Summer is all about being outside! I share with you some basic tips before letting the chicks out of the nest :)
Sunscreen protection
photo: Marie-Ève Nagant
I hate applying the cream in the face of children who are constantly moving with the hair that is getting in the way! Tip #1: Kids put on a Scooba headband that holds the hair on the back of the head. So I can cream their face easily! Our headband is also a good ally to protect the head from the sun when they're in the water (and it's a nice 3 seasons neck warmer).
Slice of life: I created the first Scooba for my daughter. She hates wearing caps! This gave the Scooba, a very versatile trendy accessory.
The KEPEAK caps for babies and toddlers are a MUST to protect the little ones! They are ideal for hiking, biking, the beach, travel and more, it protects against wind and mosquitoes, and covers the head, neck and neck to prevent sunburn.
I am not an expert in sunscreen, but this article from Naître et Grandir can enlighten you on the subject. It covers how much to apply, sun protection factor (SPF), sunburn and how long sunscreens last.
The Eco-Boutique Un Monde à Vie offers a wide selection of creams made from healthy and natural products. Great service and advice from naturopaths, both in-store and remotely!
Hydration
Some tips to stay hydrated
Here, we love the CamelBak type hydration packs for children, offered among others at Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC). In addition to holding much more water than a bottle, this type of bag allows children to carry a snack, a raincoat, a Scooba and more. They are happy to drag their little bundle and be able to bring back some finds!
I really like the Kid Classic Sport bottles. They have an easily washable cap, they are very sturdy and durable, and they attach easily to a bag using a carabiner.
Slice of life: I've been dragging my stainless steel water bottle everywhere I go for about five years. I can't kill it! When I leave the house for a short time, I don't want to carry around four containers! So I offer water to children from the cap of my bottle. Kids call it cap water!
A bit of stats! 
According to an analysis by the Design Center of the University of the Royal Institute of Technology in Melbourne (Australia), reusable plastic bottles would have 80% less impact on the environment compared to aluminum bottles or stainless steel, as the manufacturing process for metal bottles is particularly energy-intensive. That said, it all depends on how you use them and how you recycle them!
During a day at day camp or on a long hike, plan two water bottles for the day. Freeze one the night before to keep the water fresh all day!
The "I'm Thirsty for Health" campaign website is a great resource for promoting healthy hydration in children.
NO! Not mosquitoes!
In June, woods mean mosquitoes!
I don't want to discourage you, there is not really a miracle solution to repel them. Fortunately, this period is short-lived. Wear pale colors and long sleeves... Not to mention the mosquito repellent and your Scooba on your head or neck!
What to do with all those bites?
Children express a sense of relief when a cream or ointment is applied to their bites. Whatever the product, you just have to tell them it's an "anti-sting" cream and it will soothe them ;) For a natural remedy, dilute in equal parts a few drops of spike lavender essential oil and calendula oil. Lavender is a bug repellent!
To learn more about the subject, I strongly recommend this article by Ti-Mousse dans brousse.
An open-air pharmacy to the rescue of little scratches!
It is fascinating to discover the many plant species that live in the forest and which have many unknown advantages! Do you know plantain? The leaf of this weed-like plant is quite useful in relieving burns, bee stings and inflammations. We crumple it, we squeeze out the juice and we apply on the sore.
Let's not forget our healthy habits and our "leave no trace" principles in the open air, such as leaving intact what we find in our path, reducing the impact of fires, respecting wildlife and properly managing waste!
Have fun this summer, the easy way!Share these little tips with your loved ones who, just like us, love to play in da woods!
Jacinthe Plamondon
Wood mommy & founder PEAKBWA
Sources :
https://www.protegez-vous.ca/nouvelles/maison-et-environnement/bouteille-reutilisable-verte