What to Pack for a Care-Free Trip at the Beach With Your Kids
When summer comes, we all get excited about going to the beach. It can be a time well spent with your friends and family. A time where you can make new memories and have fun at the same time. But things get a bit complicated when small children are involved. They require special care, lots of toys, a bunch of sunscreens and a bunch of people to keep an eye on them. Packing can be overwhelming, but here are some of the essentials you have to have with you if you and your kids go on this adventure.
Contents
Swim Vest
First things first, we need to say that this kind of vest is not a life jacket. It’s not a life-saving device, but simply a boost in your kids’ buoyancy. That’s why you shouldn’t consider leaving your child alone in the water with it. Before you go out and buy a practical high-quality kids swim vest there are some things to take into consideration.
Size and Fit
The most important thing to get right is the size of the vest. Don’t get one thinking that your child will grow into. It has to have a perfect fit in order to do its job correctly. Check the age range and follow the weight recommendations. Be careful because if your child is overweight it may not stay afloat with their size, you may have to go a size bigger.
Safety
Always choose a reliable manufacturer. Read reviews and ask questions if you have any concerns about the product. Try the vest on and make sure that it can’t slip off of the child easily. Some vests have additional closures so look for those to level up the safety requirements. And most importantly, don’t leave the child alone in the water with it.
Comfort and Material
The vest shouldn’t be tight around the child’s neck because it may cause discomfort or something even worse. If it’s oversized, it may distract them, and they won’t learn how to swim. Choose a vest that’s made from neoprene, and make sure you can clean and dry it easily. The thickness of the material and the seams is important as well. They should be thick enough so they don’t rip apart during their use and leave your child unprotected.
Using this device will help your child get more confident and more comfortable in the water. With your help, they can learn how to swim and be independent faster. Some of the kids swim vest designs even have UVA protection which is always a good thing. There are many models, colours and patterns to choose from. You can find your child’s favourite cartoon character or Disney hero, or simply the things they like, such as flowers, geometrical shapes, boats and much more.
Don’t Forget the Toys
Snorkel Set
Snorkelling is one of the most entertaining activities for kids when they’re on a beach holiday. They’re fascinated by the sea creatures and can spend a lot of time looking at them. It’s important to get them a snorkel set that fits them right. A leaking mask or a bad snorkel can ruin their experience. Having the wrong fit is uncomfortable, but most importantly, it’s dangerous. The snorkel kit includes a mask, a snorkel tube and swim fins packed in a carry bag.
The mask should be made from tempered glass safety lenses, the mouthpiece from hypoallergenic silicone and the fins should be comfortable and durable. Even though your child will use this set for a short time, it doesn’t mean that it should be of low quality. Choose high-quality equipment that will be the right size and fit. There are also full-face snorkel masks, but they can be awkward for kids. When it comes to fins, they should be adjustable and open-heel. This is the most comfortable and practical design.
Frisbee
This simple yet so versatile toy can make your beach days much more fun. It’s something that the whole family can enjoy. You can even include your dog in the game. Most frisbees are made from some kind of plastic. That’s why they’re durable, cheap, easy to clean and easy to control while playing. But to avoid any hits and bumps, you should buy a kid-friendly frisbee made from silicone or foam. These are the perfect materials for the children to learn how to use the frisbee properly.
The disk’s weight varies between 170-200g. Some people prefer the lighter version and some are more comfortable with the heavier ones. It’s important for the frisbee to be durable and strong because most of the time it’ll be hitting trees, walls, pavement and rocks. That’s why you should probably spend a couple of dollars more the first time than to have to replace the disk after the first couple of throws. Instead of throwing a frisbee, you can fly a kite or play soccer and tennis, or grab the shovels and cans and make the greatest castle the world has ever seen.
Floats
Floats can be great when you and your kid are feeling a little lazy and just want to relax. It’s a great way to be in the water and stay cool and relax at the same time. These floats should be sturdy and made of high-quality materials. The most common material is PVC, which can withstand scrapes on rocks and some sharp objects. Just as with the kids swim vest, always check the seams, they need to be strong enough to hold the pressure of an average person.
Ask about the time the float needs to get filled with air and whether you need a machine to do it or your mouth will suffice. The same goes for the deflating as well. No one wants to wait for you for hours until you deflate it because it won’t fit in the car. There are many shapes and sizes you can choose from. You can go with chairs, or regular flat surfaces, some of them feature a pillow, some have holes for the kids’ legs, some have cup holders and some are couch-style. It’s up to you to choose the design, colour and shape.
Other Necessities
Of course, besides the swim vest and floats, you’ll need tons of other things to keep you safe, protected and entertained. Here are some of them to help you make your list:
- Sunscreen;
- Beach towels;
- Small First Aid Kit;
- Portable refrigerator;
- Spare clothing;
- Umbrella;
- Sunglasses;
- Hats;
- Beach shoes.
