For most 20-somethings the summer is all about which festival to go to and what to wear. But summer gigs aren't just for young, single people, they can be also be a family-friendly place where parents and kids can camp, hang out and listen to music together.

 

However, if you are taking the kids to one this year, make sure you keep the following safety tips in mind.

 

1. Make sure the festival is family-friendly

Before you buy your tickets do make sure the festival is family-friendly and has a separate campsite for people with kids. There are plenty around geared towards parents and children but not all are, so do double check.

 

2. Get a security tag

With so many people around it can be easy for your little one to run off and disappear from your sight, making security tags vital. Write your name, two contact numbers and the campsite you are staying in on it so that if they do wander off they can be brought back to your easily enough.

 

3. Have your child memorise your mobile number

While you should always write contact details onto their clothes or arms, as an extra safety precaution do have your child memorise your number. Get them to practice it a few times and do show them how to use your phone just in case. A landline to a relative not at the festival is also a good idea as networks around festivals frequently do go down.

 

 

4. Have a safe spot

As soon as you arrive at the site allocate a safety area where the kids should go to if they do get lost. Try to choose an area that is not too crowded and can be seen from far away – a sign is usually a good one to choose.

 

5. Dress them in bright clothes

Now is not the time to be worried about the fashion police so do dress your kids in bright clothes so that you can easily point them out in a crowd.

 

6. How to spot the tent

Make your tent visible from a long way off by placing a pole beside it with a flag or a ribbon attached.

 

 

7. Bring water

Make sure your little ones are well hydrated at all times, particularly if it is quite hot out. This will help prevent headaches and dehydration. 

 

8. Bring a first aid kit

Do bring a first aid kit in your bag containing plasters, antiseptic wipes, cotton pads, bandages and over-the-counter pain relief medication. The last thing you want to do is trek across a mucky field looking for a plaster or have to leave the tent at 3am to go looking for a firstaider.

 

9. Eat three meals a day

When lost in the music it can be easy to miss the sound of your tummy rumbling but it is important that you and the kids eat at least three meals a day. Festivals are exhausting and being out in the air all day can really make you work up an appetite so do schedule feeding times into your day. A hungry child will not only be grumpy but it can also cause them to experience headaches, feel lethargic and even sick.

 

10. Suncream, and lots of it

Don’t leave the house without your suncream – you are going to be in the sun for long periods and the last thing you want is your youngster to get burnt or experience heatstroke. Cover them with loose layers and put a hat on them, even if it’s cloudy

 

 

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