Over My Dad Body

Sun, sand, and little toes – nothing beats getting your child ready for an unforgettable beach bum experience. But before you pack your beach gear, let me share some awesome tips to make sure your kid stays safe, happy, and comfortable as they soak up some fun under the sun.

Bring Beach Shelter

Regardless of how intense or gentle the heat of the sun may seem, it is always best to find or create a cozy oasis. Make sure that you provide your little one with a cool and shady spot to shed off their flip flops and relax. If you are booked at a fancy resort, you may want to splurge a little on lounge chairs or a cabana.

If you wish to show your child your adventurous side, you can set up your own umbrella or tent to get your kid well-acquainted with the sand. However, you should remember that their delicate skin needs protection from the sun’s bright rays.

Studies suggest that babies under six months should be kept from direct sunlight – so, new parents, make sure you have your shade game on point!

Make Sunscreen Your Best Friend

No beach trip should ever occur without sunscreen! Slather your adorable beachgoer with a child-friendly sunscreen at least 30 minutes before beach play begins.

Don’t forget to reapply the lotion every two hours for maximum protection. This will help keep those harmful rays at bay while the little one revels in this sunny escapade.

Tag Along a Cooler Full of Fun

Swimming is no fun when done on a grumbling stomach. Carry a cooler packed with thirst-quenching drinks and delightful snacks. No problem sneaking in a can or two of your favorite IPA, but be sure to increase your and your little ones’ liquid intake by 50 percent while on the beach

Whether it’s snack-o-clock or lunchtime, the little ones will be all smiles and brimming with happy beach vibes if you can keep them hydrated and their tummies satisfied.

Baby Powder to the Rescue

Who knew baby powder offered such a compelling beach trip hack? Whisk away those stubborn grains of sand by sprinkling baby powder on your little beach explorer’s skin and watch the magic unfold. Hassle-free beach exit? Yes, please!

Sand Toys? Check!

What’s a trip to the beach without shovels and buckets? Bring along these beach essentials to help your little explorer become more comfortable with the sand. Plus, these nifty tools allow you to relax and watch your little one have fun without turning into an Olympic sprinter to chase them down the shoreline!

Elevate your beach game with toy sifters for epic treasure hunts. Take out the sand castle molds to build moat masterpieces and majestic sandcastles. Whether your child is into collecting shells or burying their little feet on the sand, the beach is a far-reaching playground that will help unleash the creativity of your little daydreamer.

Take Along a Beach-ready Sunhat

They’re big, they’re floppy, but they are literally the coolest beach accessory. Not only do they protect your child’s face from the sun’s UV rays, but they are oh-so-adorable.

Remember to keep this beach must-have where they belong with a trusty strap, and watch your little one rock the beach in charming and stylish fashion.

Pack Reliable Swim Diapers

Your faithful, everyday diaper won’t have dominion at the beach. Swim diapers are your ultimate beach buddy as they can keep the splashes and the grains out (goodbye, sandy mess!), all while their waterproof layers keep everything in them contained. Plus, they are machine-washable and some even come with UPF material for additional sun protection. Talk about care and guardianship.

Lay Out the Beach Towel

You can use them to dry off, picnic in style, or create a sunshade for your little beach buddy. Expect your little adventurer to get wet and wild, so it is best to bring extras to keep them dry and comfy for a day of beach escapade. Also, they can help save the car seats from inevitable post-beach messes too!

While the list above makes for a great beach experience, there are a few other items I suggest you add to your beach essentials checklist.

• First aid kit
• A good beach bag
• A dry bag for your wet clothes
• Extra dry clothes
• Extra swim diapers
• Fun beach toys
• Baby wipes
• Beach chairs
• A plastic bag for your cell phone and credit cards

Whether you are heading for a weeklong vacation or just a quick afternoon getaway, I got you covered to have you beach-ready in no time. With a little planning and a ton of patience, a beach trip with your kid is bound to be a rousing success.

As these fantastic tips ensure that your child’s beach experience is nothing short of unforgettable. So, embrace the sun, sea, and sand. Leave the laptop and toss a book into the beach bag. Who knows, with your kid well-entertained, you might just find a moment to relax and savor the beach too.