It is now late spring, and throughout the summer and early fall when you want to go on a picnic. It is true that with high temperatures, and taking into account the position of the sun, we must choose the place very well, prioritizing recreational areas with trees and good shade, or forests. And on the beach? You can also have a picnic, although in that case, I would choose to organize it at sunset.
Having a picnic outside is a great way to drink contact with the natural environment and get out of the routine. In addition, the little ones are given the freedom that all children need to experiment by running around, discovering, touching the ground, observing insects, or comparing the sizes of the stones. You just have to take a few precautions, and have a series of issues planned so that everything goes 'to order'.
An added advantage to those that I have counted and those that you can imagine is that far from the comforts, your children know how to adapt to a different situation, and perceive the benefits of eating on the grass or on the sand
Food
Only in the case of having a single child and that he is still breastfeeding on demand, and is less than six months old, you should not count on him when preparing food. In all other cases, these are the things you must remember when putting food in the basket:
- These tips on introduction of complementary feeding.
- All the allergies or intolerances (if any) of any member of the family.
- Prepare a cooler and (from 12 hours before) freezing accumulators to keep food in good condition.
- Disposable cutlery, plates and cups; paper napkins. You can also use reusable camping plates and glasses.
- Empty plastic bag to store waste.
- Bowls or containers to put small pieces of food within everyone's reach.
- Even if you only go to eat also think about the snack… Most of the time the activity is extended, nobody wants to leave and… the little ones will be hungry again.
What will I put to eat?
I can give you some ideas, and then you let your imagination fly: sandwiches, hard-boiled eggs, savory pie, nuts, well packaged cured cheese, some sausage, olives. They are also worth bread sticks without much salt, a well curdled tortilla, an empanada, ... and do not forget fruits that are resistant to transport them without being crushed: bananas, apples, not very ripe summer fruit (peaches, apricots), even chunky melon and watermelon in a lunch box. And even vegetables like carrots, cucumbers or tomatoes.
And if food is important (especially for children), the hydration It is essential, you must provide yourself with enough water so that everyone can drink when they need it. And if you want to include some homemade soda, try filling a bottle with water, add the juice of a lemon, sweeten with honey, shake vigorously, and let it cool.
Hygiene and protection
I am more concerned about the second than the first, because I think it would be ridiculous to pretend to go on a picnic and not want the children to get dirty, if you want you can bring wet wipes to clean your hands a little from time to time. When it comes to protection, don't forget about sunscreen, an insect repellent, and a small kit with gauze, disinfectant, plasters, ointment or similar for blows and the pain reliever you normally use. And, of course, if any member of the family takes any type of medication, include it as well.
Do not forget
Caps for everyone, sunglasses (if you have one), flashlight (if the picnic is near a cave and you want to go inside), replacement socks Because the temptation to put your feet in the river is impossible to resist, a resistant mat or tablecloth to make it difficult for sand or ants to get into the food. Swimsuits, towels and rubber shoes if you go to the beach.
Finally, if you are not going to a well covered place, avoid the middle hours of the day. And of course forget about games and toys, except with babies and very young children: with a bucket and a shovel it will be worth them whether they play with dirt or sand. In contact with Nature, ideas are activated to play without the need for objects. It remains for me to add that you must supervise the younger ones to avoid accidents and let the older ones (from 6/7) play freely, they will be happier.