There’s nothing quite like a day at the beach. It’s a chance to soak up the sunshine, play in the surf, and build castles in the sand. For parents of a baby, a trip to the beach may not be as simple as it was pre-baby. Suddenly there are all kinds of considerations you need to take and items to pack. The last thing you want to do is show up at the beach and realise you’ve forgotten to pack essentials, or didn’t even think of them to start with.
We’re going to take a look at how to plan for your baby’s first trip to the beach. Whether you’re going for a day trip or a holiday at the beach, these tips will be incredibly helpful.
Sun Protection Is the Most Important Item
Parents are used to travelling with all kinds of items when they have a baby, but none are as important as sun protection. Because your little one’s skin is so sensitive, you have to assume they will be especially prone to sunburn. Depending on the age of your baby, you will want to pack good-quality sunscreen meant for children. Look for one that is meant for sensitive skin and doesn’t have added fragrance. It should also be a minimum of SPF50, and waterproof or water resistant.
While important, sunscreen isn’t the only item in this category. You will also want to pack a sun hat and protective clothing. Many of today’s bathing suits have built-in sun protection. Look for UV-protective clothing that has at least UPF50. Long-sleeved swim shirts, also called rash guards, will protect their exposed skin best.
Finally, it’s wise to pack a large sun umbrella. Be sure it's designed for beach use, allowing you to secure it in the sand.
Nappy Bag Basics Will Be Needed
Just as you pack a nappy bag when leaving the house to visit or run errands, those same items will be needed at the beach. Where things may differ is the types of snacks and bottles you pack. Plastic items will be much smarter than glass at the beach.
The nappy bag basics you’ll need to pack include:
- Nappies
- Swimming nappies
- Wipes
- Bottle(s)
- Formula
- Snacks
- Bibs
- Towels
If you don’t have an insulated nappy bag or beach bag, now is the time to pick one up. Ideally, it should be both insulated and waterproof. You can then throw some ice packs in the bag to keep snacks and pre-made bottles cool.
Comfy Seating for All
There’s nothing wrong with sitting in the sand and enjoying the full vibe of the beach, but chances are you’ll want something a bit more comfy. Items like an oversized beach blanket and beach chairs will make a huge difference. If you’ve got a large beach blanket it also allows your little one to play, roll around, and have space without getting all sandy.
Water Floaties Can Be a Huge Helper
You can't spend time at the beach without getting in the water, so again, it takes a little planning when you have a baby. Because you can never be too careful, make sure you've got a properly fitting lifejacket for your baby. This should be put on anytime you are near or in the water. You may also want to bring some fun inflatable floaties such as an air mattress, a ring, or inflatable floats designed for babies. Some of the baby-friendly floaties have sun shades on them, which will do a great job of protecting them while in the water.
Toys Will Keep Your Little One Happy and Entertained
The beach is stunning, and there’s no doubt you could watch the waves lap along the shoreline for hours, but that’s not the case for babies. You’re going to need to pack items that keep them happy and entertained. Just remember that anything you take will be prone to getting sand in it. This will likely affect what you pack. Sand toys are probably the safest and most convenient toys to pack. Since they are inexpensive, you won’t have to worry much if they break or get lost. Forgetting them wouldn’t be a big deal either!
Clean, Comfy Clothes to Go Home In
The final item to pack is lightweight, clean, and comfortable clothes that they can head home in. Chances are they will be wet, sandy, and sticky in their beach clothing, which isn’t ideal for the trip home. Packing a short-sleeved body suit and lightweight pull-on pants ensures comfort while preventing overheating. Choose fabrics like cotton or bamboo, as these will feel soft and breathable against their skin.
These Tips are a Recipe for Success at the Beach
Following all of these tips means you’ll be set up for success on your baby’s first visit to the beach. The beach is a fabulous activity for all ages. There’s no need to skip it out of fear your little one is too young to enjoy it safely. Why not start your family beach memories from an early age?