8 Tips for Taking Baby to the Beach
Are you ready for your baby’s first beach bum experience? Taking a baby to the beach is an entirely new experience that requires preparation and planning. Keep your baby safe and protected this summer with these eight beach tips.
Find Shelter
If you plan on spending a full day at the beach, find or bring shelter. Many resorts and private beaches rent cabanas, lounge chairs and umbrellas. If you go to the local city beach, bring a tent or umbrella, or situate your belongings near a shaded area or picnic shelter. A baby’s skin is sensitive and should not be exposed to long periods under the sun. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children under six months should avoid direct sunlight exposure.
Bring Plenty of Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a baby’s best friend and children aged six months and older will need to use sunscreen. The AAP recommends applying sunscreen 30-minutes prior to sun exposure and re-apply lotion every one to two hours. Use a high SPF or baby-friendly sunscreen.
Maintain Hydration
Babies six to eleven months should drink modest amounts of water. Nursing is acceptable, but parents should aim to increase hydration by 50-percent when on the beach. Use cool water to regulate body temperature. Nursing moms can use a lightweight swimsuit cover that is more breathable than a beach towel.
Bring Baby Powder
Baby powder is the magical ingredient that takes sand directly off the skin. It also decreases diaper rash. Babies should not directly breathe in baby powder so cornstarch is an alternative to prevent diaper rash and sticking sand.
Use a Blowup Baby Pool
A baby pool is a versatile tool for the child to keep the child cool and entertained. A baby pool allows the child to avoid direct sunlight when placed under the shaded area. Surprisingly, many children are afraid of the sand and crashing waves. The pool provides comfort and safety and allows the parents to keep an eye on their child without chasing them down the beach.
Wear a Sunhat
When it comes to hats, the bigger is better. Floppy sunhats keep the sun off the bodies most sensitive skin areas including the eyes, lips and ears. Buy a hat with a strap as it ensures the hat will not blow away with the wind.
Keep Playing
Once comfortable with the beach, a child’s imagination runs wild with dreams of building sand castles. Bring traditional beach gear such as a bucket and shovel. Children love to play and the beach is a child’s newest playground.
Use Swim Diapers
Swim diapers are more absorb-able than regular diapers. Plus, swim diapers can handle the extreme wetness due to the waterproof layers. These diapers are machine washable and contain UPF material. Regular diapers become messy and the gel pack is likely to explode with too much saturation.
