It’s vacation time! That means sun, surf and sand for many families with little ones. Beaches make a great family vacation full of fun memories and quality family time. If you’re vacationing with a baby at the beach this summer, be sure to pack more than just your camera and some sunscreen. Make sure these areas are covered before you head out to the seaside.
No-brainers
There are a few things you wouldn’t ever consider hitting the beach without. Unless you’ve been living under a rock you know you need sunscreen. For babies and young children, don’t just use the same stuff you’re putting on yourself. Little ones have sensitive skin and need not only high SPF protection but something that is formulated for their delicate skin. You may want to consider SPF clothing if your baby is particularly pale skinned or fusses when you try to apply sunblock. Also bring a hat.
Of course, you’ll also want to have not only regular diapers (whatever those may be to you, cloth or disposable) but also swim diapers. Swim diapers (reusable and disposable) are made specifically to absorb very little if any liquid. Now this means that while you won’t have a giant diaper filled with ocean water, they also don’t really hold urine. These are mostly to prevent your baby from pooping in the water. Just go with it, it’s easier than the giant saggy diaper.
Then there are the foods, snacks and water. You’ll of course make sure you have sippy cups or bottles for your baby to stay hydrated and then a variety of snacks that your little one is already eating. Pouches of pre-made baby food are going to be a life saver in this situation. With all of the sand around you, putting a spoon into a container is a recipe for disaster.
Oh yeah, plus this
Babies cannot handle as much exposure to the sun as adults. Bring a sun tent with you to let your little one get a break from the sun. It’s also a great place for them to nap protected from the elements.
Sand toys are a given with older kids, but babies like to play too. So bring a few simple shovels, buckets, or even small size cups for them to practice scooping, digging and pouring. You may even consider a very small, shallow inflatable pool for them to splish and splash around in.
Baby-ready beach checklist
- SPF 50+
- Cornstarch powder
- Swim diapers
- Reusable bags
- Snacks
- Baby food pouches
- Hat
- Sand toys
- Sun tent
- Mesh baby carrier
Wow, I never thought of that
There are a few things that are really convenient to have with you that you might not have considered. Cornstarch powder is the least likely thing you would bring to the beach on your own, but as it turns out, babies love to play in the sand (obviously) and the cornstarch powder will help remove the sand that has decided to cling to every tiny little crevice in their hands, feet and chubby baby rolls.
A mesh baby carrier is also great for getting your little one acquainted with the ocean. Safe and sound in your arms, but not waterlogged, there are carriers and slings made specifically to take your baby into the water with you. Just be sure the water isn’t too cold for your baby’s comfort.