Summer with Kids: Gear Up for Sun, Sleep & Play
6 min read
As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, summer in Kelowna is just around the corner!
Whether planning a fun-filled day on Okanagan Lake, a stroll through a local park, or travelling to another country, getting ready for the warmer weather is key.
When it comes to enjoying summer with little ones, safety and comfort are top priorities. Let's explore some essential tips and product suggestions to help your family make the most of the sunny season!
Keeping Your Family Protected Under the Sun
Sunscreens: Your Summer Essential
Sunscreens are an absolute must for this time of year, especially for delicate young skin. When choosing a sunscreen, we highly recommend opting for a mineral-based formula. These sunscreens create a physical barrier on the skin, literally "shielding" and reflecting harmful UV rays. In contrast, chemical sunscreens are absorbed by the body, triggering a chemical reaction to provide protection.
Have you heard of broad-spectrum protection? This important term means your sunscreen defends against both UVA rays (which contribute to premature aging) and UVB rays (the primary cause of sunburn).
Many of our customers ask, "Is SPF 30 enough?" The answer is a resounding YES!
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and the key to its effectiveness lies in correct application. An SPF 30 sunscreen blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays, while an SPF 50 blocks about 98%. The difference is minimal! Often, people apply SPF 50 with a false sense of security, leading them to reapply less frequently. An SPF 30 sunscreen, reapplied every two hours and after swimming, provides excellent protection.
🦒 Our Suggestion: Original Sprout Face & Body Sunscreen is a favourite among our customers. It's gentle enough for newborns (though prolonged sun exposure for babies under 6 months is not recommended!), and its lighter texture means less of that noticeable white cast often associated with mineral sunscreens.
Insect Repellent: Natural Protection
Atlantick Tick Attack is an effective, natural, and DEET-free way to protect your family from mosquitoes and ticks. It’s a naturally derived botanical version of lemon eucalyptus, so it is approved by Health Canada for babies 6 months and older.
Life Jackets: Safety and Comfort Combined
While the primary function of a life jacket is to keep your loved ones safe in the water, comfort is equally important, especially for babies and children. A comfortable life jacket is one they'll actually want to wear!
For toddlers and bigger kids, the Salus Marine Nimbus is the way to go.
One thought process that many of our customers go through is: "My child is 28 lbs, and the life jacket says 20-30 lbs. Should I go a size up for more use?"
🦒 Our Suggestion: While maximizing value is tempting, safety is paramount. If you choose to go a size up, always ensure the jacket doesn't ride up over your child's face after tightening the crotch strap. It should fit snugly without being loose, and it should stay securely in place when you lift it by the back handle.
For Car & Stroller Rides
For Car Rides: Beat the Glare
The Britax EZ-Cling Window Shade is a simple yet effective solution for protecting your little one from harsh glare and harmful UV rays during car rides. It's lightweight, easy to apply, and stays securely in place.
For Stroller Rides: Stay Cool
Summer strolls are a joy, but sometimes a little extra airflow is needed. The Veer Flex Fan is a versatile choice with soft, grippy, and flexible legs that allow for attachment to almost anything. It's powerful enough to provide relief for adults, yet it is designed with infant safety in mind, ensuring comfort for the entire family.
Staying Outside: Play, Nap, and Potty Time
Do you need a safe, shaded spot for nap time on the go or protected playtime with good airflow? The PeaPod Camp Travel Tent is an excellent option for both babies and little kids, providing a cozy and secure space.
For families navigating potty training, the Frida Baby Fold-and-Go Potty Seat is a lifesaver. It fits most toilets, and its non-slip base ensures steadiness, allowing potty training to continue seamlessly even during outings and travels.
Keeping the Sun Away for Naps and Bedtime
Longer, sunnier summer days can sometimes interfere with crucial nap and bedtime routines. Melatonin, the hormone responsible for promoting good sleep, is produced when our eyes signal to the brain that it's dark. When sunset is delayed, this signal is also delayed, making it harder for little ones to fall asleep. That's why maintaining a dark environment, even in summer, is so important for quality sleep.
At Home: The Ergo Pouch Blackout is a brilliant solution for blocking 100% of sunlight. It can be easily cut to fit your window size and is reusable, making it a cost-effective and efficient way to create a dark sleep environment.
For Travel: If you're on the go with a little one, the Slumber Pod is a perfect option. It fits over most standard play yards or mini-cribs, effectively blocking light while allowing good airflow. You can even choose one that comes with a fan for added comfort!
Refreshing Treats and Water Fun
Who says babies can't enjoy a refreshing popsicle on a hot summer day? With the Ezpz Tiny Pops, you can use breast milk or formula for babies 4 months and older. For older babies, simply blend up some fruit smoothies and freeze them for four hours – voila! A perfect, healthy, and easy-to-hold treat for little hands.
Speaking of little ones, the bblüv Arenä Pop-Up Beach Pool is a fun and convenient way for babies to cool off. Just dig a small hole in the sand, add water using the included foldable bucket, and pop the pool open. It's that easy to create a mini oasis!
What to Wear: Stylish and Safe Summer Gear
Swim Diapers: Added protection
Keep your little ones comfortable in the water with iPlay Swim Diapers. These reusable swim diapers eliminate the need for a regular diaper underneath and feature a clever triple-layer design that acts as a net, an additional defence against unwanted messes.
Sunglasses: More Than Just a Cute Accessory
In recent years, the importance of babies and toddlers wearing sunglasses has become increasingly recognized. While undeniably cute, the benefits go far beyond aesthetics! Young eyes are still developing, and children spend more time outdoors and are naturally curious, sometimes looking directly at the sun. Therefore, sunglasses with full UV protection are essential on sunny days.
🦒 Our Suggestion: Consider not just the size but also the shape of the sunglasses to ensure they properly fit your little one's nose and cheeks, making it easier for them to stay put.
Hats & Caps: Essential Sun Protection
Just like with sunglasses, hats and caps are crucial for sun protection. Kids often spend three times more time in the sun than adults, making head and face coverage essential.
🦒 Our Suggestion: Try introducing sunglasses or hats to your baby while you are actually in the sun. They'll likely notice the difference and be more inclined to keep them on!
Shoes: Comfort and Airflow for Little Feet
During summer, shoes that fit properly, offer good airflow, and are water-friendly are necessities. Keen shoes are perfect for hikes and active playtime, while Native shoes are awesome for boat days and water adventures.
🦒 Our Suggestion: Finding the perfect shoe for your child goes beyond just getting the correct size. The shoe's model also plays a big role in how well it suits your child's foot shape. We highly recommend visiting our store to speak with our knowledgeable team. We can accurately measure your child's feet and help you find the best fit for their unique needs.
Play Time!
Last but certainly not least, summer is all about soaking up that extra vitamin D and having a blast outdoors! We've compiled a list of some favourite beach toys and outdoor fun options for your little ones here.
For kids who love to explore and learn about nature, Hape Nature Fun offers awesome training options for budding adventurers.
Enjoy your summer! Stay safe, stay cool, and make wonderful memories with your family.