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Nothing is more fun than a beach outing for kids. However, on such a trip, water, food and mainly sun safety are of high concern. So, here are some tips to make it fun and safe for everyone.

There is strong evidence that UV radiation causes skin cancer. Since 2009, the World Health Organization has classified UVR (ultraviolet rays) from sunlight and tanning devices as a class I human carcinogen.¹

   Must-have list for beach trips:³

1. Sun Protection

o Sunscreen: Choose a sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher, with Broad Spectrum on the label as it protects against both types of UV rays (UVA and UVB)^4,5

o Kids sunglasses: Look for child size, choose ones with UV protection.³

o  Lip balm with SPF

o  Hats with an all-around 7.5cm brim to shield the face, ears and back of the neck

o  Photo-Protective clothing: Measure with UPF (ultraviolet protective factor), good UPF 15 -24, very good UPF 25-39, excellent UPF 40-50

1. Swim and Safety Gear ²

o  Swim/water shoes or beach sandals. It works well on hot sand as well as down by the water in case of broken shells

o  Dry kids clothing for ride home

o  Floatation devices or kids life jackets

o  Mini first aid kit of bandages, alcohol wipes, insect repellant and antibacterial ointment packed with sunscreen in a zip-top bag

o  Wet-dry bag for wet clothes and bathing suits

1. Food & Drink Storage²

o  Snacks^6,7: Pack sand-proof snacks like yogurt (as long as you keep them at a cold temperature), fresh fruits like grapes, cherries, figs (that do not need to be sliced), granola bars ,crackers. Pack it in small individual bags instead of one big bag to avoid sandy snacks. Bring twice as much food as you think you will need as kids gets hungry when they are active outside and in case some get sandy or wet

o  Cooler

o  Beach thermos for water or big water bottles

o  Insulated bags, cups

o  Reusable snack bags and containers

o  Plastic reusable plates and utensils⁷

o  Sippy cups⁷

o  Hand sanitizer (or antibacterial wipes mentioned above) to use before a snack

1. Beach Toys

o  Kids snorkel set, goggles, fins

o  Beach ball

o  Floats

o  Sand toys like a bucket and a shovel

o  Kiddie pool for young toddlers, positioned inside the beach tent or under the umbrella to provide water play out of the sun

Dr. Nisrine Makki

Pediatrician 

¹https://pedsinreview.aappublications.org/content/38/9/446

²https://www.familyvacationcritic.com/what-to-pack-for-the-beach-with-kids-essentials-for-families/art/

³https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Sun-Safety.aspx

⁴https://www.bouldermedicalcenter.com/what-to-look-for-sunscreen-ingredients/

⁵https://www.parents.com/health/parents-news-now/a-guide-to-selecting-sunscreen-for-kids/

⁶https://pickanytwo.net/beach-packing-list-toddlers/

⁷https://www.parents.com/fun/vacation/how-to-have-better-beach-day-with-kids/