Prep Now for Fuss-Free Summer Fun

Now that summer’s here, it’s time for morning-till-night outdoor play. Whether the kids will be at camp or at home with you or a babysitter, prepping the house, the car and the diaper bag can save time and omit last-minute hassles. 

Stocked up on sunblock? Got a spare sun hat? Use the following checklist to double-check your summer supplies.

Medicine Cabinet

Children are particularly prone to bumps and bruises. In place of grades and graduation, bee stings and scraped knees represent a child’s rites of passage in summer. These medical supplies are necessary in both rural and urban homes and for children of all ages. 

• Sunblock specifically formulated for children or babies
• Bug repellant specifically formulated for children or babies
• An antihistamine
• Hydrocortisone cream
• An antiseptic hydrogen peroxide
• Adhesive bandages
• Antibiotic ointment
• Aloe vera gel
• Tweezers for removing splinters
• Pain reliever

Fridge/Freezer

After hours spent frolicking outdoors, children often come inside looking for something to eat or drink. What else are parents for? Be sure to have the following items on hand to avoid unplanned trips to the market.

• Ice pack
• Popsicles
• Healthy snacks (chunked watermelon, cucumber salad)
• Healthy drinks (water, 100% juice)
• Electrolyte solution to treat dehydration

Car

Traffic is often the downside of a fun family day at the amusement park or lake. To avoid sour moods, every parent should have a plan in case the family gets stuck in the car. That way, you’ll have a quick solution when you realize you forgot your child’s sun hat as you pull into the parking lot at the beach.

• Extra water
• Extra snacks
• Games
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Sunblock

Diaper Bag

A well-stocked diaper bag is the mark of a good mom. All year long, these bags are filled with an emergency change-of-clothes, at least one extra diaper, hand sanitizer, spoons, nipples and snacks. The contents don’t change much with the seasons, but it’s important to make sure you have the following things on hand during the warmer months.

• Sunhat
• Water
• Snacks
• Sunblock
• Antibacterial wipes

Happy Summer!