With summer almost here, it is time to start thinking about all the fun outdoor activities. If you live near a beach or you plan on taking a beach vacation this summer, and you have a baby, you may be wondering what you will need.
Although you should always have infant vitamins on hand no matter the time of year, it may not seem as important during the warm summer months. However, traveling can mean different eating and sleeping habits, and supplementing with vitamins can ensure your baby stays healthy. Towels and bathing suits are obvious, and there are other beach essentials that make the trip to the beach more enjoyable for everyone.
What Do I Need to Take My 3-6 Month Old to the Beach?
A younger baby often needs more cover up than older ones. Along with a regular bathing suit, you should also pack short or long sleeve swimming tops. These help prevent rashes, offer additional sun protection, and are able to get wet. A sun hat with a chin strap is also a good idea. Because a baby this age will be doing a lot of laying around and sleeping, you should pack either extra towels or a big blanket to lay out on the sand. An oversized beach umbrella or other cover also provides more protection from the elements.
Although clothes provide good sun protection, you should also pack sunscreen. However, there is some controversy around sunscreen because most of the available options contain chemicals and toxins that are not good for anyone’s skin, much less a baby’s. Search for natural sunscreens that contain non-nano zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Because a baby this age might not get as much sun exposure, you should pack baby vitamin D drops to make sure your baby’s levels are adequate.
Swim diapers are a must, as regular ones fall apart when they are wet. A pacifier helps to prevent a young baby from putting things like sand in the mouth. If the water is calm, you may also want to pack an inflatable for the water.
What Do I Need to Take My 7 Month Old-1 Year Old to the Beach?
Along with the basics, you should definitely pack water/beach shoes for a baby this age. Although your baby is probably not walking, there will be more contact with the beach. You may also want to bring along a few sand toys, such as a bucket, shovel, ball, or boat.
If your baby has started eating solid foods, bring along easy-to-eat snacks. If not, make sure you have bottles or a cover up for nursing. Water and fruit juices are also good ideas. If you feel your baby is lacking in nutrients, feel free to supplement with an immune booster.
You should also bring regular diapers to change into once you are ready to leave the beach, as swim diapers are not absorbable. Bring extra dry clothes and a plastic bag to put wet items into. Also do not forget to pack your own essentials. If you have a lot of stuff or more than one young child, you may want to bring a beach wagon to fit everything into.