

Do I Need a Car-Seat Sensor?

About 40 times as many children die in traffic accidents each year as in hot cars — so as scary as this is, it is also extremely rare. Read more.

An empty car seat is seen in a car on a sunny, warm day. — Getty Images

Is It Safe to Bathe My Baby During a Lightning Storm?

I remember this warning very clearly from my childhood. I had always assumed it was made up, like many things in the 1980s. On some investigation, the reality is more complicated. Read more.