When was the last time you went on a beach vacation, and it was a breeze? Take your rental scooter and a bottle of wine down to the beach and go out into the ocean to have some fun; it couldn't be any simpler. But oh hey! Are you a parent now? Now everything is much more challenging. But don't be concerned!
A beach vacation can be a lovely experience for the entire family as long as you are aware of what you are getting yourself into and plan ahead of time. All you need is a little knowledge of baby gear, including a beach tent and a few other things. So today, I will give you a few tips on how to enjoy a beach vacation with a baby like a pro.
Put on Sunscreen
Your baby's sensitive skin can burn even when the sun isn't beaming, so it's vital to apply sunscreen. Avoid exposing your infant to the sun if they are younger than a year.
In the day's heat, don't forget to cover your baby's legs and arms in breathable cotton clothing. It is also advisable to wear a UV sun suit. Place an open-brimmed hat over their head and also sunglasses to cover the eyes from the sun and sand.
Before you take your baby out into the sun, apply a generous amount of sunscreen to any body portion that is not protected by clothing or a cap, such as hands and feet. It may be more convenient to apply sunscreen before dressing your kid in the morning.
Use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 explicitly designed for newborns and toddlers. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with four or five stars to avoid skin irritation and sunburn. Thus, the box will say that the product provides UVA and UVB protection.
At the very least, reapply sunscreen every few hours after your child has been in the water, even if the product is water-resistant.
Keep Your Baby Safe
Keeping a few safety precautions in mind helps guarantee that you and your little one enjoy a fun and relaxed time at the beach together.
Choose a clean location away from the shoreline to put up your beach tent when you first arrive on the island. The last thing you would like is to be compelled to relocate in a matter of hours once the tide comes in. Towels and blankets are an absolute necessity for your baby's comfort.
You should use towels to line your beach tent for baby if you have one so that it does not become overly warm. If your child is on the go, you may want to consider putting windbreaks around the base to prevent them from wandering off.
You should never leave your kid alone if they want to explore. In the middle of a crowd on a beach, it's easy to lose track of a child. Also, keep them away from water unless accompanied by an adult.
Do your best to keep your child from choking on rocks, shells, or sand. But don't freak out if they do! Give a glass of water and try to remove as much as possible. Later in the day, there's a slight possibility of stomach discomfort. Give a call to your doctor if you have any worries.
Keep Your Baby Hydrated
Babies between the age of six and twelve months should drink sufficient water. When on the beach, parents should try to increase their child's hydration by 50%. To keep your body temperature balanced, drinking plenty of water is essential. Rather than a beach towel, nursing mothers can use a thin swimsuit cover, which is more breathable.
Bring Baby Powder
When it comes to removing sand from the skin without water, baby powder is a godsend. It also helps to reduce diaper rash. Cornstarch, an alternative to baby powder that doesn't cause diaper rash or stickiness from sand, is a safe choice for babies who shouldn't be exposed to it.
Make Use of a Blow-up Baby Pool
When it comes to keeping a kid cool and entertained, nothing beats a baby pool. A baby pool under a shady area protects the youngster from the sun's harmful rays. Many children are scared of the sand and the roaring waves on the shoreline. Because of the pool, children are comfortable and safe, and parents can keep track of their children without having to chase them down the beach.
Swim with the Baby
Your kid may like playing in the sea with you if the waves are gentle enough for them to become excited about. Hold on to your child tightly when you're in the water, even if you're accustomed to letting go during swimming classes. The water can suddenly get very deep at some beaches, so be careful not to get too far from the shore.
When it comes to the ocean, your child may not have the same enthusiasm for swimming that they have in the pool. A large intake of salty water is not a pleasant experience. Additionally, seawater in the eyes can irritate, prompting you to return to your beach tent to rinse it out.
Your child can wear armbands, a rubber ring, or a float suit if they are old enough. But don't let go of them! Please don't allow your child to remain in the water for an extended period, as they may become chilly very quickly.
Invest in a Beach Tent
To keep everyone safe from the sun, wind, and rough sand while having fun, a beach tent is a must! You will need a beach tent for baby if they will be napping while you're at the beach!
There are several styles and sizes of beach tents available for purchase. Make sure to buy a high-quality beach tent that protects you from the sun and the wind. For a premium quality beach tent for baby, you can always rely on Kidz-Adventure.
Consider Food Options
You'll find it simple to do so on the beach if you're breastfeeding. Choose a private location where a blast of wind and sand will not be able to disturb your baby's feeding.
If you're formula-feeding, bring containers of prepared formula milk with you. You can also make a warm feed if your child likes warm milk. Using a vacuum flask, you may hold warm water for four hours after boiling it. After that, it's as simple as filling a sterilized bottle with water and formula powder to prepare a feed for your baby.
Going with your baby to the beach for a beach picnic is problematic if they have just started solids. Sand and shingle can easily contaminate the food. Make a massive rug for them to sit on, and only give them one thing at a time. If you give them a complete lunchbox, you can be sure that it will end up on the ground.
The beach might be an uncomfortable place to try to reheat food. Because of this, it's best to bring along a bottle of boiled water and a plastic jug to reheat the food. If your child is eating solids, you should always wash their hands before giving them food.
Swim Diaper is a Must
If you take your little one to the beach or the pool, make sure they are not wearing a typical disposable diaper. Their inner gel begins to leak everywhere after filling with water and inflating. The baby finds them to be uncomfortable and weighty.
On the other hand, Swim diapers are designed not to absorb any liquid at all. If you want to avoid having a messy pee episode outside the pool, you'll want to put on the swim diaper shortly before getting into the water and take it off immediately after. Although this is a hassle, there are other solutions.
You can use a swim diaper as an additional layer of protection until your baby is comfortable in the water. After that, simply remove the ordinary diaper and dive into the water for a swim. As soon as you get out, change into a fresh diaper.
Pack Smart
There is no need for expensive beach toys because there is so much to do at the beach. A beach is an excellent place for your child to learn about the world around them by interacting with the many elements of sand, shells, water, and seaweed. Bring along bath toys, a watering can, or small vehicles and trucks for the kids to make things even more exciting.
Final Thoughts
So, when is the best time to take your kid to the beach? To be honest, as soon as you feel comfortable with it, you should go ahead and do it. Consult your child's pediatrician about sunscreen before applying it to your infant if they are younger than six months old. Furthermore, be mindful of baby beach safety at all times.
You may not enjoy your beach vacation as much with a kid around, but a unique sense of satisfaction comes from enjoying time at the beach with your little one. So, pack a beach tent and have a blast weekend with your family!