Summer is in full swing and with now TWO water babies, I wanted to share my best tips for a happy beach baby.
Having spent her first 8 months in the Bahamas, Reegan has taken many trips to the beach, and it’s one of the topics I get asked about the most. What do I bring? What not do I not bring? Trust me. I tried everything. It’s completely overwhelming to bring your baby anywhere, let alone the beach! And in the beginning, it always looked like we were moving when we would pack up the car or the boat.
Slowly we realized what was a total waste of space.
After cutting out the fat, here is what you need to have packed for your beach baby…
1. Rash-guards.
I’m starting here because while sunscreen is necessary, these babies soft skin is precious and they should have rash guards on as much as possible. My favorites are from Target and Carter’s. They work. They are well priced. Done and done. BUT I would recommend buying them bigger. They usually come in a set with little booty covers, so those might be loose, but no one wants to pull a tight rash guard over a baby’s head. The loose fit will be airy and comfortable and get the job done.
Baby bikinis are cute for photos, I see you. But snap that picture and put that shirt on. Plus, Rash-guards with diaper covers are the easiest way to change a baby’s diaper too. I have a few adorable one-pieces from Janie and Jack and Little Boden, they last about 15 minutes and then I need to change a diaper and I never put the suit back on them.
2. Sunscreen.
When we moved to the Bahamas, I had an entire drawer in our living room dedicated to sunscreen. That is no exaggeration. I have tried everything from Coppertone to Supergoop and more.
When Reegan was born I had the sunscreen conversation with our doctor immediately because, well, we lived on the equator. I wasn’t letting her go outside without it.
Ultimately, we went with Rodan+Fields Soothe Mineral Sunscreen for her face and Rodan+Fields Essentials sunscreen for her body. That’s what I use on me and Jeff, and that’s what our doctor-approved when she was 2 months old. That Soothe goodness goes on and STAYS on.
It doesn’t irritate her eyes when we give her a bath after; and even with 4-5 hours days on the beach, she has never gotten even a teeny bit pink. It’s a win. And has majorly consolidated that drawer.
Do not head out without SPF and a HAT!
3. Portable Fan.
We have one that charges on a USB cord, but there are battery-powered ones as well. Get one with a clip so you can use it in multiple locations. Especially nursing a baby at the beach, you’ll want a fan. The mommy body on baby body situation in the heat gets HOT fast.
4. Beach Sheet.
These are amazing. Sand won’t come through them, you can do nap-time and diaper changes in the shade on the blanket. Ours zips up for easy carrying.
5. Frozen Water Bottles.
For the beach these are great. Put them near the fan or under the towels to keep the baby’s atmosphere cool. As they melt you can drip some of the cool water on the baby’s neck and back. + Frozen Wash Cloths. Baby can chew on these, and they are mess-free.
6. Evian Water Spray
The Evian water spray or a spritz water bottle with ice water. Again this is a great way to keep you and your baby cool. If you are nursing, you can use this as a mister to help with body heat.
7. Tent or Umbrella.
Shade is necessary. Personally, I don’t get crazy with this. A simple pop up tent will do.
8. A waterproof baby chair.
We used to use this Fisher Price Sit Me Up frog chair when Reegan was little and now we use it at the pool with Julia. It’s washable and sturdy. Having this keeps them confided to a safe space, but happy and upright.
9. Extra Swim Diapers.
We have used Pampers and Huggies and both have been great. Knock on wood, we remarkably haven’t had a number 2 situation in one yet, but pack up extras. It never hurts. ** I have used the re-useable ones once, and I would highly suggest putting a Splasher underneath. Let’s just say it s was gross.
10. Comfy loose going home clothes. For boat or car rides home I like to rinse baby off with a room temp water bottle, towel off, and put them in comfy clothing. The sun and fun drains us all, so for the way home I want to make sure baby is out of those wet sandy threads and ready for a good snooze.
A Few More Tips for a Happy Beach Baby:
** Use a Swell bottle or Yeti if you are packing breast milk. These are fantastic to keep your milk as cool as possible in the ice chest. ** Pack up in a wagon if you can. We have this one that is fold-able. It’s not necessary since you have the beach sheet, but we have used our wagon as a pack n play on the go. Put a towel down and you are all set.
**Due to popular demand, I’m adding the link to this Fisher-Price On-The-Go Baby Dome. This looks INCREDIBLE for beach days!**
Beach Baby Printable Packing Checklist – Me & Reegs
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Beach Baby Packing Checklist – Me & Reegs