A checklist for summer fun

June 16, 9:39 PMAtlanta New Dads ExaminerEric Skates

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Enjoy your family fun in the sun!

It's another blistering, hot Saturday afternoon in Atlanta and a young man wearing a swim suit with a red, hawaiian print is in the midst of opening the driver side door to the family SUV. He reaches in, starts the engine, and cranks up the AC. The air vent blasts the man's face with a 60 degree gust. "This should cool the car down for sure" he thought to himself. He then turns around to shut the door and from what seems like nowhere a blue, polka-dot beach bag has magically appeared behind him.

"Don't forget to pack the pool bag," resounds a resonance from the back passenger seat. The man jerks his neck around to find the source of the voice. The voice is of the man's wife, she is in the backseat, placing their seven month old baby in the graco, sung-ride, car seat.

"Yes dear," replies the man with a combination of obvious annoyance and sincerity. He had planned on packing the bag, but did he really need to be reminded?

This is a common senario for a couple on their way for a fun-filled outting at the pool, lake, water park, etc... Although, something is always overlooked. It seems like we take a lot more things with us when we have a bambino in tow. It is certain that children require a lot more than just SPF 15 and a water bottle.

So, use this easy check list so you can be sure to have the essentials for your fun family day in the sun.

Fun in the sun checklist:

1. Sun screen - Children have much more sensetive skin than we do. Be sure to try the New Neutrogena "pure & free" baby Sunblock lotion with 60+SPF. It is oil free and non-greasy. (Be sure to check with your pedatrician before using any type of lotion on your child's skin due to skin allergies.) This can be found at your local grocery store or Target.

2. Swim nappies - For hygiene reasons swimming pools require that babies wear suitable protection - normal suits offer no protection and ordinary nappies hold water, weighing the nappy down. Swim nappies are a perfect alternative as they have a concealed waterproof layer, leak proof legs and waistband.

3.Huggies little Swim Diapers - HUGGIES Little Swimmers swimpants protect in the water without swelling up like disposable diapers do. Available in three sizes to fit infants and toddlers: Small (16-26 lbs.), Medium (24-34 lbs.) and Large (32+ lbs.). They give you peace of mind if you child has an accident while in the water. These can be bought at any Target, Wal-mart or local grocery store.

4. Digital Camera - You certainly would not want to miss out on capturing these precious memories!

5. Short/Long sleeve swim shirt - As before with the sun screen; you can never be more cautious about the sun's harmful rays on your child. These shirts aid in shielding your baby from contracting a sun burn during the hot afternoon. Shirts, such as this, can be bought at Old Navy, Target, Gap or Amazon.com.

6. A change of clothes, for your child, so they won't be riding home in wet swim attire.

7. A hat, they may look a little funny and adorable with a big hat on, but this is added protection from a sun burn on baby's head.

8. Cotton swabs - It is important if your child gets water in their ears that you try and use a cotton swab to soak it up. Little babies can get swimmer's ear just as easy as adults.

9. A float - This is a great accessory for your baby. The removable canopy protects your child from the sun and folds for storage. The age at which your child can utilize this varies and usually can be based on the weight of the infant.

10. If planning on staying for an extended outing be sure to pack your child's afternoon snack, bottle or formula. Depending on the child's age he or she will get hungry. Young children, that are on a feeding schedule, will certainly let you know when it's time to eat.

Don't forget to apply sun screen on yourself as well!
It is common for mom and dad to lather up their little one and forget to spray it on themselves.
Enjoy your summer fun in the sun!