It’s summer, which means sun, fun and beach life! The beach is just one of those special places where you can forget your worries and relax. Fortunately, having a baby doesn’t mean you can’t visit! However, this means that you have to take a few extra things with you and plan a little more in advance. Follow our top 10 tips for getting babies to the beach (they’re mom tested!).
Beach bag essentials
First things first, you need to pack your beach bag with all your essentials. You don’t want to go to the beach and enjoy your time, so planning ahead is essential. First, take everything you normally have in your diaper bag that you use regularly BUT leave the diaper bag at home. You don’t want your diaper bag to hold sand and dirt, so trade it in for a large beach bag. Put your diapers and anything else you don’t want to accidentally get wet in reusable, waterproof bags (like ziplocs). Make sure you add sunscreen, extra snacks, sunglasses, baby powder (if you haven’t already), and a hat.
Have the best beach day ever using these tips to get your baby to the beach
1. Bring an umbrella.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends protecting babies six months and younger from sun exposure to prevent sunburn. Infants cannot regulate their body heat like adults. Babies need to stay cool, and an umbrella is the best way to beat the heat. Bonus, it keeps the whole family cool.
If you want to spend the whole day or more than one day on the beach, it is worth investing in a good parasol. We love this one from EasyGo. It is eight feet wide and comes with its own sand anchor and carrying bag.
2. Bring an inflatable pool to give the baby a sand-free place to play.
Sand is often very hot, and if your baby has just started crawling, a playground is a must for them. Buying an inflatable baby pool is an easy answer to a pack-n-play. It’s also a great way to let them play in the water without worrying about marine life or waves. We love this one from SunSmart which includes a detachable umbrella and toys.
3. Bring a pop-up tent if you stay on the beach during your midday nap.
Not only does a pop-up tent provide extra shade, it also gives your baby the seclusion they need to fall asleep. We love this one from Amazon because it’s lightweight but also has UV protection, but you can also check out all of our favorites here. If you bring a tent, be sure to check out our next tip.
4th Bring a portable fan.
This is a lifesaver that prevents the inevitable heat-induced meltdown. It also lets air into the tent to keep your baby cool while napping. Make sure you find one for outdoors or camping like this one on Amazon.
5. Carry everything in a collapsible suit.
If you don’t already own a folding cart, do yourself a favor and buy one! They are a great investment for anyone with children of all ages. They’re great for outdoors too and make your walk from the car / hotel to the beach so much easier. We love our Ozark Trail cart.
6th Bring a cooler with wheels.
If you are on the beach all day, you will need drinks, snacks, and lunch. Bring a cool box that will make it easier to transport. We love our Coleman cooler and it has cup holders on the lid. Pro tip: freeze bottles of water before you go to the beach, they keep everything cold and melt slower than the ice.
7th Choose the right swimwear.
Babies need extra protection because of their sensitive skin. Applying sunscreen is not enough. Babies need hats, sunglasses and swimsuits with an integrated sun protection factor. We love these one-piece suits from uidezone, which come in a variety of colors and patterns. Make sure you invest in a waterproof, heat resistant, and SPF hat. Check out this one from Amazon.
We have a whole article on baby beach gear here that I recommend for you!
8th. Be smart and practice swimming safety.
The sea is nothing like a pool or even a river. Currents, wildlife, and other people make it a dangerous place for babies. However, if you practice swimming safely, you can pick up your baby without fear. If you’re using a baby swimmer, don’t let go of it. Always keep one hand on the float.
If the area is known for jellyfish, it is best to just use a bucket and bring water to the baby.
Babies can also hold their breath automatically, but they are just as likely to swallow water. Don’t immerse your baby!
9. Bring but leave extra towels in the car.
When the day is over, towels that are not covered with sand are “cook’s kiss”, as they say. That way, you can pat off all the sand with your beach towels, then go back to the car and wrap yourself in your clean towels to complete the drying process.
10. Bring baby powder and leave the sand on the beach.
My aunt, who has 4 children (and always had a bunch of others with her) always brought baby powder to the beach. Now it’s my top beach hack for moms too! If you apply a generous amount of baby powder, it will take the sand with it as you wipe it off. We do this at the end of the day, but it’s a great way to clean your hands before reaching into cool boxes or bags.
With these tips for taking the baby to the beach, there’s nothing to worry about! Just be prepared and it will be a great trip. Now go out and enjoy your summer!
You may also like:
OUR FAVORITE SUMMER BABY EQUIPMENT: BABY RASH GUARDS, SUNGLASSES AND MORE!
THE BEST BABY BEACH TENT FOR THE SUMMER! EDITION 2021
POOL SAFETY FOR TODDLERS [IMPORTANT TIPS TO KNOW THIS SUMMER!]
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