Beach bag essentials for summer safety
Dr. Emily Kisor, Beacon Medical Group Pediatrics Bristol Street
Sandals. Check. Sunglasses. Check. Towel. Got it. If you’re heading to the beach this summer with your family, you may already have a list of the things you need to bring. But Dr. Emily Kisor of Beacon Medical Group Pediatrics Bristol Street offers the recommendations below to help keep your family’s summer fun safer, too.
- Water! Bring plenty of drinking water to stay hydrated.
- Sun-protective clothing such as UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) long-sleeved shirts and hats, plus sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.
- Your sunscreen should be broad spectrum to cover both UVA and UVB light and be water resistant. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using sunscreens with at least 15 SPF and up to 50 SPF; apply sunscreen every 2 hours. Don’t forget to pack a lip balm with SPF protection, too.
- Insect repellent, especially if you are planning to walk or picnic in wooded areas. Insect repellent should have only 10% to 30% DEET for children over 2 months of age.
- Bring flotation devices as needed – puddle jumpers or life jackets.
“I also recommend that someone in your party be the designated ‘lifeguard’ whose only job is to watch the children in or near the water,” Dr. Kisor said.
- A first-aid kit equipped with things like bandages, alcohol swabs, tweezers and an instant cold pack. Consider bring topical ointments such as Benadryl or hydrocortisone 1% cream for itching or bug bites.
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