10 Must-Have Items to Keep in Your Playground Pack this Spring

Even though Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Groundhog Day last month, which brought us six more weeks of winter, the countdown to the first day of spring is finally on. While wintertime is usually dedicated to shorter bursts of outdoor play because the environment is so cold, slippery, sloshy or otherwise challenging – in the eyes of adults, of course, while appearing like business as usual for children – warmer days are on the horizon. That means it is time to get ready for more outdoor play and longer visits to your local playground.

Regardless of how old the children in your care are, a playground pack is a helpful companion to have. In a way, it is the equivalent of a diaper bag – also known as a mom purse on steroids – dedicated to outdoor play. If well maintained, a playground pack will ease many a messy, scary or otherwise dramatic situation both for adults and children. Its contents can be organized in four categories as follows:

Protection from the weather

1. Sunscreen: Protect younger babies with a beach umbrella or play shade from the sun. For children six months and up, make sure you apply sunscreen before leaving the house and/or keep it in your playground pack so it is on hand whenever you are out and about. Choose a broad-spectrum mineral lotion with SPF 50+ (no, 100 isn’t necessary) that contains physical sun blockers (like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) because they not only offer the best protection against UVA and UVB rays, but they are also gentle on kids’ sensitive skin. (You can ask your pediatrician or dermatologist for a recommendation if you find the variety of options overwhelming.)

2. Sunhat: No matter how old your children, they will need a seasonally appropriate topper to block out the sun, especially if you are planning to be outside for an extended period. (You should try to avoid the sun between midday and 2 p.m. if possible, as this is generally regarded as the most dangerous time to be exposed, while experts warn the sun’s rays can still be harmful from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Look for sun-safe features like wide brims, UPF 50+ sun protection, wicking sweatbands, as well as lightweight, breathable fabrics and no-fuss, simple designs that stay on, keeping kids cool and protected while outside.

3. Water bottle: Water is one of the most important parts of any diet, for basic chemical reactions to take place and for our bodies to function at their best. In the hot, summer months, water is also important to the body’s cooling system. How much water children need each day depends on their age, the weather, and how active they are. (As a general rule, toddlers need 2-4 cups, 4-8 years 5-6 cups, 9-13 years 7-8 cups, and 14 and up 8-10 cups.) So, be sure to put a short pause on the fun and offer them a few gulps at regular intervals.

Protection from incidents

4. Hand sanitizer: (Thanks to the global pandemic, this is probably something you don’t have to be reminded of.) Any kind of hand sanitizer gel can be used when you don’t have access to soap and water, for example when you can’t wash your hands before and after a diaper change, or helping your children use a portable toilet, or giving them a snack. Antibacterial wipes may also be needed if your kids are in the habit of touching, licking or chewing things you’d rather they did not. (Keep in mind: It is crucial that you don’t store any kind of sanitizer in your car, especially when it’s hot outside – alcohol can evaporate in the heat, making the product ineffective.)

5. First-aid kit: We all know that barely visible scratches often have just as dire a need for a Band-Aid as the truly gruesome ones. So, make sure you have some antibiotic cream or spray, a few Band-Aids of various sizes, small scissors or a nail clipper, as well as tweezers that might all come in handy at the playground for your own kids – or to lend to fellow adults who came less prepared.

6. Change of clothes: Or two. For each child. Throw in an extra shirt for yourself while you’re at it.

Protection from hanger and boredom

7. Snacks: Knowing your children, these can be light and healthy, or not so much. The idea is to plan for any snack time you might spend at the playground or have something on hand to tie your kids over if you end up staying later than planned, so you don’t have to rush home – or stop for an unhealthy alternative – and avoid dealing with hangry kids.

8. Toys: Just in case the playground is busier than usual, and the particular swing or playscape that best holds your children’s attention is popular with other kids, you may want to bring a ball, a frisbee, a trike or a bike – whatever is interesting, age appropriate and easy to carry.

Plus…

9. The essentials: Store whatever you typically carry with you – including your phone, wallet, keys and other essentials – in an easy-to-access pocket or pouch so you can find them when you need them.

10. Optional: While baby gear, including diapers, ointments, bottles and pacifiers are only necessary for babies, wipes can come in handy with potty-trained toddlers and older children, too. Think dust and sweat mixed with sunscreen, and add a sticky, messy snack on top.

Organizing your playground pack is just as strategic a task as planning its contents. Don’t just throw everything in there, because you’ll be kicking yourself later when you struggle to find something while faced with a wriggly baby, a hangry toddler or a bleeding child of any age. If your playground pack has pockets and compartments, decide what you will put where and always have these items in their regular spots. If it doesn’t have many compartments, use small, resealable bags to pack different categories together. Now you’ll just have to remember to replace everything – that extra shirt, empty hand sanitizer bottle or yummy snack that your children – or their chaperone – dirtied, used or ate all up. Try to get into the habit of reorganizing your pack when you get home from the playground and you’ll be ready to go again on short notice next time!