Nothing’s better than a family trip to the beach, but if you’re bringing your baby with you, there are a few things that you must keep in mind. Apart from the usual baby gear, toys, and utensils, it’s crucial that you protect them from the sun, sand, and water at all times so they can remain safe. Yes, taking babies to the beach can seem like a daunting task due to the planning and organization parents must do in advance; but it’s all worth the effort when you see their smiles of sheer happiness while there.
Choose the Hours of Least Exposure to the Sun
When traveling to the beach with your child, it’s recommended, if not necessary, to go during the hours when the sun is the least intense. Kids are unable to control their body temperatures as well as we adults can, so it is preferable to visit the beach during the hours when the sun's rays are less powerful.
The first few hours immediately after sunrise, and the last three hours right before sunset, are the ideal moments to enjoy the beach with a baby. We can rely on a beach tent for our infant in instances where the sun refuses to set, but it should provide adequate UV protection so that our child's sensitive skin is not harmed.
Sunscreen
The single most important thing you should bring when going to the beach with infants is sunscreen. It should be applied on any part of the skin that would be exposed to the sun, such as the face and the back of their hands. Sunscreen is usually applied on babies 30 minutes before sun exposure and needs to be reapplied every 1-2 hours. You can also protect them from the sun with hats, long-sleeved suits, and umbrellas.
Be Careful with the Sand
Parents should be careful with sand. This implies not leaving babies without clothing on the beach, as sand can easily irritate their fragile skin. Not only this, but sand also hides a multitude of bacteria that can cause infections. Therefore, if you notice that your baby has some sand in their diaper, you should immediately clean it with a damp towel.
On the other hand, if you observe that your baby eats sand, you should not panic, since this is something that every child tries to do at the beach. Make them spit it out, and rinse their mouth with a little fresh water.
Going Into the Water
If you want your baby to enjoy the beach water, it may be a good idea to bring an inflatable pool with you, and then add water so that the baby can have fun with their favorite toys in a safe place. This is a fantastic way for babies to get their first taste of saltwater, allowing you to relax as your little one goes in and out of their pool. In case you don’t have an inflatable pool with you, you can sit with them at the beach shore, staying alert at all times. Of course, don't forget to place your baby under an umbrella to minimize sun exposure.
Taking your little one to the beach for the first time can definitely be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these helpful tips, you can help make sure that your day at the beach is fun for both you and baby!
