Summer beach and pool days are core childhood memory creators, but getting the kids out the door, not so much! From wrestling wriggly toddlers into rashies to arguing with teens trying to dodge sunscreen and cramming half the house into the car, the exhaustion can kick in before we’ve even set foot on the sand!

But there are some very clever tips that will make even the most stressful summer days smooth sailing – and the Mouths of Mums community know them all! Which is why we asked our mums for their hints, hacks and tips – from sand removal to stress-free sunscreen application (we’re going to introduce you to the fabulous new Banana Boat SmartMist Sunscreen Sprays that will make your life so much easier). 

You’ll want to take note before you next hit the beach or pool!

Pack Smart, Not Big

Do you feel like you take waaayyy too much when you head to the beach or pool, and then you seem to forget a couple of key things that would have made life so much easier?

Our Mouths of Mums community swear by this fab list of essentials which should be in every mum’s beach kit, and

• A plastic bag for wet towels and bathers
• A dry bag for clothes
• A bucket or basin to wash off sandy toys
• A ‘clean zone’, sand-free blanket or mat for eating and changing
• A pop-up tent for changing
• Waterproof phone case
• Talcum powder to get sticky, wet sand off little feet. Just pop it on and brush it off – it’s magic!
• A hand-held car vac for quick sand cleanups!

“The amount of times my kids have gone home in wet chafing swimming costumes because they didn’t want anyone to see them changing is unbelievable! Our pop up tent has been life changing! We all drive home comfy and cosy! Lastly, a sand proof picnic blanket is so perfect for a sand reprieve! The sand literally falls right through them!” – MoM Member

Get Safety Sorted Before The Fun Starts

It’s pretty hard to get the kids’ attention once you’re at the beach or pool, so the safety talk should really start at home. Our mums recommend chatting to the kids about:

• Swimming between the flags at the beach
• Setting a meeting spot in case anyone gets separated
• Sunscreen: Always apply sunscreen 20 minutes before heading outdoors. And set alarms to reapply every two hours throughout the day. Reapply immediately after swimming or using a towel. 

Applying sunscreen at the start of the day and regularly throughout is so important, but it usually causes the most arguments. Kids don’t want to stop, teens assure you they ‘did it already’.

That’s where Banana Boat’s new SmartMist™ Sunscreen Spray SPF50+ actually makes a difference. The iconic sunscreen brand has just launched its newest product, which turns sunscreen time into something simple and fun. It’s an easy and convenient way to tick off sun safety – which isn’t always easy when it comes to kids!

Why Banana Boat SmartMist Sunscreen Spray makes sunscreen easier

• The Smart Control Spray gives you the choice of a short spray for tricky spots or a long spray for larger areas like those wiggly little legs, making application simple and convenient. It also sprays from any angle – just spray, rub in and you’re ready for playtime.
• Clear, lightweight formula that absorbs fast and with no greasy feel.
• SPF50+ broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection and 4-hour water resistant.
• Kids SmartMist™ is mild and gentle for kid’s sensitive skin, fragrance free and contains Aloe and Vitamin E.
• Sport SmartMist™ features high-performance Powerstay Technology™, designed to stay on through sweat and water.

Banana Boat SmartMist makes those important sunscreen stops much easier and effective and is perfect for active Aussie families this summer.

Prep & Time It Perfectly

There’s nothing worse than kids itching to get to the beach while you’re trying to remember everything you need to pack – it makes everyone frazzled. So get prepped early – even the night before. And time your departure to minimise the amount of time in the car (and the amount of times the kids ask ‘are we there yet?!’.

“Packing the car the night before, always a huge help getting the bucket, cabana, and bag of spare clothes/towels in the boot. We usually leave straight after breakfast to avoid heavy traffic as the beach is an hour away.” – MoM Member

Pack Smart Snacks

Snacks are a must, but it can be tricky to know what’s going to survive a hot, Aussie summer day – and what’s good for hungry tummies. Here’s what our mums recommend:

• Chopped fruit
• Crackers
• Boiled eggs
• Drink bottles that have been frozen overnight

“We have a few allergies/intolerances, so being prepared with food is helpful and saves us the search and some money. I pre-chop carrots, cucumber, apples, boiled egg, in a handy separating container, a packet of chips, dip, and bring water bottles. If it’s a longer day planned at the beach I’ll bring lunch too.” – MoM Member

A chaos-free beach day. Yes please!

You don’t need a military-style plan to enjoy a sunny day out. A beach trolley, some prep, and an easy sunscreen like SmartMist™ are enough to help things run calmly – or at least calm-ish!

New Banana Boat Sport SmartMist™ Sunscreen Spray SPF50+ 200ml and Banana Boat Kids SmartMist™ Sunscreen Spray SPF50+ 200ml (RRP $28.00) are available now at leading pharmacies, supermarkets and online retailers nationwide. 

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses in addition to sunscreen. Reapply frequently every 2 hours or more often when sweating and immediately after swimming or using a towel. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure.

Mouths of Mums is proudly working with Banana Boat to bring you this article.