Summer Must Haves
Hi friend, thanks for meeting me here.
As we enter into the warm days of fun, adventure, and family time.
I extend hope for you and me.
I hope your summer is slow.
I hope you make new new memories in the long evenings around the dinner table.
I hope the sound of splashing and giggles is the soundtrack of your days.
I hope when the sun catches your child’s face you are full of gratitude.
I hope you camp in your backyard, and make tents out of blankets filled with adventure.
I hope you take that road trip and have coffee with a new friend.
I hope you feel the sun on your beautiful skin and know you are loved and valued.
I hope you kiss toes and eskimo kiss noses.
I hope peace finds you as the sun sets on the gift of another day.
I hope you cherish the snuggles of babies wrapped in towels and the smell of sunscreen.
And all of these for me as well, friend.
Let us enjoy these summer days for all they offer us.
And because we’re friends, I have packed up all my summer Pro-Tip must-haves just for you below :)
I wouldn’t want to do this without you.
Sunscreen:
Ok you know me, keep is simple and sweet here is sunscreen 101 for your family:
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. These sunscreens will block UVA and UVB rays.
Use a unscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 up to 50.
Yes, some research has reported concerns of the ingredient oxybenzone because of concerns about mild hormonal properties. However, the experts still agree that using any sunscreen to prevent sunburn is better than no sunscreen at all.
Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide .. yup the white stuff that doesn’t rub in remains the gold standard for the high sun areas for best coverage. Place like the nose, face, neck, and ears.
Really important: Remember to reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating. Usually when it’s snack time. Dry off the littles and get that precious skin some extra sun coverage.
Ok, I know what about those little ones under 1 years old?
For babies younger than 6 months: If they cannot stay in the shade and will be sun exposed, use sunscreen limited to small areas of the body, such as the face. Keep in mind if your baby has a floaty with a shade over it in the pool, the sun reflecting off the water can cause a sunburn. So it’s best to still apply limited sunscreen. Sun protective clothing or bathing suits are great as well!
For babies older than 6 months: You can apply liberally to all exposed body surfaces.
Bug Spray:
Depending on where you live, the bugs can be brutal. In Texas the mosquitos are a major nemesis. Here are some quick Pro-Tips to help protect your family.
DEET of no more than 30 % for children. 30% DEET lasts up to 5 hours when applied correctly.
DEET helps repel mosquitoes and ticks.
Do not use on kids less than 2 months old.
Yes! You can apply to the face, just spray on your hands then rub it on the child’s face and try to avoid those sweet little eyes.
Apply to exposed skin areas and over clothes surfaces (under clothes is not recommended).
For the littles, you can use a mosquito net over a stroller.
Neosporin: For all those scrapes and any bug bites they tend to scratch open. Kiddos tend to scratch open bug bites and then get them infected.
Hydrocortisone Cream: Apply as directed to bug bites to help control the itching.
Swimmers ear prevention: I know I got you covered, girl :)
Home remedy of ½ vinegar and ½ rubbing alcohol. 2-3 drops in each ear after swimming can help dry the ear and prevent swimmers ear.
Don’t have time to mix your own? No problem, here are some you can buy at your local drug store or, of course, on Amazon.
Swim safety:
Can I enter a tough conversation friend? Swimming, pools, lakes are dangerous. We need to be extra cautious with our littles. Please consider getting your littles into swim lessons. One of the biggest things I see is parents do is under estimate how fast kids can jump into pools. They think they will catch them or hear them, but unfortunately most of the time it doesn’t happen. I will spare the sad and hard details. But I will make my personal plea to you, water safety needs to be a top priority.
Ok thanks girl, I appreciate the freedom. Just remember, when in doubt put a life vest on your little. Safety first :)
Helmets: Lots of kiddos are out and about on bikes and scooters, from your friend, please remember the helmets :) I personally think the princess crown and mohawk ones are the best crowd pleasers :)
Summer hat and sunglasses. You know that cute matching hat and sunglasses set for your little you see at the store? Well grab it friend! For as long as they will use them they are worth it!
Last tip.. Stay hydrated.
Above all else, make amazing memories and have tons of fun!
*The not so fine print use all medications as directed by manufacture, do not use if you are allergic to medication, and please use under the supervision of a medical provider. Thanks, friend!
