School’s out for summer and that means long lazy days spent at the river, lakes, pools and beach! Yesterday I shared 5 Summer Essentials – For Mom and today is all about summer water fun necessities for kids:Â
1. Sun protection
When choosing a sunscreen for children, parents typically base their decision on the two following characteristics:
- The highest SPF they can find (50+ or 100+)
- A kids’ brand (Aveeno Baby, Banana Boat Kids, California Baby, Coppertone Kids, Coppertone Waterbabies, Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby, etc.)
While it is fine to use these, they are really not that much different from those that are made for adults, so you don’t really have to buy a separate sunscreen just for your kids.
Remember that a sunscreen isn’t better just because it is more expensive. In fact, some of the highest rated sunscreens in a Consumer Reports test were the least expensive, including Target’s Up & Up Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30 (shown below) and Sport Continuous Spray SPF 50 (Walgreens). All of the most popular sunscreen brands tested by Consumer Reports tested either good or very good, though.
Choose a trusted brand for your sunblock and re-apply every two hours.
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2. A big, thirsty towel
Nothing beats a good beach towel to keep your kiddos dry while resting from playtime and one that puts kids in charge is even sweeter. This towel by One Step Ahead, the Kids’ Sun Smarties Beach Towel in a Bag ($19.95) folds up to form a kid-friendly tote, complete with carry strap. And thanks to its tuck-over flap, it stays in place on a chaise or lounge chair. Can you say genius?! For a few dollars more in can even be personalized.
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3. Reusable bags
Before you hit any body of water, pack this handy waterproof bag for wet swimsuits, diapers, snacks, toiletries or anything else you want kept safe and secure. Itzy Ritzy Wet Happened Zippered Wet Bag, shown in Social Circle Blue, Large ($21.95).
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4. Floaties, swim floats, water wings, life jackets
Keeping children safe around all bodies of water is a year round concern, especially if they do not know how to swim. Now that summer is here, doors are open and distractions abound so please, please, please be safe around water and take as many precautions as you can.
Drowning is silent, it is quick, and it can happen to anyone. Invest in a floatation device of your choice. For a nice selection, visit Toys R Us.
5. Give me shade
After splashing around in the water and building sand castles across the beach, a little shade might be in order.  Kel-Gar’s UV Sun Stop’r Kwik Cabana with Shade ($70.99) opens and closes in less than 10 seconds and includes a roll out play area (45″ x 30″) and detachable shade. It is made from 50+ UPF material that protects from harmful UV rays, which makes it great for the beach, in the backyard, or at the park as well as indoor fun, too!
Click on image for additional information.
Other things to consider:
Sunglasses – Little eyes need sun protection too.
First-Aid kit – Being able to handle a minor catastrophe is imperative when you spend any amount of time outdoors, so stock up on Band-Aids and Neosporin!
Snacks – All that running around in the hot sun creates a breeding ground for whining and hungry bellies, so having all your child’s favorite snacks on hand is smart.
Sand toys – If water and sand just aren’t enough…
Wherever your summer takes you, have fun and be safe!
Photo credits: Wayan Vota , Target, One Step Ahead , Itzy Ritzy , Diapers.com
