TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST TRIP TO THE BEACH WITH THE BABY
There’s a first time for everything. And it’s usually kind of scary when it comes to our kids. You have all kinds of questions in your mind. This is why we at Pufies have prepared some tips for your first trip to the beach with your little one. We hope you have lots of fun!
1. First things first: what should I know about sun care?
If your baby is under 6 months, keep them out of direct sunlight at all times!
Stay under the shade, but still apply sun lotion. If your kid’s older, slather them in sunscreen and avoid being under the sun between 11:00 h a.m. and 16:00 h in the afternoon – this is when the Sun’s at its most dangerous.
Always use SPF 50 and above.
This way your kid will be protected for the longest amount of time – just remember to reapply after two hours or after spending time in the water.
2. How should I dress my baby?
Dress your kid up in loose clothing and have them wear a hat and a pair of sunglasses. There are shades and clothes that have UV protection and those are your best option. Either way, you should apply sunscreen under the clothes, too.
Make sure you have sun protection on, even when it’s not sunny!
If your kid is old enough to walk, bring beach shoes or jelly shoes to keep their feet away from the burning sand. Bring a spare set of clothes – kids don’t like wet clothes and they shouldn’t be in them either way, because they let more UV rays through.
3. What should I bring?
When you get to the beach, set up your “day camp” not too close to the sea, you don’t want to move when the tide comes in. Bring plenty of towels for you and your kid.
Always have some kind of fluid with you – preferably water – for when your kid gets thirsty.
Perhaps bring more than you usually need – the heat dehydrates you faster than you think!
4. My baby wants to explore everything on the beach – what should I keep in mind?
If your kid wants to explore, always have someone supervise them.
Kids want to try everything, so they might experiment with eating pebbles or sand. Don’t panic, everything will be okay! Give them some water and try to wash off as much as you can. It’s only natural for them to explore the new environment
5. Can I get into the water with my baby?
If you decide to go into the water with your kid, always keep a firm grip on them.
You can put armbands or a rubber ring on them, but you should still hold on to them! Stay in the shallows and not for too long – they might get cold. Use your common sense – if you feel chilly, your baby will feel very cold. You could first dip their feet in the sea. In case they are nervous, don’t push it – they’ll have plenty of time to swim when they grow up!
It is not recommended to swim in the sea with your kid if they are under two months old.
We hope this tips were useful to you. If you have further questions about your child’s safety at the beach, consult your pediatrician.
Have a great trip!
