Going out for a day trip with the family is always fun. Taking the kids to the beach, to the park, or for a day in the city can be great and a fun way to spend the day. If you are looking to plan some days out with your loved ones this summer, I have some items you need to pack before you head out and with the summer holidays right around the corner I thought now was the perfect time to list the essentials needed for a fun family day out! We can often get carried away with planning and having too much fun so I thought a list of those boring but necessary items would be helpful.  

Staying hydrated is incredibly important, and if you are to spend some time at the beach or on a hike this summer you need to pack plenty of water to keep everyone hydrated. Ensure the kids drink enough throughout the day, and this will keep everyone happy and healthy. A great way to store water is in water bottles dedicated to each person. This way you know how much liquid everyone is consuming.

Extra clothes 

It is very likely when you go for a full day out with the family that someone will need extra clothes. Whether you get caught out in the rain without coats, your child spills something on their top, or your child has a little accident - spare clothes are a lifesaver. Remember also to save space in your bag by rolling outfits up together to keep them compact! 

A towel 

A towel is essential if you have kids or dogs and you decide to go for a walk by a river or the beach. A towel will allow you to clean and dry your child or pet before they get back in the car, ensuring that you don’t end up with a wet dog smell on your way home! It's also helpful for any spillages that may occur.

A first aid kit 

One of the most useful things you can bring with you for a family day out is a handy first aid kit for babies and toddlers. A small first aid kit will include all of the things you need to quickly patch up and clean a cut while you are out and about. It is so helpful to have this with you at all times as it will give you peace of mind if any accidents were to happen and will keep the cut patched up temporarily before you can get home and look at it properly. 

So summer is finally here and that (hopefully) means more time spent at the beach enjoying the sunshine and cooling off in the sea. Some of you may have already made the most of what the UK beaches have to offer and I definitely plan on a few staycations once schools break up for summer holidays. That being said, I thought it was the perfect time to discuss beach safety. Kids love exploring the beach, looking for crabs, collecting seashells or building sandcastles, and it’s great to see them out there having fun and making memories, but there is no denying that the beach is home to many potential hazards from the rapidly changing tides to the potential of losing sight of your children. Therefore keeping your kids safe at the beach should be a top priority and hopefully these simple tips will allow you to be safe while still having fun.

Water wings

Whether your child is a good swimmer or not, when you’re hitting the beach, it’s a good idea to pack a set of water wings or arm bands for each child just so they can have that extra level of protection. You just never know when the weather is going to take a turn for the worse or the riptides are going to come along and pull you all further out to sea, so having water wings on is a great way to help the kids if they get into trouble. They are comfortable and the cute prints make them something children actually want to wear.

Avoid other inflatables

That being said, it’s probably a good idea to keep other inflatables like rubber rings and lilos away from the beach. Why? Because it’s really easy for them to be carried out to sea on a strong current or if the wind picks up. That is really the last thing you want to happen, so keep big inflatables to pools only.

Monitor them

This one might seem simple but it is easy to lose sight of them. Losing sight of your child at the beach is one of the scariest things you can ever encounter as a parent, therefore keeping them close by is a must. However if your child is old enough to have a smartphone and a little more independence, then you might want to invest in a waterproof case and have your child keep it on them instead of leaving it at home. You can also take it a step further by using monitoring software, which you can read about here in a guide by Family Orbit, to keep track of them. It might sound a bit much, but if you are unable to get through to them via a telephone call at least you will be able to quickly pinpoint their location and track them down.

Watch out for jellyfish

Jellyfish are really common on UK beaches, so it is important that you know how to spot them, and you teach your kids how to spot them too. To be honest I have mainly seen dead ones but they can still cause stings. It is also important that you teach the kids to stay calm if there is a jellyfish nearby, slowly moving away from the potential threat.

If they do get stung, then it is important that you don’t rub the affected area, as that will just make it worse,  but seek medical advice as soon as possible, Oh, and peeing on the sting won’t really help, so you can skip that too.

Get to know beach flags

Beach flags can tell you a whole lot about the safety of the beach you’re on, and what you should and should not do, so knowing them ultimately will help to keep you all safe. For example, a red flag means no swimming is permitted at all, and an orange windsock means the wind conditions are dangerous. These are just two examples - you should learn all of the flag signals before you head off for a fun family day at the beach as simple but deadly mistakes can easily be made.

