Never thought I would be a beach or pool girl, but here I am – with three kids who LOVE the beach and pool scene, so I see it as taking a bigger part of our trips now! We pick destinations that have known sandy beaches, near walking-friendly city centers. We like to do day trips to the beach, and the kids thoroughly enjoy themselves.
As we have done these trips, I often have a moment of panic where I worry something could happen/harm the kiddies. I worry about overheating, the sun, water safety – my mom brain goes down a rabbit hole imagining worse case scenarios. To organize all my worries, I put together the risk and how to address it. Taking toddlers and babies to the beach can be fun, but their safety requires special attention. Here are 4 key safety considerations:
1. Sun Protection
Sun screen: Sun screen is important. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), even on cloudy days, and reapply every 2 hours. Check age limitations on the specific sun screen that you purchase!
Appropriate Attire: Dress children in UV-protective swimwear, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Consider using a beach tent or umbrella to provide shade.
Shaded Break: Babies and toddlers can get cranky with too much exposure. Plan breaks in a shaded, cool spot, and be mindful of signs that they’re tired or overwhelmed, like fussiness or rubbing eyes.
Hydration: Keep babies and toddlers hydrated with water or breast milk/formula. Avoid the hottest parts of the day (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and watch for signs of heat exhaustion, like excessive sweating or fussiness.
2. Beach Hazards
Sharp objects: Be aware of sharp objects like shells, rocks, or litter in the sand that could hurt small feet. Check the sand for hot spots (like those heated by the sun) before letting children play, as they can cause burns. Purchasing apporpriate footwear in advance is essential. Protect little feet with beach shoes or sandals. The sand can get very hot, and some areas may have rough terrain or debris that can cause injury.
Sea animals: Also keep an eye out of jellyfish, crabs, or other sea creatures that could sting or bite. Use insect repellent safe for babies if bugs are an issue, but keep it away from the eyes and mouth.
3. Safe Play Area and Avoid Rip Currents and Waves
Shallow Water: Always stay within arm’s reach of toddlers near water. Small children can drown in shallow water. Avoid strong currents, and consider using swim diapers or baby flotation devices, but do not rely on them for safety.
Wave currents: Avoid letting toddlers play too close to the water’s edge where waves can knock them over. Educate yourself on the dangers of rip currents, and choose a beach with lifeguard supervision.
Designated Area: Establish a designated area for your child to play, away from water and crowded areas. Bring toys and snacks to keep them engaged and avoid wandering.
4. Be Prepared and Staying Calm in Emergencies
First Aid Kit Preparation: It is important to be prepared with having even a basic first aid kit and knowledge of simple CPR measures. The first aid kits could include band-aids, alcohol wipes, ointment, and perhaps tweezers. Red Cross holds CPR trainings that are usually accessible.
Stay calm: Scary things can happen, but staying calm in an emergency is critical to make sure you take the correct steps to keep everyone safe.
Considering these factors can help ensure a safe, fun beach trip for everyone involved! For more on our beach adventures in Greece, full my visit full guide here.
