The waves, the beach, and the sea are a mantra that can heal our minds in a glance. Sun and fun are inseparable so, none of us want to miss a trip to the beach. Parenting is the most exciting and joyful job in the world. Still, it can be exhausting.
If you are dreaming of a getaway from the monotonous parenting life this summer, the beach is the ideal destination to freshen up your soul. But, you have a new little travel buddy now. Is your baby ready to have fun on the beach yet?
This is a problem that many of the parents face in planning their vacations. Your newborn might not have been exposed to direct sunlight yet. Most of the beaches are crowded and will look like a breeding ground for germs. Then there is the sand that you do not want your baby to put into his mouth.
Will it ever be safe to take the baby to the beach? Yes. You can enjoy a memorable trip to the beach if you follow these safety tips right. Keep reading to know when your baby is ready to go to the beach, how to dress your baby to face the sunlight and many more beach safety tips.
CONTENT
1. When can I take my baby to the beach?
2. What equipment will I need if I am taking my baby to the beach?
3. What should my baby wear to the beach?
1. When can I take my baby to the beach?
The beach is fun when there is the sun. But it is not fun for your baby if there is strong sun out on the beach. Your baby’s delicate skin can get burnt even when it is not sunny. It is possible to go to the beach with your baby and enjoy a warm day but, you have to be careful.
It is not recommended to expose babies under six months to direct sunlight. If you are going to take a young baby to the beach, dress her appropriately, and stay in the shade without going to the sun. Older babies and toddlers can play under mild sunlight. But, you have to keep them under a shade in the period between 11 am to 3 pm. These are the hottest hours of the day, and you do not want your toddler to burn in the strong sunlight while playing.
2. What equipment will I need if I am taking my baby to the beach?
A trip to the beach with the baby is going to be heavy as it is with all the trips with the baby. Here is a list of things you must consider taking to the beach.
- Towels. Take as much as possible. Toddlers and older babies will get wet and sandy before you sit on the beach.
- A shade like a UV sun tent or an umbrella. You will need shade at the beach it is sunny or not.
- A windbreak. A windbreak will come in handy to provide privacy for you your family. It will also protect you from the wind. If you are at the beach with an adventurous baby or a toddler, the windbreaker will keep them from wandering away from your sight.
- A picnic blanket. Although the primary use of picnic blankets is for sitting on, they will help protect babies and toddlers from the sand. Some babies do not like how the sand feels on their bodies and cry out every time sand touches them. Some babies get fascinated by sand and put them in the mouth. A big picnic blanket can keep both of these types of babies happy and safe.
- A fitted sheet is an alternative to a picnic blanket. Spread it on the beach and keep some goods around the edges. Your baby will have a safe surface to play on without sand nearby.
- A cool box to pack plenty of water and food. Babies and toddlers will get hungry fast when they are in the fresh air of the beach. Make sure you pack lots of snacks and drinks to keep your baby full and hydrated.
- Sunscreen. You have to buy sunscreen suitable for your baby to avoid unnecessary health problems.
- Feeding equipment such as bottles, formula, or pumping accessories
- First-aid kit
- Armbands, rubber rings, or a float suit.
- A Bucket, spade, and beach ball to play with the sand.
- A camera to capture the playful memories at the beach
3. What should my baby wear to the beach?
If your older baby or toddler is moving around by themselves, dress them with a long sleeve top made of light fabric even if you have already put sunscreen on them. A UV suit is also a worthy investment if you are going to beaches regularly.
Put on a sun hat and a pair of shades to prevent sunlight from falling on their face and eyes. The beach shoes or jelly shoes are also necessary to keep their feet safe from the hot sand of the beach as well as the pieces of rocks and glasses.
You will need to pack the following too.
- Several sets of swimwear if you have already purchased them. Babies and toddlers love to get in and out of the water. But, they hate putting on wet swimwear. You do not want to handle a tantrum at the beach. So, it is better to go prepared.
- A sun hat with a broad brim or is a legionnaire style cap with a flap on the back to protect the baby’s neck from sunlight.
- Few long-sleeved T-shirts, leggings, trousers, sweatshirts, socks, and shoes. Babies and toddlers can start to feel cold quickly after being in the sea. It happens often in cooler climates, and they will need to be dressed warmly.
