It’s almost summer time, and that means that it’s almost time to make a few trips to the beach with your family! I wanted to give a few tips and a few important beach day essentials for your baby/toddler! All of this will help you to have a more fun, and a far easier beach day – you’ll want to have so many more!
Sun Coverage
I remember last year when my daughter was 6 months old, we took her to the beach, but I didn’t realize until we had set up our chairs that she needed more coverage. I didn’t want to overheat her in anyway by putting pants and long-sleeves on, and relying on her sun hat to stay on her head wasn’t realistic. That little girl would remove any hat on her head immediately.
One of the biggest things I needed was a little tent for the beach. It was such an incredible thing to buy! It folds away so nicely and is big enough for both you and your baby to be inside. (I’ve seen some tents where only the child fits, but when I needed to breastfeed, or change her diaper, I couldn’t see myself squeezing in with her). It’s also a nice spot for multiple kids to spend time in when they don’t want to be directly in the sun.
It’s also great for nap time and privacy when changing your little one!
In terms of sunblock, I’m that crunchy mom who doesn’t love all the odd ingredients in the sunscreen you’d buy at the drug mart. These are a few natural sunscreens I feel better about putting on my little one:
Seating
In terms of seating, I totally stand by this product. My sister introduced me to it since she is constantly traveling with her little one. It’s a compact baby chair that you can strap your little one into and put a little table on so they can eat. It’s a perfect seat to have tucked into the little beach tent while they’re enjoying snack time.
For moms, I would honestly recommend getting a low beach chair. There were so many things I needed around me, in her bag, on the ground, or even just picking her up and putting her down. Having a tall chair made it harder to put things down or deal with. If your chair is low, you can put your things down on the floor around you and grab it again. This is especially helpful when changing your baby or toddler and don’t want to be on your hands and knees.
Beach Attire
A hat that straps around your baby’s face is a must. Especially since it can get a little windy by the water, it’s helpful to ensure it stays on. Those grabby hands will also try and take the hat off if they can!
In terms of bathing suits, if you’re worried about sun exposure, feel free to grab a swimsuit that has sleeves. You don’t want to completely cover your baby, as we should always be aware of overheating, but a little cover is helpful for that sensitive skin!
Sand can get quite hot, and our little ones don’t really know what to do in those situations a part from crying if it’s too hot! I like to grab a nice pair of water shoes for my little one to walk in the sand freely (if they’re walking) and to not hurt their little feet when they wade in the water. We live on the lake, and the shallow part of the water is super rocky, so having water shoes makes it easier for her.
Reusable water diapers are a must! Normal diapers puff up like crazy and can be uncomfortable for your little one, and not having any diaper on them can cause sand burns or rashes in their private areas. Ensure having well fitted water diapers so your kid can have the most fun.
Transportation & Storage
Mama, THIS PRODUCT is exactly what you’ll need for a seamless beach day. I only have one kid (so far), so I couldn’t yet imagine the chaos that might ensue when packing and unpacking on the beach! I used to only use her stroller and think that was enough, but I was sorely wrong. I needed absolutely more space and having the stroller was just an added thing that I didn’t need. Not only that, but us parents carrying everything isn’t the most convenient task! This wagon seats four kiddos while also giving you space to pack up all the things you need for your beach day!
I would also recommend a folding cooler. I’ve had mine for three years now and it still works well! It helps to have something to put away easily at home.
I would also recommend this beach bag to bring along. It’s large enough to fit all the things you need for little baby: towels, diapers, wipes, bottles, change of clothes, bathing suit, etc. You should even be able to fit your own change of clothes in here! Having ONE bag is essential. Please don’t go juggling a purse, a diaper bag, and a beach bag. Get yourself something that holds it ALL! For your sanity!
Entertainment
I’m that mom who doesn’t have screen time for her daughter (nor will I ever buy her an iPad until maybe she’s 18). If I could be honest, mama, please don’t bring any technology when at the beach. Your little ones should be able to enjoy the beach without feeling the need to have their iPad. Here are some things you can bring along to keep your kids entertained while still enjoying the beach!
- PLAY WITH YOU KIDS! It’s honestly no-fun being at the beach when your parents leave you be by yourself and take a nap or read a book. It’s a family beach day, which means it should be something everyone does together. I encourage you to be intentional on this day to play with your kids and swim with them so they love the beach.
- THE CLASSIC SANDCASTLES. You can never go wrong with playing in the sand and making castles. Be sure to have the write tools for your kids to maximize their fun!
- SAFE FLOATERS FOR BABIES. I used a floater for my daughter but I wasn’t a huge fan of it. Those chunky legs were just too chunky for it. I’d recommend this one for your little ones! Easy to install, easy to use, and allows you to be hands free in the water.
- WATER GUNS. These are super fun, but I’d encourage you to know your children before buying these! If you imagine your child spraying others on the beach, perhaps opt out.
- BALLS. Getting some beach balls or even a volleyball can add to the fun your kids would have in the water! Getting some balls can also give your kids the chance to have fun outside of the water as well.
Nap Time
If for any reason you’re deciding to stay the full day at the beach, remember to prioritize nap times when needed. The best thing to do is to come as prepared as possible. I recommended that tent, which would help so much to give your child a space to take their nap. I would also suggest you buy a small fan to keep on while your little one sleeps. And perhaps a small portable mattress as well to help them feel more comfortable.
Hoping you and your family have wonderful beach days this summer!
