A trip to the beach might sound like a really fun day out, but with a baby it can be a bit of a challenge. You either bring too much and it becomes a struggle or you forget something essential and have to go home. Here is a check list so that you will have exactly what you need for some fun in the sun with your little one.
Sun cream:
This should be number one on your check list. We cannot stress enough how important it is to protect your baby’s skin from the sun. Baby’s have particularly sensitive skin and so must be protected from sun exposure. While you can use regular sun cream (always factor 50) there a sun creams available especially for babies. These sun creams are not absorbed into the skin and also give factor 50 protection. Make sure you put on the sun cream before you leave the house. The first thing baby will do on arrival is play with the sand, making sun cream application very difficult!
A hat:
A hat is another essential to protect their face from the sun. It will also protect their scalp from getting burnt.
Carrier bag with a zip:
You’re little one is bound to try and go routing in your bag and with all that sand it can become a bit of a mess. A zipper bag will keep both your baby and the sand out, making your life a lot easier.
Regular nappies and swim nappies:
Swim nappies are essential if you are taking your baby into the water. They are designed to stay on even when wet and will hold whatever your baby produces while in the water, which regular nappies wont do. However, these nappies don’t have as good a hold as your regular nappy so only put on her swim nappy when you arrive at the beach.
Baby Powder:
Baby powder is a must. It takes sand - wet and dry - off your baby's skin without any hassle…lifesaver!
Ziplock bags:
Ziplock bags are very handy for wet swimsuits, used nappies and rubbish.
Toys and snacks:
Although the beach is lots of fun for any child, you will still need to bring a few toys along for them to play with. Buckets, spades, and little toys will make the trip even more enjoyable. Don’t bring too much though (you’re the one carrying the bag after all) and make sure toys are easy to pack and sand-friendly. No teddy bears or other toys that could get destroyed if they get wet or covered with sand. Snacks and drinks is also a must-bring. Make sure you don’t bring food that melts easily (no chocolate) and that all the food is packed so that sand can’t get into it.
Towels:
Unless you plan on getting completely wet, bring only one towel for your little one. They are bulky and heavy so if you can get away with one large beach towel then don’t bring any more. If you are trying to pack light and want to bring something to sit on, why not try a single-bed sheet. It’s light, easy to pack and with a couple of shakes the sand will roll right off.
