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. Luckily, having a baby doesn’t mean you can’t visit! However, it does mean you will be taking a few extra things and planning a little more in advance. Follow our top 10 tips for taking baby to the beach (they’re mom-tested!).
Beach Bag Essentials
First things first, you need to pack your beach bag with all the essentials. You don’t want to get to the beach and not enjoy your time, so planning ahead is essential. First off, take everything you normally have in your diaper bag that you regularly use BUT leave the diaper bag at home. You don’t want your diaper bag picking up sand and dirt, so trade it in for a big beach bag. Put your diapers and anything else you don’t want accidentally getting wet in reusable, waterproof bags (like Ziplocs). Make sure to add sunscreen, extra snacks, sunglasses, baby powder (if not already there), and a hat.
Have the Best Beach Day Ever with these Tips for Taking Baby to the Beach
1. Bring a beach umbrella.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that babies who are six months old and younger must be sheltered from exposure to the sun to prevent sunburns. Infants can’t regulate their body heat like grownups. Babies need to stay cool and a beach umbrella is the best way to beat the heat. Bonus it keeps the whole family cool.
If you’re going to be spending the whole day or more than one day at the beach, it’s worth investing in a good beach umbrella. We love this one from EasyGo. It’s eight feet wide and comes with its own sand anchor and carrying case.
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, having a play area for them is a must. Buying a baby inflatable pool is an easy answer for a pack-n-play. It’s also a great way to let them play in the water without worrying about sea creatures or waves. We love this one from SunSmart which includes a removable sunshade and toys.
3. Bring a pop-up tent if you’re staying at the beach through nap time.
Not only will a pop-up tent provide extra shade but it will also give 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, make sure you follow our next tip.
4. Bring a portable fan.
This is a lifesaver, preventing the inevitable heat-induced meltdown. It also will allow air into the tent to keep your baby cool during their nap. Make sure you find one for outdoor use or camping, like this one on Amazon.
5. Carry everything in a collapsible utility wagon.
If you don’t already own a collapsible wagon, do yourself a favor and buy one! They are a great investment for anyone with children of any age. They also are built for outdoor settings and will make your walk to the beach from the car/hotel so much easier. We love our Ozark Trail wagon.
6. Bring a cooler that has wheels.
If you’re going to be at the beach all day, you’ll need drinks, snacks, and lunch. Bring a cooler that makes it easier to move. We love our Coleman cooler and it has cup holders on the lid. Pro tip: freeze bottles of water prior to going to the beach, they will help keep everything cold and melt slower than the ice.
7. Pick the appropriate swimwear.
Babies need extra protection because of their sensitive skin. Putting on sunscreen isn’t enough. Babies need hats, sunglasses, and full coverage swimsuits that have SPF built-in. 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 about baby beach gear here that I recommend you check out!
8. Be smart and practice swim safety.
The ocean 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 safe swimming, you can take your baby in without fear. If you use a baby float, do not let go of it. Always keep one hand on the float at all times.
If the area is known for jellyfish, it’s best to just use a pail and bring water to the baby.
Also, babies may hold their breath automatically but they are also just as likely to swallow water. Don’t dunk your baby!
9. Bring but leave extra towels in the car.
Once your day is done, having towels that aren’t covered in sand is “chef’s kiss” as they say. This way you can use your beach towels to knock off all the sand, then go back to the car and wrap up in your clean towels to finish drying off.
10. Bring baby powder and leave the sand at the beach.
My aunt who has 4 kids (and always had a gaggle of others along with her as well) always brought baby powder to the beach. Now it is my top beach hack for moms as well! If you apply a generous amount of baby powder, it takes 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 hands before reaching into coolers or bags.
With these tips for taking baby to the beach, there is nothing to fear! Just be prepared and it’ll be a great trip. Now get out there and enjoy your summer!
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