Water and sunscreen

It should go without saying but if you are heading off to the beach with the kids, pack plenty of sunscreen and enough water to last you all all day, especially if there are no shops nearby where you can get a cool drink. Probably the biggest threats to kids on the beach are dehydration and sunburn or heatstroke, so this really is one of the most important things you need to do. It's a good idea to freeze some bottles of water or drink the night before and to take a cooler bag with you that way your liquids will stay cool all day long.

Spend some time in the shade

Spending some time in the shade at the hottest times of the day, in summer,  will help to prevent sunburn and sunstroke, so be sure to take some time out to find a shady spot or take along your own parasols to help keep you cool and keep the fun going. And of course try wearing a wide brimmed hat that keeps their eyes and neck shaded is a must.

Constant supervision

To be honest, probably the best way to keep your kids safe at the beach is to ensure that someone always has eyes on them. It only takes a second for them to wander off or for a wave to sweep your child under, so it’s important that you always have to eyes on them when they are on the beach.

Don’t let the potential dangers put you off visiting the beach - accidents are rare - and the beach is a great place to let off steam, just be careful! Some of my favourite memories have been made on the beach, the kids just seem to love the sun, sea and sand and I can see why, the combination of the warmth from the sun and the sound of the water is the ultimate relaxation treat!

Amina xx

Dress Them Well

Before you step out of the door with your baby, ensure that you dress them adequately for the sunny weather. This means dressing them in light but long-sleeved clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Additionally, stick to bright colours to prevent your baby from overheating as black absorbs heat.

Secondly, make sure that your baby has protective gear when they are in the sun. This is where wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses come in handy. It's useful to get a hat with a strap underneath so it stays put as babies love to pull them off.But one of the best ways to ensure that your baby does not dislike wearing hats is to introduce them early on. That way, wearing hats becomes a habit that they will not fight later in their lives.

When choosing sunglasses for your adorable baby, select those that offer complete protection from UV rays. These will keep your child’s eyes safe from sun damage.

Stick to The Shade

Typically, the sun is hottest between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Avoid having your baby out during these hours.

However, if the baby must leave the house when the sun is brutally hot, stick to shady areas and avoid prolonged exposure. You can use umbrellas and pram shades to keep your baby safe. You can purchase Venicci products to help provide shade for your baby. I have a shade and foot muff (for colder months) from them which I have found really beneficial!

Apply Sunscreen

If your baby is old enough to use sunscreen (6 months plus), be sure to use it religiously. This means applying it 15-30 minutes before leaving the house and once every two hours while you are out.

Additionally, always reapply sunscreen after being in the water. Although some products may be labelled waterproof, there is a good chance they won’t be as effective once you leave the water. Stay on the safe side and apply the skincare products after a swim. I find Altruist sunscreen that comes in a spray bottle really good as they are quick and easy when reapplying and also cheap.

Set a Good Example

Kids emulate everything their parents do. As such, you need to set the correct example when you are out in the sun.For one, dress appropriately before heading out of the house. If your toddler sees you wearing a hat and sunglasses, they will have no problem wearing protective gear themselves. Additionally, wear your sunscreen as often as you should. This will stress to your child that skin protection is vital, which is an essential lesson that they will carry all their lives. When the kids are older, explain to them why staying safe in the sun is essential. Understanding the rationale behind skincare makes it easier for them to follow the rules.

Babies need protection from the sun. Fortunately, keeping your young one safe is not difficult. By dressing them well, applying sunscreen, sticking to shady areas and setting a good example, you will have kept them safe from the harmful effects of the sun. Follow the tips in this post, and your baby’s skin will thank you for it!

Amina xx

• Weather/temperature changes

• Hormonal changes

• Lack of sleep/water

• Poor nutrition 

One of the biggest changes to my skin was actually caused by the symptoms of motherhood! Okay this might sound dramatic but when you spend so much time caring for and nurturing your children, it can be hard to provide yourself with the care you need to look and feel your best. Skincare often becomes the least of our concerns. However, motherhood should not mean that our skincare routine goes out of the window - you might just need to simplify the process and put together a routine that works around your chaotic schedule and family life. That is what I have done and my skin is looking better than ever! So I thought I would give you a quick run down of my routine.