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Little Toddler Beach Bums
Tips for a Successful Trip to the Beach with a Toddler
By Beth Hering
The last thing your toddler needs to take home from the beach is a painful sunburn.
"Use SPF 30 or higher with UVA and UVB coverage," says Dr. Jennifer Shu, editor of the American Academy of Pediatrics' book Baby and Child Health. "Sunblocks that contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or Meroxyl SX are great for protection. Apply about 20 to 30 minutes before going out and reapply every two hours and after swimming. The sunscreen face sticks are great because they don't run into the eyes and cause stinging. Also, continuous spray products are fantastic because you don't have to rub them in."
Both Dr. Shu and Gill are fans of protective water clothing (such as surf shirts and shorts) that have built-in UVA and UVB protection. The apparel, which is designed to be worn in and out of the water, automatically keeps much of the body protected and therefore limits the number of body parts you need to reapply lotion to on a toddler who'd rather be doing something else.
While some kids may fuss at wearing them, see if your child will keep on a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to help protect his delicate face and his eyes. Also, since many toddlers find it uncomfortable to walk on sand at the beach because it is hot and has an unfamiliar texture, bring along footwear such as sandals or flip-flops.
In addition to avoiding sunburn, Dr. Shu notes that parents should be on guard against dehydration and heat exhaustion. "Children are more prone to heat-related problems because their body surface area (exposed skin) is greater in relation to their body size than for adults," she says. "They may also be distractd by playing to the point that they don't realize they are thirsty, so be sure to offer fluid to active children every 20 to 30 minutes. Also, avoid the peak sun/heat hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. if possible."