Successful Road Trip Tips

How to Make Long Car Trips Fun and Enjoyable

Summer Vacation? Weekend getaway? Prepare yourself for long road trips with the kids.  We’ve found that these tips make for much smoother car rides.

Tip 1:  Be Prepared

Pack a refillable water bottle for each child so they all stay hydrated!  Snacks are important!  Pack their favorite healthy snacks so you can limit stops and keep their bellies full!  Think about packing their school lunch box so they have their own set up and throw it in the cooler. 

Tip 2:  Schedule

Pro-tip.  Schedule road trip times around nap time so the kids can get some rest and mom and dad can enjoy some quiet time.  Don’t stress if it doesn’t work; go with the flow!

Tip 3:  Activities

Take a new activity that the kids have not played with before so it is new and exciting for them.  This will help keep them focused for extended periods of time.

Tip 4:  Stops

Stop and Stretch!  Plan ahead and try to find an activity or a playground that allows the kids to get out and stretch for a bit before getting back in the car.  This allows them to burn some extra energy and can help with nap time if you have to leave before then.

Tip 5:  Essentials

Lastly, don’t forget to pack the essentials just in case one of the kiddos needs it.  Think Tylenol, Motrin and Benadryl just in case.  If you are unsure of your kiddos doses or what to give them, schedule a virtual visit with Saving Grace to get all the info you need.

Tips to Avoid a Sunburn

How Do Sunburns Happen?

UV rays react with a pigment called melanin in the skin.  The lighter a child’s natural skin color, the less melanin it has to absorb UV rays and protect our body’s largest organ-the skin.  Regardless of your child’s skin tone, all kids need protection from UV rays to prevent damage.  Here are some tips for having fun in the sun without getting a sunburn.

Tip #1:  Timing Is Important

Limit time in the midday sun. UV rays are strongest between 10 am and 4pm so it’s important to limit sun exposure during these hours.

Tip #2:  Be A Good Role Model

Consistently wear sunscreen to teach your kids good sun sense! Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours after being in the water or sweating.  Most of the sun’s rays go through clouds so use sunscreen even on cloudy days. Make sure your sunscreen is SPF 30 or higher and protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Tip #3:  Children Under 1 Year Of Age

Try to keep children under the age of  1 year out of the sun as much as you can.  Dress babies in lightweight, light colored clothing and always cover their head.  Don’t forget about protecting ears, hands, feet or lips. 

Do not use sunscreen on babies 6 months or younger!

Tip #4:  Medicine Check

If your child is on any medication, make sure to double-check the warning labels.  Some medicines make skin more sensitive to UV rays-especially antibiotics and acne medicines.

Tip #5:  When Sunburns Happen

What if my child gets a sunburn? Apply moisturizing creme with aloe on the burn.  You can also give your child ibuprofen or Tylenol-Do NOT give aspirin to children or teens.  Benadryl can help with itching and swelling.  Most importantly, stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.  Keep children out of the sun until the sunburn has healed.

If you have questions about your child’s skin, give us a call today!  We see everything from sensitive skin to full blown rashes.  We are here for you!