Tips for Summer Outings

With the summer heat here I thought it would be appropriate to list 13 things to help with a summer outing. Whether you are just going to the park for an hour or going to an amusement park for the day, these tips should help you survive your day.

1. Bring a sippy or bottle of water for each little one. If you have a newborn and you are going to be out in the sun/heat, it is okay to let them have a tiny bit of water if they are hot or sweating. Tiny meaning no more than an ounce.
2. Bring extra water if you are going to be out for a long period of time.
3. Snacks! It is important to make sure you have food for your munchkins if you are going to be gone around a normal eating period for them. Mini carrots, apple slices, grapes or raisins if your little one can handle them. If they are too small for those whole grain crackers, bananas, or cheese sticks are also good snack choices.
4. Sunscreen. I like Aveeno sunscreen. Remember to ask your doctor about sunscreen on newborns.
5. Hats or sunglasses. Protect their eyes from the sun and hats help shade the face.
6. Something to cover up the seat in the car. I use a neat sheet for the back bench of the mini van and receiving blankets on the 2 car seats in the middle row. If you don't cover the seats they will be too hot and can actually give your baby a burn.
7. If you are doing a lot of walking, don't forget a stroller. And if you like your baby carrier.
8. Diapers and baby wipes. I love baby wipes and use them for so many more things than just changing diapers.
9. A change of clothes is important in case of accidents.
10. Plastic bags to contain messes.
11. Appropriate shoes. If you are walking or playing at the park, tennis shoes are the best shoes. (It really bothers me when I see kids at the park in flip-flops. That is an accident waiting to happen.) If you are going to the creek, water shoes are a must.
12. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke so if your little one becomes over heated, you will know it. Learn what to do too. (I think I will post on this next.)
13. A squirt bottle with water in it. This is good if you know it is really hot and you need to cool down.