Family Friendly Outing Spots

• Create a backyard beach area!

  • Build your own sand box in a kitty pool or fill it with water to splash around

• Picnic at a nearby park or in your yard

• Community pool

  • Many places will designate certain times for family swim. Most require a non-inflatable life jacket.

• Take a walk through your nearby Zoo or Botanical Garden

• Stroll through your local Farmer’s Market

• Build sand castles or play with sea shells at the beach

• Splash around in the creek or take a hike on walking trails

Let us know what some of you favorite places are!!!

Packing List

• Baby carrier

  • Choose a carrier made from lightweight fabric to help prevent overheating. It allows you to be more mobile.

• Jogger Stroller - The tires are great for many surfaces. Lots of underneath storage. Good for 3+- preschoolers.

• Wagon - can be good for the beach or outdoor festivals - Be sure and invest in the sun shade. Works well for 2 kids or to haul gear. Also love the ones that fold down.

• Baby-friendly sunscreen - use for baby’s 6 months+

• Water bottle - consider the weight if you are trekking a good distance…lightweight ones.

• Sunglasses

  •  The label should state that the lenses block at least 99 percent of ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) radiation

• Toys - water toys, shareable toys, small toys for car rides, don’t take the ones you can’t lose.

• Snacks

• A reusable cloth (washcloth)

  • This can be very helpful when trying to cool your little one off!

• An umbrella or shade tent for sunny areas

Snack Time

Whether your little one is eating solid foods or not, you always need to pack food for yourself. If they are eating, there are lots of choices in your baby’s diet, as a complement to breast-feeding or formula-feeding. Here are some great snack ideas to pack in your pool or beach bag!

• Seedless watermelon or any melon is a great snack that is both yummy and hydrating! Mesh feeders are great for infants

• Bananas are a great snack that also help the body cool down and absorb more water

• Fruit pouches - you can get the sleeves with handles to help with the mess.

• Bars with low sugar and few ingredients

• Air-dried strawberries

• Raisins

• Hummus and crackers

• Reuse old water bottles by freezing them to make a cold pack.

Clothing

• Dress your baby in light clothes, preferably cotton or something breathable.

• Loose clothes are also recommended as they help your little ones skin breathe and prevent heat rashes.

• Long sleeved swim shirt or swim outfits can be great for those week long beach trips.

• A wide-brimmed hat (with a strap) can go a long way to help prevent sun-exposure.

• Don’t forget the baby’s hat and sunglasses. They do get used to them over time.

Skin Care

Different seasons can be harsher than others on babies skin so it is good to know the do’s and don’ts of skin care!

• Your baby’s skin is very important to protect and they are more susceptible to sunburn so when you and baby are going out in the sun, make sure to put a little baby-friendly sunscreen on them to keep those harmful rays away.

  • Sun Protection: Know-how!

    1. Pediatricians recommend babies be 6 months to use sunscreen.

    2. Reapplication every two hours, or whenever he/she gets wet or sweaty.

    3. There are waterproof sunscreens designed for kids, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

    1. A wide-brimmed sun hat for your little one can also help prevent sun exposure!

    2. Many parents find using wet-suits or rash-guard shirts to be easier and an added layer of protection.

    3. Umbrellas, easy-up tents, kid shade tents come in handy as a way to create shade for your family.

• To keep your newborn safe from heat rash or heat stroke, avoid being out in the direct sun from 10 am to 3 pm

• Grab a nice shady spot when playing outdoors

Hydration

Staying hydrated is key during the hot summer months and it is important that you and your little one are replenishing your bodies while having fun in the sun!

• Keep yourself hydrated with plenty of water: Experts recommend 128 ounces of water while breastfeeding and around 64 ounces for most adults.

  • Having a glass of water before or after every feeding is a good way to get your daily quota without having to think about it.

• Babies can get dehydrated much quicker so while you are hydrating yourself with water, it is important to keep your baby hydrated with milk if they are still breast or bottle feeding

  • Infants under the age of 6 months shouldn’t drink water but those over 6 months can begin consuming modest amounts

• After the first 6 months, they can eat cold fruits such as watermelon to cool down

  • Mesh feeders are great to use with watermelon, strawberries, etc. for younger babies. And frozen fruits in them make to a refreshing snack for toddlers.