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Heading to the beach with your little one can be a delightful experience, filled with sun, sand, and happy memories. However, ensuring your baby’s safety, comfort, and fun is crucial for a successful beach day. Here are some great must-have beach essentials for babies that every mom should consider packing for a fun and stress-free beach outing.
1. Sun Protection
Sunscreen: Choose a baby-friendly sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your baby’s delicate skin from harmful UV rays. Remember to reapply every few hours, especially after swimming. Most sunscreen can be used on babies 6 months+ so make sure you check the bottle before rubbing it on your baby! We love using natural mineral sunscreen on our baby’s sensitive skin. Our go-to baby sunscreen is Thinksport Kids Mineral Sunscreen which is broad spectrum, waterproof for 80 minutes, and doesn’t have any kind of chemical scent. It’s a must-have in our book.
Sunhat: A wide-brimmed sunhat will shield your baby’s face, neck, and ears from direct sunlight. Baby hair is so fine and their scalps are so sensitive so it’s vital to protect their little head from the sun! Try this adorable wide-brim beach hat with a bow or for a less feminine option, try this sun protection swim hat. You can’t go wrong either way.
Sunglasses: Opt for baby sunglasses with UV protection to safeguard their eyes from the sun’s glare. Some babies may not like sunglasses so just try your best! We chose these sunglasses that have straps on the back so they stay on our baby’s head better!
2. Swimwear and Cover-ups
Swimsuit or Rash Guard: Dress your baby in a comfortable swimsuit or a rash guard with UPF protection to keep their skin safe while they enjoy the water. I would strongly recommend a long-sleeved swimsuit or rash guard to protect your baby from the sun’s harmful rays. Even though regular swimsuits and trunks are so adorable, it’s best to cover them up as much as you can! Thankfully you can still find adorable long-sleeved suits and rash guard options like these: Infant Baby Girls Long-sleeved Swimsuit or Baby Boy One Piece Zipper Rash Guard.
Swim Diapers: Pack reusable or disposable swim diapers to prevent any accidents in the water. For the pool, we use reusable swim diapers but most of the time for the beach we use disposable ones just because of all the sand!
TIP: Another parent gave me a game-changing tip for the beach that I want to share! Wear a normal diaper OVER your baby’s swim diaper on the way there so it catches any pee while you’re en route. Then, take it off when you reach the beach! Isn’t that one of the best baby tips you’ve ever heard?
Cover-up or Lightweight Clothing: Have a cover-up or lightweight clothing handy to keep your baby warm and protected when they’re out of the water. Try a zipper hoodie swimsuit cover-up or a hooded towel swimsuit cover-up to kill two birds with one stone!
3. Shade and Shelter
Beach Tent or Umbrella: Set up a beach tent or umbrella to create a shaded area where your baby can rest and play away from direct sunlight. We all know the sun is tiring even for us adults and there are times when we crave the shade on a sunny beach day – imagine for babies! It’s so important to have a shaded option for your little one.
Baby Dome or Playpen: Consider bringing a baby dome or playpen for naps or safe playtime on the beach which can also double to be used for some time out of the sun.
A Small Pool: If you have anxiety about the ocean and waves, bring along a baby mini pool and tent! You can set it up in the sand, put some ocean water in it, and voila, your baby can enjoy the ocean in a safer way!
4. Hydration and Snacks
Water and Sippy Cup: Keep your baby hydrated by offering water in a sippy cup throughout the day. Try an insulated one to keep it cold all day! Avoid sugary drinks or juices.
Healthy Snacks: Pack easy-to-eat snacks if your baby is old enough like cut fruits, crackers, or small sandwiches to keep your baby fueled and satisfied.
5. Beach Toys and Entertainment
Sand Toys: Bring along age-appropriate sand toys for your baby to enjoy digging and building sandcastles. Try this 12 pcs Collapsible Sand Bucket with Toys which makes storage easy.
Beach Books or Toys: Keep your baby entertained with beach-themed books, floating toys, or a beach ball for gentle play in the water. This Beach Baby Book is perfect for your beach adventure and is rip-proof, chew-proof, non-toxic, and waterproof!
6. First Aid Kit
Basic First Aid Supplies: Pack a small first aid kit with essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and baby-safe insect repellent. We love the Babyganics Insect Repellent which works surprisingly well and is made with plants and essential oils. Just like with sunscreen, usually, babies have to be at least 6 months old to wear bug spray so please do your research beforehand!
Baby Powder: Carry baby powder to help remove sand easily from your baby’s skin before leaving the beach. This is a lifesaving hack for parents with kids of all ages! Believe me when I say to carry baby powder!
7. Extra Essentials
Changing Essentials: Bring a portable changing pad, diapers, wipes, and a sealable bag for easy diaper changes on the go. Basically a simplified diaper bag.
Towels and Blankets: Pack extra towels and blankets for drying off your baby or creating a comfortable spot for them to relax.
By packing these essential items, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable beach day with your little one. Remember to stay vigilant about sun protection, hydration, and your baby’s comfort to make the most of your beach adventures together. Enjoy making sandcastles, splashing in the waves, and creating cherished beach memories with your baby!
Are there any baby beach essentials you can’t live without? I would love to hear them!
XOXO,
Katie
