New and seasoned parents alike are acutely aware of how hectic planning a trip can get with young kids. Beach trips can be particularly stressful. Parents have to be extra cautious and be mindful of the fact that children are especially vulnerable in hot weather. They generate up to 25% more heat for their body weight compared to adults and adjust slowly to warmer, sunnier temperatures, meaning they’re at a higher risk of experiencing heat-related illnesses.
These factors highlight the importance of prioritizing sun protection when carefully planning your next family beach trip. To help you get started, here’s a quick rundown of sun protection must-haves to bring for your young kids:
Kid-safe sunscreen
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that all kids aged six months and older wear sunscreen. That will protect their skin from UV overexposure that can lead to sunburn and even cause long-term damage, heightening their risk of developing skin cancer down the line. Since their skin is more easily irritated, it’s best to buy sunscreen specially formulated for sensitive skin. You can do that by ensuring it has a UV-blocking rating of SPF of 30 or higher and uses ingredients considered “generally regarded as safe and effective” by the FDA. Among the best kid-safe sunscreens that follow these standards is the ATTITUDE Mineral Sunscreen Stick, which is specifically designed for kids and comes with an SPF of 30. To ensure total protection, set an alarm that reminds you and your kids to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after splashing in the sea.
UV-blocking sunglasses
Small kids’ and even babies’ eyes absorb about 70% more UV rays from the sun than adults’ eyes, meaning unprotected sun exposure can cause irreversible damage early on. To avoid this, have them wear UV-blocking sunglasses. Not all sunglasses are equipped with anti-UV lenses, however, so it’s best to stick to reputable eyewear retailers. For this, you can check out Sunglass Hut’s wide array of sunglasses for both kids and adults. The sunglasses, including the Frogskins XS dedicated outdoor brands like Oakley, use lenses that come with UV400 protection to keep your eyes and your little ones’ eyes safe at the beach. You can opt for additional anti-scratch lens coatings, which will help your kids’ sunglasses last for longer no matter how energetic they get—and regardless of how many times they drop their pairs onto abrasive, sandy shores.
UPF beach umbrella
Coupled with sunscreen and sunglasses, you can set up a beach umbrella to provide shade at all angles, especially when the sun is shining directly overhead in the middle of the day. Look for those with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50+, which can protect against 98% of harsh UV rays. A good option to consider bringing on your beach trip is the AMMSUN Outdoor Patio Beach Umbrella. Aside from having a 50+ UPF rating, it also has vents that prevent it from being blown over in the wind (or knocked down by your kids!).
Reusable water bottle
Young kids can overheat quickly in sunny conditions, and when that happens a dip in the waves won’t be enough for them to cool off. They also need to do so from within, which is why it’s crucial to offer water almost constantly during a beach trip. To help with this, bring along a bottle filled with cool, fresh water. Make sure to look for BPA-free bottles that don’t contain the toxin bisphenol A (BPA), as they’ll be safer for children to use. Reusable water bottles of this quality, like the S’well Explorer, are designed to be safe and toxin-free. This stainless steel bottle also features a convenient handle for carrying it and a flip straw lid that even your young kids can easily use. Encourage frequent sips of water to prevent dehydration, especially during playtime in the sun.
Taking your young kids on a beach trip can be an exciting and memorable experience, but it’s essential to prioritize their safety in the sun. By being prepared with sun care essentials, you can ensure they stay protected and comfortable during their beach adventure.
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