Yes! You CAN Go To The Beach With a Baby
It’s 4th of July week and if your holiday festivities usually mean you’re beach bound (jealous!) but this year you’ve got a new baby and you’re worried about taking them on the beach, don’t! The salty air, sunshine and sand are totally do-able with a little one. With the proper supplies and planning you’re good to enjoy the best things the beach has to offer, stress free! Well, unless it rains…
Use a Canopy
Grab a baby pen that doubles as a canopy. The wide, tent-style sun coverage will keep UV rays out of baby’s way better than the beach stand umbrellas, and if little one needs to nap, the enclosure is a perfect place for making sure frisbees, sand and water don’t come baby’s way.
Feed Often
Since young babies can’t have water, hydration is important to keeping baby comfortable. If you’re breastfeeding, offer feedings often and allow baby ample time at the breast to keep them hydrated. Bottles should be offered frequently as well. Keep an eye on baby to make sure she’s not showing signs of dehydration; sunken in soft spot on baby’s head, etc. Stay hydrated yourself to properly care for baby.
Keep Beach Time Reasonable
Don’t feel like you can’t catch the surf, just don’t spend the entire day on the beach. Even under cover, the exposure to the heat and reflection of the sun off the sand can tire not only baby but you as well. When you return to where you’re staying, you may be tired and then unable to care for a baby during nighttime wakings. Stay on the beach for a few hours, head back for a rest, then return if you want some more fun in the sun after a break.
Use Sports Towels to Keep Baby Cool
For transporting to the beach and in the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are the strongest, use a sports cooling towel to help maintain baby’s temperature. Frogg Togg Chilly Pads are perfect for helping with temperature regulation without the moisture that can create an uncomfortable baby.
Sun Hat - Not Sunscreen
Babies under 6 months are recommended not to wear most sunscreens on the market, including the ones that are marketed for babies. You can protect baby during the walk to the beach with a large floppy sunhat, preferably with UVA/UVB protection. Wearing your baby to the beach eliminates having to carry a heavy carseat and struggle with a stroller in the sand.
With a few simple adjustments and preparations, you’re all set to enjoy your summer festivities with baby in tow! Including a baby in your celebrations will keep them enjoyable for you and create fun memories for your baby for years to come!
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