Beach visits create treasured memories for all ages, but kids require extra safety measures to protect them from the sun, sand and waves. Here’s the best advice from pediatricians, health and parenting blogs and beach guidelines across the web.
Younger Than 6 Months
- Don’t use sunscreen.
- Dress them in 3-inch wide-brimmed hats.
- Dress them in lightweight, dark, snug clothing on arms and legs.
- Keep them out of direct sun — in shade or under tent.
- Babies should hydrate with extra formula or breast milk.
- Bring toys to distract them from eating sand (a choking hazard).
Toddlers
- Have adult within arm’s length of child in water.
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard -approved life jacket (Type II) through age 4.
- If child can walk, dress them in a floatation device in case they wander.
- A small inflatable pool can help keep kids entertained on shore.
Older Kids
- Always swim with a buddy.
- Don’t swim near piers, jetties, pilings, etc.
- Never dive from a high point in case of shallow water or unseen debris.
- If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore or float.
- Never dig a sand hole deeper than your knee; avoid sand dunes.
All Ages (older than 6 months)
- Neon yellow, green and orange swimsuits are best for visibility.
- Break for water and fruit with high water content every 20 minutes.
- Use 1 ounce of broad-spectrum sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before arrival.
- Use SPF 30+ natural, mineral-based children’s sunscreen.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours; including tops of hand, feet and ears!
- 82-86 F is best for safe swimming (warmer end of range best for babies).
