Imagine a fun-filled day of sun, sand, and sea with your family. As a parent, you’re probably already giddy at the idea of taking a mini-vacation with your kid. But before you pack your bags, here are some of the things that you should buy for your kid to keep them protected and comfortable throughout the trip:
1. Swimwear
Invest in a high-quality swimsuit or swimming trunks for your child just as you would buy Bogner jackets for them if it were a ski trip. They can grow out of them after a summer or two, but it’s much better to spend money on high-quality swimwear than have your child suffer from a cheap garment.
2. Goggles
Since it’s your child’s first time at the beach, they might not know how much saltwater stings if it gets into their eyes. If you want to keep your kid tear-free while swimming, get them a good pair of goggles that fits perfectly around their head.
3. Floatation devices
Pack a floatation device that is appropriate for your child’s age. Examples of floatation devices for children include baby canopies, armbands, kickboards, life jackets, and lifesavers. In this way, you won’t spend the whole vacation worrying about your child going under the water when you’re not looking.
It is also essential to pick floatation devices that are perfect for their size. You don’t want to find out that the floaties you bought don’t fit your child’s arms while you’re already at the beach.
4. Sunscreen
Sunburns are painful, especially on children’s delicate skin, so pack more than enough sunscreen with high SPF, preferably one that is made for children’s skin. Before the trip, it’s also wise to test the sunscreen on your child’s skin to make sure they’re not allergic to it.
5. First aid kit
Your kid will pretty much be bouncing off the walls for their first beach trip, thus increasing the chance of small accidents and injuries. And no matter how careful you are, there’s still a chance that they will get nicked by a rock or scratch themselves on something in the water.
Bring a first aid kit so that you are ready for small cuts, splinters, and sudden illnesses. You can buy a ready-made first aid kit at the store or assemble one of your own, but the latter is ideal if your child has certain tendencies (e.g., car sickness, headaches, etc.)
6. Cooler
A cooler full of snacks and drinks is essential to any beach trip. With all the swimming, running, and playing that your child will do, they are sure to work up a huge appetite. However, avoid packing sugary snacks and drinks. Too much sugar can make your child hyper for hours on end only to have them crash terribly at the end of their sugar high. Instead, pack healthy options such as fruits, sandwiches, trail mix, and plenty of water.
These are just some of the things that you should buy for your child’s first beach trip. But these, by far, are the most important to keep your child happy, safe, and comfy.