The beach can be that one moment you were looking forward to; to finally relax, kick back, finish your novel and get a good tan. It is also a moment to reconnect with nature, dip your feet in the sand and go for a swim. While all these sound like fun to do with your family, it can be a bit of a nightmare without the right planning especially if you have a baby. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. With these fifteen beach essentials for babies to add to your bag as you head out to the beach, you will have a blast.
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1. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen!
Exposure to too much of the sun can cause nasty sunburns in adults and even more so in babies who have tender and delicate skins. To protect your baby, carefully choose your sunscreen. You want a product that’ll protect the baby without too much exposure to the chemicals used in the production process. Pick something that is more organic-based and with SPF of not less than fifteen (SPF 15). Some sunscreen you can try include:
- Neutrogena pure SPF 50.
- Babyganics mineral-based sunscreen SPF 50.
- Coola mineral sunscreen (with Shea butter and coconut oil) SPF 50.
2. Swim Diapers
Swim diapers are one beach essentials for babies you don’t want to miss. Helping your baby learn to swim for the first time is one of the sweetest things, but having other kids move away because of his poo, not so much. That’s where swim diapers come in, they are designed to hold the poo and prevent it from seeping out. They can be reusable or disposable, whatever works for you and the baby is fine.
3. Hats and Arm Bands
As your baby explores the beach and plays around, he or she should be well protected despite the sunscreen. The baby should have a hat that covers the neck and head from the scorching sun. They should also have armbands or long sleeves that protect the arms as well.
4. Towels and a change of clothes
As soon as the baby is out of the water, have a dry towel ready in hand to dry them out. Get a fresh set of clothing for the baby to change into to feel dry and refreshed.
5. Baby carrier and a waterproof blanket
This can come in handy when the baby needs a little nap. You can choose a baby carrier comfortable for you or allow the baby to rest on the water-proof blanket. The blanket is a perfect fit for the occasion because it is waterproof. Whatever eventually gets spilled on it can be wiped off to still allow the baby to have fun on it. Both the baby carrier and waterproof blanket should be part of beach essentials for babies you take along with you to the beach.
6. Beach umbrellas and tent
Although it is fun to let the baby mingle with the rest of the toddlers and just hang out, have your own tent or umbrella to provide shade. Your tent can be simple like a Pop-up tent, just something to give the baby a break from being in the sun too long. It will also give you an opportunity to reapply the baby’s sunscreen.
7. An extra tote
You may think you are packed but you need to reach back again and grab an extra bag. This will help to hold everything that gets messed up, wet or sandy in a separate bag from the dry clothes. You could also use it to store your reusable swim diapers.
8. Beach wagon or stroller
You need a single place to keep all your stuff; these include the bag with the dry clothes and the tote holding the wet things to your umbrella and tent essentials. These need to be together in a wagon to ease your organization process and to keep it all sand-free.
9. Beach toys
It will be a sour day at the beach if you forget your baby’s or toddler’s beach toys! These must definitely come along. It will allow you to settle down and relax while the little ones get busy building sandcastles. Some toys to throw in as you organize are:
- Shovels
- Buckets
- Sandcastle molds
- A favorite toy (favorably something that can be easily washed)
10. Shoes for the occasion
The beach can get very hot in the afternoon with the sand and the little pebbles heating up in the midday sun. It will save the baby and toddler from unnecessary discomfort to pack a comfortable pair of slippers they can use on the sand and in the water to walk around.
11. Hygiene products
While they play around, swim and have fun, you also want to ensure that your baby is safe. Therefore, when you pack that beach bag, ensure it contains:
- Wipers
- Soap
- Sanitizers
- Paper towels
- A mild antiseptic (in the event of an injury)
12. Pack a Snack
After a little splash in the water, your toddler will need some refueling. You need to get a small, portable cooler to come with you on the beach. It should contain some crackers, bananas, some juice or milk, baby food, cereal or oatmeal.
13. Swimsuits
Your baby needs a swim gear that allows him or her free movement in the water while also shielding them from the sun. You should get full swimsuits for babies who are learning the basics of swimming to keep them protected. There is a variety you can choose from, go with what will ensure that the baby is comfortable.
14. Baby products
The objective of taking a baby to the beach to give him or her an eye-opening, fun and memorable experience. To achieve that, you must pack everything that may be needed by the child on this outing. Ensure your diaper bag contains:
- Baby powder
- Disposable utensils
- Extra diapers
- Sippy bottles and cups
- Also, pack disposable bags to store any garbage along the way.
- Spray bottles
- Floaties
15. Portable fans
This will help keep your baby feeling cool when the day warms up. The fans could even be a great help to you also as you hold the baby while enjoying the beach and a quick snack.
What age can I take my baby to the beach?
In general, it is safe to bring a baby to the beach at any age, although younger babies should be given special attention. Because of their delicate skin’s increased susceptibility to sunburn, it’s crucial to keep them in the shade and covered. Additionally, speak with your baby’s pediatrician for advice specific to their age and condition.
There you have it – 15 useful beach essentials for babies. It is time to start planning to go to the beach ad relax.
