Oh how relaxing the old days used to be when you could head to the beach on a Saturday with just a towel, a good book and relax all day in the sun. Going to the beach after you’ve had kids is a much different story. It feels like you have to pack for an army, not to mention it’s definitely not relaxing at the beach with kids. With summer quickly approaching I’m sure you’re already planning some beach trips, and if you’re worried about doing so with your toddler, here are some tips to help make that beach trip a little easier on them and you:
1. Pack A Change of Clothes
There’s nothing worse than driving home from the beach in a sandy, wet swim suit, especially for your tired, restless toddler. Before you head to the beach, make sure to bring a change of clothes for your little one. It’ll make the ride home much easier and more pleasant. The best place to do this is at the car where there’s no risk of getting sand all over the clean clothes.
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2. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is one of the most important things you need when you’re at the beach, especially for your child. DO NOT forget to pack this. If you do, you and your child will be miserable for days following. Be sure to put the sunscreen on either at home before you leave, or in the car before you get on the sand. It is much easier to rub the sunscreen all over your little one when they’re not around the sand. If you attempt this when you’re already on the beach, the sand will just stick to their lathered up skin and make for one very uncomfortable rub down.
3. Take Snacks and Water
Don’t forget snacks and water not only for your toddler, but for yourself as well. There’s nothing worse than a hungry, whining toddler. Make sure not to bring any snacks that sand will stick to, like bananas or apples. Crackers, granola bars, nuts, and other things like that will work great. And definitely make sure to bring enough water. You and your little one will need to stay hydrated while playing out in the sun.
4. Bring Baby Powder
If you haven’t already heard about the great use baby powder has on sand, you’ll definitely be excited about this one. If you put some baby powder on your little one’s sand covered body, then rub it in, the sand will come off very easily. It works way better than wiping it off with a towel, which never really works anyways. Your toddler will definitely thank you for bringing this as it’ll be much easier on them and you to get that pesky sand of their body.
5. Pack Lightly
Trudging across the sand while carrying an umbrella, beach bag, toys, towels, and your child can be quit the feat that will wear you out before you even begin to play. Try to pack as lightly as you can. If your child has a backpack try packing their snacks in there so that they can wear the backpack while you carry everything else across the sand. Don’t pack more than you need and leave anything in the car that you can such as your change of clothes, the baby powder, etc.
6. Bring Shade
One of the worst things you can do when at the beach with your child is to not have any shade to sit under. The sun can really wear you and your child down, so being able to escape that and get under some shade will not only relieve your toddler, but you as well.
7. Bring Toys
If you don’t bring toys for your toddler to play with they will definitely get bored and restless. Not to mention the fact that if they see any other kid’s toys they will try to play with theirs and then you’ll be battling the whole time with them over not taking someone else’s toys. Also, be sure to bring toys that sand won’t stick to like dolls or stuffed animals. You don’t want to bring home pounds of sand to your home.
8. Don’t Forget Their Blanket
Playing at the beach really wears a toddler down, and as a result they’ll most likely fall asleep on the way home, and if you’re lucky enough to have a child that will sleep anywhere, they may even curl up under the beach umbrella and take a quick nap. If they need any kind of blanket or pacifier to help them sleep, make sure to bring this with you so they will have an easier time sleeping. The worst thing you could do is get them in the car to drive home and have them cry the whole way because they want their blankie.
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Mary Mulroney
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