Happy Independence Day! This year, the 4th of July falls on Wednesday, and we personally love the idea of a midweek pause to celebrate all things patriotic. Family, friends, and fireworks = FUN with a capital F! But before you go out and watch the sparklers fly, here are some easy tips for maximizing the fun.

SAFETY FIRST

Remember those earplugs! Invest in ear protection for the entire family and your future self will thank you. Believe it or not, hearing damage can occur instantly from sudden loud noises like fireworks. Per the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, noise from exploding fireworks can reach as high as 155 decibels, and the closer you are to the source of the blast, the higher your risk for immediate and sudden hearing loss. Younger ears are especially at risk. 500 feet is considered a safe distance, so plan accordingly. For kids under the age of 7, they recommend covering up with ear muffs. Fireworks can be scary for little ones, so try to prepare them ahead of time to anticipate the booms. I’ll never forget the first time my son watched fireworks at a little over a year old. Once he got over the initial fear (which was still there despite lots of talking and warnings beforehand), he delightedly exclaimed, “It looks like broccoli!” He wasn’t wrong, and we chuckle over it to this day.

FESTIVE FOOD

Whether you’re hosting or attending a summer celebration, there are lots of quick and easy ways to add red, white, and blue flair to party fare. Have fun with healthy desserts and involve the kids, too (they’ll love decorating with fruit!). You can make lots of flag-inspired treats using berries, yogurt, ice cream and coconut. Need ideas? Start with a store-bought cheesecake, white cake, or ice cream cake, then get creative with blueberries, sliced strawberries, and raspberries. You can make a flag design or just alternate red and blue. And you don’t need to get too fancy, either. A berries-only fruit salad served alongside homemade whipped cream or vanilla ice cream is the perfect refreshing treat. We’re ALL about light and easy in the summer!

PATRIOTIC THREADS

There’s no need to invest in special, themed baby outfits for the Fourth of July, unless you want to (in our household, that kind of apparel is almost always a one-time use deal). Another way to dress for the occasion is by paying homage to the colors of the American flag with cute, classic pieces that work all summer long. From red and white stripes and sailor-inspired tees to blue and white gingham, our mBaby™ collection is currently on sale — and perfectly on trend! Keep it classic, add in pops of blue and red, and you have the perfect patriotic look.

SITEWIDE SALE

Speaking of sales, be sure to shop our 4th of July sale on Munchkin.com! Now through Friday, enjoy $10 or $20 off your order, depending on how many goodies you find. Nothing’s excluded, and thanks to the holiday, there’s no better reason to declare independence from paying full price.

GO 4TH AND HAVE FUN

Given the ultimate Independence Day trifecta of BBQ, fireworks, and sun, we predict plenty of family fun ahead. No plans? Pack a picnic and head to the nearest fireworks display for an easy, breezy Fourth. Have fun and be safe!

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