Keeping safe whether rain or shine (From The Argus)

Our Summer Essentials

9:13pm Monday 7th June 2010

• Print
• Email
• Comments(3)

I am sure anyone reading this can sympathise with my concern for the five-month-old baby burnt on Brighton Beach and as my Mini McCann is of similar age it pained me to think of a little one in so much pain with something easily prevented.

On Saturday after leaving a restaurant and putting little McCann into her buggy a gentleman came over to us urging us to cover our daughter to protect her from the sun, of course we had already got our shade and hat at the ready as we needed to put her in the buggy and strap her in but the fact that he had come over, whilst at first seemed patronising, was thoughtful and kind.

At the moment our buggy basket is full of essentials and by having the basket designated for baby essentials it means we leave the house for all eventualities.

I was lucky enough to be given a snoozeshade recently, not only as it blocks out light for baby to sleep but it also is SPF 50 UV protected - ideal if you are like me and feel that a parasol just doesn't cut it for you (there are still risks of baby burning, a part of delicate baby not covered). We use the shade in the wind as well, as it covers the whole buggy so baby is fully protected.

Although we have this cover to protect baby from the sun rays, we also slap on Nivea Baby sun protection cream, remembering to reapply throughout the day.

A sun hat is also a must as is a beanie hat in case of cold.

As it is typically wet in summertime we also have our raincover.

I NEVER move these from the buggy so they are always with us.

This week I have also invested in a cool bag which we carry a training cup with boiled water, a carton of formula or breastmilk as well as our various teething remedies in. These items are always with us and we ensure baby has plenty of fluids whether at home or out and about.

Finally I read a blog by another mummy, written last summer. Its content is relevant for preparing you and baby to go out into the glorious sunshine. I have linked her here and urge you all to slip, slop and slap!

Take care of yourselves and the little one while enjoying the lovely weather!