Taking Your Infant to the Beach: 4 Essential Tips for First-Time Moms
Heading to the beach for the first time with your little one is an exciting adventure. With some careful planning and the right essentials, you can ensure a fun and safe day by the sea. Here are five must-have items for moms taking their infant to the beach:
1. Sun Protection
Let me tell you a story: Two weeks after my middle child was born, I decided to go to the beach. I kept him in the shade the entire weekend. I was so proud. The drive home from Ocean City, MD the sun was setting directly into the car at just the right angle that the car seat hood didn’t cover him. Well, an hour or so into the trip, I noticed. He was burnt on the right cheek! I was so bummed. In addition to remembering sun protection in the car, here are few ideas for when on the beach:
- Baby Sunscreen: This sunscreen is my favorite! It is a wide stick to use on their face and even apply on their whole body.
- Wide-Brimmed Hat: A hat with a wide brim can help protect your baby’s face, ears, and neck from direct sunlight. This one is my favorite one to give to new mommies!
- Goggle type sunglasses: Yes, the framed ones are so cute, but easy for baby to pull off. Be sure to take goggle type ones that protect all angles of your baby’s eyes from the sun and are comfortable. All my kiddos had the same pair passed down.
- UV-Blocking Swimwear: Finding a long sleeve and pants one with a front zipper is the easiest and most protected. This one comes with a hat!
2. Shade
Creating a shady spot for your baby to relax is essential. There are several options to consider:
- Beach Tent: A lightweight, pop-up beach tent can provide a cool and shaded area for your baby to nap and play. Finding one that pops up (without assembling a bunch of sandy poles) is awesome.
- Umbrella: A large beach umbrella can also offer ample shade, though it may not provide as much wind protection as a tent. The shibumi is my favorite as I can easily set it up independently (with one hand) while the other is holding my babe on my hip!
3. Hydration and Snacks
Keeping your baby hydrated and well-fed is crucial, especially in the heat. Bring plenty of fluids and snacks:
- Breast Milk or Formula: (Bring prepped formula bottles with premeasured scoops and water bottles. Keep breast milk in bottles in the cooler ready to go.)
- Water: For babies over six months, bring a sippy cup with water to keep them hydrated.
- Snacks: Lots and lots of snacks! Bring the whole box of goldfish. The whole box of cheerios. Your babe will be hungrier than normal and we know a hangry baby is hard to please. Also, utilizing the snack size bags helps to minimize sand getting in the big container.
4. Comfortable Seating and Play Area
Providing a comfortable and safe space for your baby to sit and play is essential for a pleasant beach experience:
- Beach Blanket: A large, waterproof beach blanket can provide a clean and comfortable surface for your baby to crawl and play on. Look for one that is easy to clean and quick to dry.
- Portable Baby Chair: A portable, foldable baby chair can be handy for feeding times and giving your arms a rest. Choose one that is stable and easy to transport.
- Pool: What? Why bring a pool? Try this makeshift idea. Grab a cheap shower curtain liner. Dig a small hole. Place the shower curtain liner in the hole. Carry a few loads of ocean water to the ‘pool’. Now your baby has a splash pad!
Final Tips
- Timing: Try to visit the beach early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the peak sun hours, crowds, and the hottest part of the day.
- Be gentle with yourself: Keep expectations and routines to a minimum. Being flexible with the trip will help you enjoy the day with your little one. Don’t forget to bring your own book to enjoy while your babe naps.
With these essentials in tow, you’ll be well-prepared for a fun and memorable beach day with your little one. Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf, and make wonderful memories together!
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