Beach Day Safety for Kids and Babies

Laying on the beach – feeling the sand between your toes and listening to the rhythmic crash of waves – is one of summer’s sweetest pleasures. Luckily for adults, going to the beach is also a great activity for the kids, so the whole family can have fun.

Here is our ultimate guide to beach day safety for kids and babies, so you can relax without worrying about your family’s safety.

Sun safety

While you may want to lounge about and catch some color, sun safety is especially important for small children. Babies and kids can more easily get heat stroke and sunburn, so it’s important to stay sun vigilant.

Babies under 6 months can’t use most sunscreens and are especially susceptible to heat stroke, so make sure they are covered head-to-toe in UV blocking clothes, and remain well hydrated. If you are breastfeeding, be prepared for some extra feeding and keep yourself well hydrated as well.

Hats for the whole family is always a great idea for some extra sun protection, and it’s important to bring enough water to keep everyone nicely hydrated.

The most important part of sun safety, however, is sunscreen. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going out in the sun, and reapplied every two hours, and after being in the water.

Unfortunately, most sunscreens contain toxic chemicals that you may want to avoid using on your children. Here are the 4 sunscreens we trust the most for children.

4 Sunscreens that are safe for children

#1 Amavara Mineral Sunscreen: Amavara sunscreen comes in a lotion, as well as a convenient stick. We love the fact that it’s reef safe, so you can protect your family and the environment with one swipe.

#2 Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen: Badger is made from clean and organic ingredients, and was the first formula to achieve the Reef Safe designation. We love that this formula is water resistant for 80 minutes, reducing the amount of reapplication needed.

#3 California Baby Super Sensitive: This sunscreen is completely free of fragrances and common irritants and allergens, making it the perfect choice for your child’s sensitive skin.

#4 Pipette Mineral Sunscreen: The reason to buy this sunscreen isn’t just for their aesthetic branding, but because it’s a baby-friendly sunscreen that works. The unique formula calms the effects of infrared, which causes the skin to heat up, so this sunscreen is perfect for keeping your baby protected.

Ocean safety

The ocean can be a dangerous place, even when it seems calm. It’s important to teach your kids to always be wary of the ocean, and teach them that while a swimming pool always stays the same, the ocean can be unpredictable.

When you arrive at the beach, watch the water for about 15 minutes before going in or letting your children go in. Is the water calm? Are there large waves? Are there other people going into the water? Are there other children going in, or just one or two older people further out in the water?

Try to find a spot close to the lifeguard, and tell your children that if they get lost, look for the lifeguard tower. Take note of any flags indicating swimming conditions. If you’re not sure what the flags mean, ask the lifeguard. You can also usually look up swimming conditions online before you leave the house, including jellyfish warnings.

Most importantly, children should always be supervised on the beach. Instruct your nanny to always keep their eyes on the kids, and if possible, to go into the water with them.

Going to the beach should be fun for the whole family. Following these simple safety tips will ensure that everyone has a great time.

At VIP Nannies, we pride ourselves on providing you with highly qualified and caring childcare staff to help you raise a well-rounded family. Today’s busy life means that parents require extra assistance to support children and take care of them. With over a decade of experience vetting the best childcare providers for families throughout the US, VIP sets the bar high. We’re committed to finding you the best fit promptly and seamlessly. Contact us now for a nanny that matches your needs