Essentials for
What You’ll Need for Sun, Sand and Trailblazing
a hike—any place you’re going
where you’re going to be out-
side for extended periods of
time,” she says.

The pediatrics care team mem-
bers at Children’s Hospital of
Philadelphia (CHOP) recom-
mend using broad-spectrum
sunscreen—SPF 15 or higher—
that protects against UVA and
UVB rays—even on cloudy days.

It’s essential to wear sun-pro-
tective clothing—especially for
babies younger than 6 months
old who should have a very lim-
ited use of sunscreen.

“As much skin as we can have
covered and blocked by the sun
is ideal because obviously sun-
screen isn’t bulletproof,” says
Dr. Elizabeth Donahoo, a manag-
ing pediatrician at The Maryland
Pediatric Group.

If babies do not have shade and
part of their skin is uncovered,
10 Washington FAMILY JULY 2022
using a small amount of baby zinc
oxide sunscreen is better than
them getting burned, she says.

For a hike, you might remem-
ber the bug spray, but an
additional item to pack is hydro-
cortisone—which soothes itchy,
swollen skin, Donahoo says.

“A lot of times kids are more
prone to insect bites even using
bug spray. When that does hap-
pen, a lot of times children have
more of a histamine response to
insect bites,” she explains.

Collier says when it comes to a
day at the beach, remember that
arm or chair flotation devices
for babies are not the same as
life jackets or preservers. “It’s
extremely important for parents
and guardians to watch their chil-
dren around water,” she adds.

Many children drown or nearly
drown in the summer, Collier
says. Drowning is one of the lead-
ing causes of accidental death for
children younger than age 4, and
children of color are more at risk.

In any outdoor activity, be sure
to be mindful of when the sun is
at its highest. The best times to
be outside for younger children
who are more sensitive to heat is
early morning or late afternoon.

Make the most of a trip to
the beach or woods by packing
the basics—and a few items for
exploration and fun.

2. Water bottle | An insulated
bottle will keep your water cold
even as the sun beats down. Visit
healthychildren.org to see fluid
requirements according to age,
Donahoo says.

3. Snacks | When the hunger
pangs strike, be ready with a quick
snack. Pack a beach cooler with
popcorn, frozen grapes, yogurt
pouches or carrots, as suggested
by The Everyday Mom Life.

4. Sun-protective clothing |
Keep children 6 months and
younger in the shade, or ensure
they have clothes that can shield
them from the sun. A rash guard
is appropriate for the water.

5. Floaties or life jacket |
Swimmers who are new to the
ocean will take some time to
adjust. Water wings can build
some confidence—but remem-
ber, they’re no substitute for a
life jacket!
6. Water shoes | You never know
what seashells or rocks might be
hiding in the sand. Protect your
child’s feet with water shoes to
avoid scrapes and blisters.

7. Sandcastle kit | All this sand,
and what to do with it? Let your
kids craft a masterpiece while
you relax with a book. This kit is
a great idea for only children or
fun with siblings!
8. Umbrella | A day at the beach
can last a lot longer if there’s a
place to escape the sun. Bring
or rent an umbrella to give your
Beach Day
1. Sunscreen | Apply SPF 30 or family a break from the rays.

greater every 60 to 90 minutes, 9. Jar for seashells | All types
of unique shells wash up on the
or after swimming.

BOARDWALK: JACEK_SOPOTNICKI; SAND: ROMAN VALIEV; SWIMMERS: MASZAS. ALL PHOTOS ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS
S ummer is a time to relax,
let loose and have fun.

The last thing you want to
worry about on a family outing is
whether you packed everything
you need to stay safe and enter-
tained. We’ve gathered a list of
must-haves for two popular sum-
mer getaways: a hike in the woods
and a day on the shore.

Whether you’re getting wet
and wild in the ocean or work-
ing up a sweat in your hiking
boots, you need hydration and
sun protection.

“My No. 1 recommendation
would be sunscreen, sunscreen,
sunscreen and staying adequately
hydrated,” says Adrienne Collier,
MD, chief of pediatrics at Kaiser
Permanente for the District
of Columbia and Suburban
Maryland (DCSM).

“Those two rules will take you
from the beach to the pool, on
BY LINDSAY C. VANASDALAN



5. Snacks | Replenish your energy with trail
mix, power bars and other healthy treats
that will keep your family going.

6. Hydrocortisone | Keep this anti-itch
cream handy when bug bites do occur.

Children can be more prone to irritation,
says Donahoo.

7. Footwear | Wear supportive athletic
shoes, not sandals. If biking along a
wooded path, Donahoo notes your
shoes should be secured to your foot so
that they won’t fall off or get caught in
pedals or spokes.

8. Map or compass | Don’t rely on park
signs alone. Build your child’s skills in
navigation with the same tools the earliest
explorers used. Having a paper map instead
of a GPS encourages children to actively
engage with the hike.

9. Whistle | If your children like to wander,
have them wear a whistle as an extra safety
measure. They can also use it to alert you to
cool things along the path!
10. Wildlife sighting book | Teach your child
how to forage for edible plants or spot local
wildlife on the path with a book specific to
your area or your state’s park systems. T
beach, and they’re free! Walking along the
beach with your children to find the best
ones can be a great bonding moment.

10. Frisbee or volleyball | Lots of beaches
have volleyball nets. Bring a ball or a Frisbee
to toss along the beach—be sure to watch
out for others.

HIKER: MICROVONE/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS
Hiking at a State Park
1. Sunscreen | Hiking under cover of
the trees can shield you from some sun,
but you’ll still need to apply and reapply
sunscreen (as noted above). Zinc oxide can
be used sparingly for infants.

2. Sun-protective clothing | Donahoo rec-
ommends UV shirts, hats and sunglasses.

Collier says that outside of the water, a
wide-brim hat and loosely fitting light-
colored clothing is best.

3. Hydration pack | Look for age-specific
hydration packs for your child’s backpack
and keep them hydrated on the go. Infants
do not need water; use formula instead.

4. Bug spray | All kinds of critters can be
lurking in the woods, so protect against
mosquitoes, ticks and other invaders with
bug spray. Spray mostly on clothes to reduce
chemicals on skin.

Montessori School
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Where Authentic Montessori
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