Spring is here, which means most families are planning out their summers. With kids out of school, you likely have lots of extracurriculars planned, vacations lined up, and maybe even a camp or two. It's essential to be prepared for all children's activities during the warmer months. But, we're not just talking about SPF, bug spray, and beach towels. Clothing to make sure your children are comfortable and safe during all that they'll get involved in this summer should be on your warm-weather checklist as well. Let's look at some must-have summer wardrobe essentials for the kids in your house.
A Light Jacket
No matter where you live in the country, warm weather can be unpredictable. While you might have incredibly warm temperatures one day, the next can be considerably cooler and windy. Even if you have a high-temperature day, the evening can turn much colder quickly. For those reasons, having a light jacket that can easily be folded and stowed in a backpack or even your handbag is a must. That way, you can ensure your child stays at a comfortable body temperature and is healthy. Since rain jackets are usually heavier and harder to fold up, a water-resistant light coat with a hood is your best bet.
Safe Footwear
While you likely already have rain boots and washable sneakers, you need footwear that will keep your children safe during their summer excursions. Water Shoes for the pool, water parks, ocean visits, and even exploring around lakes are essential - especially for children who are under ten and may not be able to catch their balance in a tricky and slippery situation. If you and your family are outdoorsy and plan to bring your kids along with you on hikes or other outdoor explorations, hiking boots are also a must-have. Don't forget if you're doing these types of activities also to have plenty of water bottles for all the children and a first aid kit in one of the adult's backpacks.
Hats Or Visors
As adults, we want to protect our delicate facial skin; you want to do the same for your children. The skin on our face is much more sensitive and prone to sun damage than the skin on the rest of our bodies. While it's critical to apply SPF to our entire bodies and our children, make sure you're going the extra mile and protecting their faces with a hat or a visor. While some children don't like the feeling of wearing a hat, it's best to start this practice early in their lives. And, when applying the SPF mentioned above, make sure you're using a different SPF for their sensitive facial skin than the SPF you use on their bodies.
Sunglasses
Another summer essential that some children are hesitant to and are best introduced to when they're very young is sunglasses. While sunglasses not only look adorable on little ones, they protect their incredibly important vision. It also helps them enjoy car rides on road trips to the beach and sightseeing wherever they are. Children's vision is affected by the sun's powerful rays the same way yours are, so why wouldn't you protect their eyes as well?
Rash Guards For The Beach
While there is no shortage of adorable swimwear for children online and at big-box retailers, your best bet is actually a rash guard swimsuit. Your children's skin is likely more sensitive than your own, not to mention that emotionally and mentally, they're not as well equipped to deal with a nasty sunburn as an adult is. Make sure you keep your child's skin protected with long sleeve rash guard shirts when you're going to be spending extended time under the sun - at the beach, for example.
Every family and every child is unique, so there are indeed items on your family checklist that you know your child needs or would benefit from. While this list isn't all-inclusive, it works no matter your family's situation or your child's age. Use the items mentioned earlier as your starting point for what you need to keep your children comfortable and safe this summer. Enjoy the summer vacation - it flies by!
