It's the middle of summer, and if you haven't taken your baby to the beach yet, don't worry! We understand that the heat wave was too much for a baby, and now that the temperatures have softened a little, perhaps it is time to be able to enjoy the beach without any surprises. As those responsible for a very special little person, we have to become aware of a series of facts. As we want both you and your baby to remember your first summers together without incident or worries, we bring you some super practical tips so that you can enjoy some fantastic days at the beach.
We want to start these tips with the most important element of all: the sun. Our little ones' skin is still very thin and sensitive, and their natural sun protection system is still developing, so long exposures to the sun are a resounding "no." Pediatric dermatologists recommend that for at least the first year of life, do not expose children to direct sun, since the skin is so sensitive, it can cause future dermatological lesions. Thus, we recommend that the baby remains under the umbrella, and if possible with the skin covered. As you grow, you can also increase the time you spend in the sun, controlling the time intervals, wearing accessories such as a hat or sunglasses when you go to play on the shore, and of course with constant sun protection. Of course, we know that the absence of the sun also causes harm to our health. Thus, we recommend that if the baby is very small, we start the beach days at the end of the afternoon, when the force of the UV rays they lose strength. The first beach experiences are very important, 'since they are a strong stimulus for babies, and furthermore, children who gradually increase exposure to the sun, and do not suffer premature burns, will remember the beach days with great affection, and will want to return to the beach as soon as possible to continue enjoying themselves while they get stronger.
For us, who are already more than used to it, the sea is a gift. However, for some babies, the immensity of the water, its salinity, the strength of the waves... There are many elements that are beyond control, and the reaction of many children is fear. Having already reached its first year of age, with its skin more resistant to the sun, it is very useful to gradually get closer to the sea. We can start by taking our baby to the shore, so that he has his first contact with the waves at the end of his journey, and little by little, introduce him to the water, where he can begin to move his arms and legs, stimulating his psychomotor abilities. Obviously, this entire process is gradual. We have to monitor the baby's reactions, since if we force our child to carry out actions that he or she does not yet feel comfortable with, it can cause trauma and transform an enriching experience into a bad experience. As with sun exposure, we recommend that these baths occur at times where UV rays They are not as strong as first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Let's talk about sand. Oh, what memories! The castles, the meatball restaurants with your parents as star clients, burying your legs and modeling an incredible mermaid tail as if you were Michelangelo, creating retaining walls that the waves will break when the tide rises. There are so many positive experiences lived surrounded by sand, and they are also the ones that your baby will begin to experience. Now we have to be especially careful with our baby's curiosity, since it is very possible that he wants to try it, or that, not knowing the material well, he could get sand in his eye while playing. We also have to be aware of their ear canals, since they are sensitive to sand getting inside, which can cause infection. However, everything is not going to be negative: it reduces the impact of falls if they occur, they help develop strength in the legs when walking, they produce new sensations when being dry or wet. Careful! Sand, especially when dry, stores the temperature of the sun, and can be too hot. Keep an eye on the area where your baby is going to play so that he or she does not suffer heat stroke coming from the ground.
Before leaving home, between twenty and thirty minutes before sun exposure, it is highly recommended to apply the first sunscreen, which is also water-resistant and has a high protection factor. This way, when we get to the beach, the baby has his cream perfectly active. With respect to the cold, babies are also sensitive, so keep an eye on the time of bathing, the temperature changes on the beach are somewhat extreme for someone who is not yet 100% prepared for the world, make no mistake, it is somewhat hostile. Furthermore, at the end of these baths, you must make sure that both your ears and the folds of your skin are dry, thus avoiding irritation. An extra tip: take an extra bottle of fresh water, so that if sand gets in their eyes, you can clean them.
It is clear that the arrival of a baby into anyone's life represents a brutal change, and that experiences like going to the beach become something completely new for both the baby and you. Did you know all these tips? Has this information been useful to you? Leave us your opinion or other tricks you know in our comments, sharing is living. We hope that with our advice, these novelties evolve into unforgettable memories for the whole family. Now that we are well prepared, all that remains is to wish you a wonderful first few days at the beach, and without setbacks!
