photo credit: @aprudenthome
Remember the days when you'd pull up to the beach with nothing but a towel and some sunscreen? Now it feels like packing for an international vacation when you're heading out with small children. But beach days don't have to be stressful for new mamas if you plan ahead! We have a few tips and tricks we've learned over the years to help make your day in the sun fun for all.
What to pack:
- Solly Wrap: If you're chasing big kids and have a new little babe in tow, you'll want your hands free for sorting sea shells and reapplying sunscreen.
- Swaddle: Don't let the name limit your use of this multipurpose blanket. You can use a swaddle for sun coverage, diaper changes, burp cloth...whatever you need throughout the day.
- Beach Bag: When you're hauling a lot of stuff obviously size is the name of the game, but organization is also key. We love this bag for all its compartments.
- Cooler Backpack: Lugging a big bulky cooler is no picnic (see what we did there?), so we love this backpack option that will keep all your drinks and snacks chilled.
- Beach Wagon: This beach wagon holds up to 165 pounds, so you can load it up for wherever the day takes you. Plus it folds up compactly when you're done!
- Sunscreen: This is an obvious must-have for anyone spending time in the sun, but in case you're on the hunt for a kid-friendly SPF that works we love Tubby Todd!
- Burt's Bees Dusting Powder: Did you know baby powder is magical at removing beach sand from little feet and toes? Keep a bottle in your beach bag or trunk before loading sandy kiddos into the car.
- Beach Toys + Sand Bag: Keep a separate (preferably mesh) bag with your sand toys so you don't bring half the beach home with you. We love this fun set for kiddos of all ages.
- Pop-up tent: Having plenty of shade is a must for families with little ones at the beach. Beach tents are a great transportable way to keep everyone cool (and contained!) as opposed to a beach umbrella, which offers limited space in the shade.
photo credit: @priscillatbrown
Tips for mamas:
- Keep your sunscreen in the cooler. It will provide a refreshing treat for when you have to reapply.
- Speaking of reapplying sunscreen, use your phone to set a timer and make sure you're not letting anyone (yourself included) go too long without a new coat.
- Bring extra bags. You'll want a wet bag for wet, sandy clothes but don't forget a bag for trash as well. Easily dispose of snack trash, used baby wipes, etc. in your own little ziploc.
- Set up a hand-rinsing bucket. Grab a bucket and fill it with water and keep it near the cooler for easy hand-washing. That way sandy fingers stay out of the snack stash.
- Keep baby out of the sand. If your big kids are all about frolicking in the waves and building epic sand castles but all your infant wants to do is eat fistful after fistful of sand, set them up in their own spot! You can bring a cheap inflatable pool to fill up with a little bit of water and toys for them to splash around in.
- Snacks, snacks and more snacks: If you are doing baby-led weaning or having ravenous big kids, the more snacks the better. This is also a great time to bring things like watermelon or popsicles, which would normally be messy meals at home but are perfect for eating outdoors.
