Beaches and babies seem to go together, although there is no actual correlation. There's that baby on the sunscreen bottle and almost every family seems to have a photos of the kids at the beach as babies. Some folks would say babies and beaches don't actually mix. There's sand drool and sunscreen in the eyes and, OK, basically just sand. But it is possible to have a great time at the beach with little ones. It's arguably even easier the younger they are, as they just go wherever they're put down — on a blanket, in a playpen or tent. It's all about being prepared. First, it's important to manage the sand using a few smart hacks, like water shoes and spray bottles with clean, non-sandy water.
Next, there are a ton of hacks to get through the harder parts of the trip. Those include packing snacks in a tote, going early or later, and wrapping valuables in a diaper. But those are most helpful when the things are already packed and ready to go. If it's baby's first trip to the beach, what exactly should mom pack? Packing for an adult is not quite the same as packing for a baby. There's the matter of different food, extra clothes, that whole diaper thing and all that jazz.
If LO's first trip is coming up, we have a list to help get it off without a hitch. There's the basics, like wipes, and then there's less obvious items, such as wet bags, water shoes, and a shaded beach tent. When it comes to the beach, it's better to be over-prepared than underprepared. It's just for kids in general, so it shouldn't be too hard. Just be careful with that sand.
Reusable Wet Bags
Moms don't have to be at the beach to know that it's always a good practice to have a place to put soiled diapers or wet clothes in a pinch. A wet bag does just that, and it definitely comes in handy to stash wet bathing suits or diapers while on vacay.
Reusable Wet Bags ($10, Walmart)
Water-Resistant Outdoor Blanket
Water-resistant blankets are great to hang out on at the beach, especially when there is food involved. But they also make a great place for baby to sit without worrying about sand getting in too many crevices.
Water-Resistant Outdoor Blanket ($20, Walmart)
Baby Sunglasses
Aside from making literally anyone look cool, sunglasses have a function: protecting the eyes from the sun. Baby's have eyes that need protecting, so get them their own pair of shades.
Baby & Little Kid's Original Navigator Sunglasses ($25, Saks Fifth Avenue)
On-The-Go Wipes
Where there's sand, and possibly nowhere to wash right away, there is a messy baby. Keep these toy and table wipes handy for wiping down beach restaurant tables or high chairs. Or just use them as regular wipes should sand get everywhere.
Babyganics Toy, Table and Highchair Wipes ($5, BuyBuyBaby)
Beach Toys
Baby's first beach trip calls for baby's first beach toys! Buy big ones like this wagon and toy set for LO to dig and play.
Beachcomber Wagon & Toys Set ($30, Lillian Vernon)
Travel Jumper
Having to hold baby or keep him strapped in a stroller isn't ideal at the beach. Bring along a portable jumper for baby to be able to stretch his little legs (and let mom relax, too!)
Pop 'N Jump ($70, Summer Infant)
Hooded Beach Towel
Babies may not be able to swim on their own, but they'll still need a towel for the splashing. Get an adorable hooded animal towel, like this one.
Hudson Baby Boys' Animal Face Hooded Towel ($13, Target)
Beach Wagon Cart
Carry all the beach gear and baby gear in a folding beach wagon. It can hold up to 150 pounds and requires no assembly. Parents are busy enough.
Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding All Terrain Utility Beach Wagon Cart ($140, Amazon)
Swim Water Shoes
Sand may be hot and there may be rocks even at the shore line. Protect baby's feet with swim shoes. Even if those little feet never touch the ground, the shoes still protect those feet from the sun.
SUIEK Baby Boys Girls Swim Water Shoes ($14, Amazon)
Portable Booster
Picnics on the beach are super relaxing (minus any sea gulls). Allow baby some autonomy with a pop-up booster that allows her to sit up and play or eat on her own.
Summer Infant Pop and Sit Portable Booster ($35, Amazon)
Beach Play Tent
Hats help, but they may not be enough. Protect baby from the sun's UV rays with a protective play tent. LO will be able to play or sleep in peace, and so will mom.
Baby Beach UV Protecting Sun Shelter ($70, Deal Shark)
Mambo Baby Swim Ring Float
At a lake beach or a pool on vacation? A baby float helps keep baby safe while allowing him to swim. This swing ring float supports baby while he learns the breaststroke or backstroke.
Non-inflatable Mambo Baby Swim Ring Float ($80, Heccei Shop)
On-the-Go Booster Seat
This on-the-go booster seat works at restaurants or on the beach. The inflatable design makes it easy to store and transport.
The First Years On the Go Booster Seat ($25, Bed Bath & Beyond)
Beach Diaper Covers
Just because baby is too young to swing doesn't mean the kiddo can't have stylish beach wear. These diaper covers come in cute sea designs and protect baby's diaper and cute behind from the elements.
Baby Aspen Baby Aspen Beach Bums Three Diaper Covers ($31, Belk)
Portable Playard
Give baby a large play space wherever mom and dad go. Whether it's set up as a play area on the beach or in the condo, baby will have a clean place to crawl while also being able to see through the mesh sides.
Baby Delight Go with Me Haven Portable Playard ($80, Google)
SwimWays Inflatable Infant Pool Float
These baby floats never seem to go out of style. Let baby splash in the water (ideally a pool — not open water) and stay out of the sun while doing it (thanks to the canopy addition.)
Speedo Fabric Baby Cruiser With Canopy ($56, Amazon)
A Sun Protective Bathing Suit
Of course, baby should have an adorable swimsuit, but to give LO extra coverage, a longer swim shirt may be an option. This one is a two-piece, but there's lots of different styles out there.
Ruffle Two-Piece Rashguard Swimsuit ($35, Nordstrom)
Pampers Splashers Swim Diapers
Swim diapers are a necessity for little water-lovers going to the beach (or pool). Swim diapers can get wet without a big mess or leaking and can be tossed when water time ends. There are reusable options available, which would be a good idea if the beach will be a staple in baby's life.
Pampers Splashers Swim Diapers ($9, Target)
Bucket Hat
There's nothing cuter than a baby in a bucket hat. But they also do a great job of protecting their sweet faces from the harsh sun. This cute one from Pottery Barn Kids is reversible.
Shark Reversible Hat ($20, Pottery Barn Kids)
Baby Safe Sunscreen
Sunscreen is imperative for anyone going out in the sun, especially to the beach, baby included. This mineral lotion from Supergoop is safe for baby and doesn't contain any harsh chemicals. It will protect their skin from those UV rays. Check with baby's pediatrician to make sure this is a good choice.
Sunnyscreen 100% Mineral Lotion ($26, Supergoop!)
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