beach tents for babies

As the birth of my first child rapidly approaches, I fear that travelling overseas will never be the same again. The days of packing a tooth brush and a turn of clothes to disappear for the weekend are well and truly in the past. Even my partner has reluctantly packed away our miniature 2-man tent which has served us well since our trainee days. It's maybe time for us to buy a sensible suitcase and leave the backpacks in the loft for a few years!

Parents often worry most about flying with young children- especially if it's long-haul. Many parents suggest booking a night-time flight and getting miniature ones changed into their pyjamas. Tiny babies often find the 'hum' of the aircraft soothing and will sleep anyway. Take-offs and landings are often the most uncomfortable time especially for babies who find it difficult to equalise the pressure in their ears. It is often recommended that babies are fed, whether from the breast or a bottle at this time, as the swallowing performance will help relax this pressure. Older children can be encouraged to drink from a carton with a straw with the same effect. Be sure to pack some favourite toys and treats such as snacks and puzzle books. Big toys or noisy computer games may disturb other passengers.

Beach Tents For Babies

The long term, harmful effects of the sun on young skin have been well publicized in recent months. Experts estimate that children could be three times more likely than their grandparents to build malignant melanoma in the future. It is therefore very prominent that children are protected from the effects of the sun's radiation. Children under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight wherever possible. Small collapsible beach tents/cabanas are ready and can contribute some well needed shade. Try and avoid sun exposure in the middle of 11am-3pm when the sun is at its top and radiation is strongest. Use a good sun cream (at least factor 15) which filters both Uva and Uvb radiation. Many products are ready specifically for children. Be sure to reapply regularly, especially after swimming. Uv suits can keep large areas of the body protected and are favorably cool to wear. A wide-brimmed hat or a cap with a neck-flap is also recommended. Baseball caps often leave the ears and neck unprotected. The sun can also damage children's eyes, causing long term retinal deterioration. Ensure they have good potential sunglasses which conform to British thorough 2724 or the continental equivalent.

Breast-fed babies need a minimum number of equipment. They shouldn't need extra drinks in hot climates as the breast milk changes in combination agreeing to the baby's needs. Bottle fed babies often do need extra drinks of water to forestall them from becoming dehydrated. Tap water is often safe to use for production up feeds in many European countries. If in doubt then bottled water is usually available. Avoid the brands which have high mineral contents, ie those with more than 20mg of sodium per litre. Many of the well known brands will now state they are "Suitable for infant feeds".

Travellers' diarrhoea is tasteless in adults and children alike. Be extra scrupulous with personal hygiene, ensure children wash their hands before eating. If sickness/diarrhoea does charge then it is prominent that young children stay well hydrated. Continue to feed babies and offer plain food and drink to older children. Re-hydration sachets are a handy expanding to your packing. A similar clarification can be made using 1 litre of clean water and adding 1 level teaspoon of salt and 8 level teaspoons of sugar. Anti-diarrhoeal agents such as Loperamide are unsuitable for children under 12 years of age. If the child is not able to tolerate any feeds, has continued vomiting / diarrhoea, is showing signs of dehydration, severe abdominal pain, altered mental status, fever or has blood/mucous in the stool then curative attentiveness should be sought immediately.

Accidents are other big worry where children are concerned. Cars travelling on the other side of the road confuse adults, never mind children. Ensure they are extra just crossing roads. Slips and falls around swimming pools are also common. If you are staying in self catering room then kitchens may not be fitted with child protection devices- ensure any harmful substances are settled beyond an inquisitive toddler's reach. It's a good idea to pack some elastic bands which can be used to gather cupboard doors. Language differences can cause some confusion- beware that taps labelled 'C' in countries such as France, Spain and Italy are likely to be 'Hot' and not 'Cold'.

I've been reassured by friends that travelling with young children doesn't have to be a nightmare- but being prepared certainly helps!