Beach bound? 7 Ways to beat the summer sun

It's that time of year when people are headed out on summer vacation, and if the weather cooperates that usually means some time at the beach. Our beach vacation is coming up in a few weeks, and I've been putting together some things to help keep Pooka safe from the sun. She is under 6 months old and sunscreen options are limited, so we must compensate in other ways. Some of these items we already use on a daily basis. Let's start with the basics, the i-play Girl's Brim Hat with UPF 50. Pooka has been wearing this all summer, particularly when she is in a baby carrier. We like this one because it has a large brim with a little bit of substance to it so it doesn't flop in her face. It also seems pretty breathable, as she doesn't get too sweaty while wearing it like she does in some of her cotton sunhats. Our next line of defense is the new UPF 50 BabyLegs Cool. They are made of a new breathable, mesh-like material, and they look adorable on. These are great when Pooka is in her stroller or a baby carrier with her legs hanging out. We're also big fans of the long-sleeve Patagonia Sunshade shirt, which is made of a breathable UPF 50 fabric. These are all items we use regularly, but for a day at the beach you need the big guns. First, a UPF 50 swimsuit if you plan on dunking the little one in the water. We got a cute one at the Gap with good coverage: the top is designed as a teeny rash guard shirt. Pooka will also be sporting a stylin' pair of i-Play Flexi Specs infant sunglasses in pink. We will be rounding out our sun defense with the Phil and Ted's Traveller portable crib with added UV screen. It is nice and airy with screens all around so Pooka can enjoy the ocean breezes but stay out of the sun's direct rays. The crib is extremely light at 5.5 lbs, and a snap to put together once you figure it out (it took us about 20 minutes the first time, but less than 10 the second time). Finally, while most pediatricians don't recommend sunscreen on children younger than 6 months old, the American Academy of Pediatrics does endorse using them on babies under 6 months, particularly on exposed areas such as hands and face. I always carry some with me in case the sun can't be avoided. The two sunscreens I trust for my little one are California Baby No Fragrance SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion and Super Goop's Dr. T's Quick Stick SPF 30. Both are mineral sunscreens with no nasties. We also use these sunscreens on ourselves since Pooka usually has her hands all over us and then proceeds to shove them in her mouth. It does no good to use safe suncreen on her unless you use them on yourself because your sunscreen will inevitably end up on her anyways. Now we understand why you always see parents loaded down with bags and contraptions, lugging everything but the kitchen sink, for a relaxing day at the beach. Despite promising not to be one of those parents (we were always going to travel light) it seems it is inevitable! I can only imagine what we will be lugging next summer...