Clothe beach-hiking kids in outerwear to prevent sunburn

If hiking shorelines or beaches this summer, be sure to don children in the following outerwear to prevent sunburn:
g Hat with wide brim – The cover and wide brim keeps sun off most of the face. A hat for young children with very little hair is vital. Hats with flaps that can cover the neck also can be useful.
g Sunglasses – Children’s eyes are just as sensitive to bright, harsh sunlight adults’ eyes. Ensure that the sunglasses actually provide UV protection.
g Lycra shirt and swim trunks – This fabric protects children from the sun as well as keeps them warm in water. And since you’re going to the beach, they probably will go into the water.
g Sunscreen – No more than SPF 30 needed. Liberally apply it to any exposed skin, including backs of ears, tops of feet and ankles. Remember that sunscreen will sweat off, so it probably will need to be reapplied.
g Sandals – Sand can get hot, so the soft soles of children’s feet need protection. Rocks, twigs and seashells washed ashore and covered by sand also can hurt little feet.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.

Avoid, treat mosquito bites when on the trail

Photo courtesy of
Wisconsin DNR.

The burning bites of mosquitoes are more of a nuisance than anything, but they can carry deadly diseases, such as West Nile virus.

To avoid mosquito bites, stay away from water at dusk and early evening when the bugs tend to come out. You also can wear hats with flaps and tie a loose bandana around the neck to keep the pesky little critters away. Don’t hike in areas heavily infested with mosquitoes, such as near old tire dumps that can hold sitting water and thus are the bug’s breeding grounds. Finally, if you see a swarm of mosquitoes, expect there to be more swarms and move away.

Treat a mosquito bite as you would a typical bug bite: wash with soap and water, apply an anti-itch cream, hydrocortisone or Neosporin with Lydocain, and don’t itch.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.

Wear proper headgear when hiking with kids

Ensure children wear the proper headgear when day hiking.

Half of all body heat is lost through the head, hence the hiker’s adage, “If your hands are cold, wear a hat.” In cool, wet weather, wearing a hat is at least good for avoiding hypothermia, a potentially deadly condition in which heat loss occurs faster than the body can generate it. Children are more susceptible to hypothermia than adults.

In lower latitudes, higher altitudes, deserts and especially during summer, a hat with a wide brim is useful in keeping the sun out of your eyes. It’s also nice should rain start falling.

Wear lightweight hats in late spring and summer and heavier ones in cooler weather. During winter, wear balaclavas or hats with ear flaps.

For young children, get a hat with a chin strap. They like to play with their hats, which will fly off in a wind gust if not fastened some way.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.