Summer, sun and sea, everyone has fun, but for the little ones you always need an extra eye. On the beach, on the rocks, in the pool; there are many dangers lurking , from which we must protect our little ones.

If our child is a few years old, we must always keep him under control, without ever risking losing sight of him; they are intrigued by everything and are ready to escape as soon as we turn our heads.

Up to the age of ten, there will be many precautions to be taken, against too intense heat, sharp rocks, rough sea, slippery pool edges and many more.

We asked the opinion of the well-known pediatrician Italo Farnetani , what do you think on the subject and many were his advice on the matter; so we have drawn up a mini handbook of basic rules to follow, to get out of holidays with small children unscathed. So let’s see together the 10 rules to follow on the beach, in order not to jeopardize the safety of children >>

10) Obligation to wear slippers

Wearing slippers should be a must, especially in humid and hot locations, such as swimming pools and public baths. The risk of contracting a mycosis or a wart is very high and then removing it will be very difficult. Absolutely, however, in dirty places, such as cabins or bathrooms on beaches and swimming pools, it is essential that the feet are protected and not just those of children. The risk of contracting other diseases, in addition to the classic wart, is very high. The article continues on the next page >>

9) You eat when you are hungry

And a classic, especially for holidays, is the afternoon snack and various snacks during the day. In the summer, however, it is normal for children and young people to be less hungry, especially because of the heat, so absolutely do not insist or force the child to eat. Rather try fresh alternatives, such as fruit and vegetables, cold milk and breakfast cereals, or even yogurt . In any case, it is a good rule to let the child choose what he prefers, trying if anything to direct him to healthier and more genuine foods, if he were to insist on chips and other fried foods. Ice cream can also be a good substitute for one of the main meals. 

8) He who sleeps does not catch fish

A perfect title for a beach holiday, but what is the meaning of this sentence? That children should not be forced to sleep in the afternoon, especially to prevent them from having trouble falling asleep in the evening. On the contrary, neither do you force them to stay awake in bed, as it could lead to cases of insomnia .

7) Wait for the bathroom

Those who haven’t heard it repeated to exhaustion, as a child, “you have to wait at least two hours for the bathroom, because you have just eaten”. We need to clarify this a bit, as Dr. Farnetani says, and it is necessary to wait before getting wet, only in the case in which a large meal and very cold water are eaten; for a simple snack there is no reason to wait so long to enjoy the water.

6) Sun protection

Especially for children it is very important, if not essential, to apply a protective cream. From 12 to 16 it is known that solar radiation is stronger , but by applying good protection it is also possible to stay in the sun all day. Apply it several times a day and after getting out of the water, taking care to protect the ears and neck as well. Finish at the end of the day after a shower with a moisturizer.

5) The head is important

It is also essential to protect the head from the sun’s rays, especially for the little ones. If the child gets bored and takes it off, it is possible to wet the head , taking care to do it repeatedly; or wet the hat , thus keeping the scalp cool.

4) The shower

In summer, sweating is abundant in hot weather , so it is very important to keep the skin clean, even rinsing it several times a day. Furthermore, it is essential to rehydrate the baby’s skin with an emollient cream, at least once a day. Sun and wind and salt dry the skin a lot.

3) Air conditioning

The thought that air conditioning makes you sick or causes a stiff neck is very often a rumor. The important thing is not to keep it at too low a temperature and not directed at you. Where possible, it is a good habit to keep it on even at night , so as to reconcile sleep and not find yourself drenched in sweat in the morning.

2) The plane

Traveling by plane is comfortable and fast and nothing prevents even the smallest and infants from getting on it. The important thing is to have every possible security and try to reassure the child in case of nausea; if he is a little older, you can think of giving him a tablet against nausea , or having him wear wrist pressure bracelets .

1) What to drink?

Water ee always remains the best drink ever, preferring it to sweet and carbonated drinks, and the only one that truly quenches and refreshes. The carbonated one is also very good, since the carbon dioxide bubbles slow down the water contamination process . Instead, no to drinks that are too icy.