CONTENTS Benefits parent & child | 5 EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED Funny how you used to laugh at ‘Vaalies’ arriving at the beach with a car full of goodies but now, looking at your boot, it’s not that funny anymore, is it? The truth is, if you have a young child, it’s virtually impossible to pack light. The following items are must-haves for a beach trip with a little one: • Towels (take a few as they get damp and sandy very quickly) • UV sun tent, umbrella or windbreak to provide extra shade and shelter from the elements • A spacious cooler bag with water and food, extra bottles for milk, snacks • Armbands, a rubber ring or float suit • Toys (bucket, spade and ball) • Water shoes with rubber soles (for walking through the tidal pools) • Disposable swimming pull-up nappies • Enough sunscreen to service a small army (just to be safe!) • A sense of humour and an open mind No, you can’t just wrap a towel around your back and carry a six-pack of lemonade in a coolie. In case of an emergency, you must have the entire contents of your home on hand, including the kitchen sink. Then, once you arrive at the beach, you have to contend with a string of other woes, from swim-nappy blowouts and terrifying near misses with big waves to sunburn and salt water in your tot’s eyes. Welcome to the world of taking a baby or toddler to the beach! It’s no wonder parents wonder – is it still possible to enjoy going to the beach as a family? The good news is “yes”. With some preparation, beaching with kids can be a great day out. APPLY, APPLY AND REAPPLY While babies do have soft, deliciously kissable skin, they are not necessarily at a greater risk of being burnt by the sun compared to adults, but because they have a greater body surface area of skin (to weight ratio), they are more prone to the heat effects of the sun, such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration. Also, their thermoregulatory function (which allows your body to maintain its core internal temperature) may not be completely mature. All of the above put little ones at a greater risk of overheating when exposed to the sun for long periods of time.