Tips for Bringing Baby to the Beach

We recently took Paloma to the beach for the second time and also brought Runner to the beach as a baby a number of times. I’ve learned a few things about how to survive a beach day with a baby and wanted to share some tips that have worked for us.

SHADE

This one probably goes without saying, but I can’t stress it enough. You want to make sure you’ve got a good shade source, whether that’s a large beach umbrella or small beach tent for the baby. A hat is also a great idea, especially if they’re too young for sunscreen. The first time we took Paloma to the beach, when she was less than four months old, I had her under an umbrella almost the entire time, but didn’t always have her hat on her and she still got sunburned.

AIR

We go to the beach wearing little clothing and get in the ocean to cool off. AKA: it’s hot. So, of course you want to make sure your baby is staying cool. You don’t have to build your own A/C system like Justin did. But, it’s a good idea to pack a portable fan, especially if you’re going to the beach in the summer.

BABY SEAT

When she was only a few months old we brought a baby bouncer chair to the beach. Now that she’s sitting up, we bought a $7 inflatable baby tube with a little back to sit her in and it was great. A friend also suggested a small inflatable baby pool you can put a little water in to keep the baby happy, so I think we’ll try that next time. And of course make sure it’s under some shade.

ENTERTAINMENT

Isn’t that what we’re all striving for as parents? Keeping our kids happy and entertained, so we can enjoy a moment of peace? Well then don’t forget the toys. We sat Paloma in her little tube and made sure she had a couple small beach toys she could easily grab to keep her happy.

NAP PLAN

If you want to be able to spend a few hours at the beach without having to rush back home for nap time, then you’ll have to be prepared for where to put the baby when they get tired. Runner was very particular when it came to nap time and wouldn’t just sleep anywhere. Paloma has been a bit like that too, so I couldn’t just create a little bed for them under the umbrella. We have a small portable bassinet Paloma slept in at the park when she was really little and that may have worked at the beach too. She usually will snooze when I wear her, so I made sure to pack my carrier and wrap for each beach trip and I was able to get her to sleep for a bit on me.

I’m including some of the essentials we’ve used below. I hope you found some of these tips helpful. If you have anything to add, please let me know on Instagram!