Our Best Advice: Taking Baby to the Beach

In the early days of the pandemic, we promised our girls that, as soon as it was safe, we’d take them to the beach. Now that cases are at all-time lows around the country, Jay and I are vaccinated, and school’s out, we’re packing up and heading south… for our first ever vacation as a family of 5 (plus 2 dogs)!

(Yes, you read that right. First ever vacay together, all five of us. In our defense, Benny was born in May of 2019, and by the time we were ready to go anywhere with him, the girls were back in school. Of course, Spring Break 2020 had potential… but I know y’all know how that turned out.)

After scouring Pinterest for the best advice on beach-going with a toddler (and coming up mostly empty), I turned to a pro: Jamie Summitt. Jamie, a fellow doula based in Melbourne, Florida, is a mom of two beach babes under three. And today on the blog, she’s sharing all of her best advice for actually enjoying a day at the beach with little ones.

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1. Focus on hydration.
   The biggest concern for baby on your summer beach trip is dehydration. For babies who are nursing, offer the breast more frequently than usual. For babies who are old enough for sippy cups, adding extra ice or cut fruit to water can encourage them to keep drinking.

2. Keep cool.
   Another concern for babies on the shore is overheating. Bring along or rent an umbrella or tent for your days on the beach (even if you only plan to be there a short while). Don’t forget: a portable fan that has a clip or coil for attaching to the umbrella or tent to keep air circulating and baby comfortable.

3. Skip the diaper drama.
   Use swim diapers (reusable or disposable) to avoid a beach-day explosion. Don’t forget: disposable swim diapers are only meant to catch bowel movements, so any pee will leak out. My best advice is to wait until you’re actually on the beach to change your baby into a swim diaper so you don’t end up with a puddle in your car seat or stroller on the way.

4. Protect baby’s skin.

   Remember, before 6 months of age, it’s not recommended that sunscreen be applied to baby’s skin. Look for a bathing suit or rash guard with SPF. When you’re ready for sunscreen, take some time to research different brands to find what feels best for your family (or call your pediatrician for a quick referral). SPF should be between 30-50, no matter which brand you decide to purchase. Don’t forget: A hat! Baby’s fine hair does not protect their scalp against the harsh sun, and especially for young babies with minimal hair, the tops of the head can get burnt really fast. Be sure to find a hat with a strap that goes under baby’s chin. The strap will keep them from pulling it off every 5 minutes, I promise!

5. Contain and entertain.
   For babies that are not yet walking: sometimes a small portable play yard is a great idea if you are planning on being out on the beach all day! Bring small toys (think measuring cups and spoons) for sand play. You may also want to bring along a pop up or inflatable kiddie pool that you can put some water in to help keep baby both entertained and cool.

6. Bring all the snacks.
   Something about being in the sun and sand will inevitably make your baby or toddler want to eat all day. Pack lots of snacks to keep baby hydrated and satiated (think cut fruit, like watermelon, pouches, snack crackers) during your time at the beach.

7. Leave the beach at the beach.
   Rub baby powder (talc free) or corn starch all over baby’s skin at the end of your beach trip to easily wipe away stuck-on sand. (This is especially helpful if you’re at a beach access with no shower.) Your car seats (and suitcases) will thank you.