Traveling With Baby, What To Bring To The Beach

Headed to the beach with baby? You’ve come to the right place. Congratulations on your new bundle of joy, (and for being smart enough to do your research ahead of time)! Little ones can be a handful and if you haven’t ventured to the beach with yours yet, you don’t want to show up unprepared.

Having the right stuff can make a beach trip with baby feel a lot less like you’re just “surviving”, and get you one step closer to that distant memory of what a vacation used to feel like. This handy check list includes all the essentials you don’t want to forget, trust me.

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CONTAIN YOUR CRAWLER

Containing your crawler so they can’t venture off is key, unless you really love playing chase or hide-and-go-seek. To travel light you can simply use a fitted sheet to create a make shift pen. Pull up the sides of a fitted sheet’s elastic corners and secure them on your bags and other cargo (see image below). If your crawler is really up to speed and needs something more secure, a pop-up crib, travel play pen, or inflatable kiddie pool will work well too! Or if you’re feeling energetic (go you Mom and Dad!), some parents swear by digging a shallow pit and lining it with either a plastic tarp for a water-filled play zone, or a sheet or towel for a dry and sand-free experience.

PACK EXTRA EVERYTHING

In the event of blowouts and other disasters, bringing an extra towel or two, as well as an extra set of clothes and spare swimsuit (more advice on that below), can really save the day. Sunscreen is also an essential, and it’s safe to say bringing an extra one can’t hurt in case your baby decides to turn it into a squirt gun.

Find out which sunscreens are the safest by visiting EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens.

GET THE RIGHT GEAR

Whenever your little one decides to bolt towards the water (and they will!) brightly colored swimsuits and clothes will help you spot your runaway crawler no matter how crowded the beach is. Choose lightweight fabrics like linen, and keep as much as their skin covered as you comfortably can. And don’t forget a hat to protect their cute little eyes.

TOYS > SAND

Distract your baby from eating sand (another one of their favorite beach habits) or stirring up mischief by bringing plenty of toys. But don’t worry about investing in dozens of expensive beach toys. A shovel and bucket can do just fine for hours of entertainment! To reduce plastic waste try upcycling things you have around the house to invent new ways to have fun in the sun.

Photo Credit: Sandy Toes And Popsicles

FREEZE IT OR LEAVE IT

Help baby stay hydrated and keep milk, water, and snack pouches cold for longer by freezing them the night before. Frozen teething rings can also be used as ice packs and are great for soothing baby’s emerging teeth. If your baby is a messy eater (which most are) bring snacks that create less mess, like dry cereals, freeze-dried fruits, or bite size veggies.

IT PAYS TO SPRAY

Spray bottles are great at helping to remove sand from their delicate skin before diaper changes and can help keep them occupied (in between their sand meals). Ones with built in foam fans are super handy for cooling down your baby, whose body is still learning to regulate it’s temperature.

THROW IN SOME SHADE

The last thing you want is a sunburned baby. Tents and umbrellas can help keep your baby cool and shady. Babies skin is delicate, and hasn’t spent much time in the sun. Although some sunscreens do a good job at preventing most UV rays from burning adult skin, babies need additional protection.

MUSIC FOR YOUR EARS

Never forget the tunes. Music can help calm baby down and keep them entertained so your trip to the beach can be relaxing- for both of you!

Now get out there and have some fun, all of you deserve it!