Are you heading to the beach for some sea and sunshine? Here are our top tips for making the trip fun for the whole family and staying safe in the sun. While this is what we do with our babies on the beach, please remember that this isn’t medical advice so always check with your healthcare provider!
When To Go To The Beach
Here in the tropics, we start taking babies to the beach almost as soon as Mom has the all clear from her healthcare provider, as long as the water is calm, clean, and free from runoff from rain. Both my babies had their first sandy toes and salty feet at 6 weeks old.
Traveling for a beach holiday has two ‘sweet spots’. At six months old most babies are sitting up, but not yet completely mobile, and solid food is still in the experimental stage. They also usually nap long enough for you to truly relax and take in your warm surroundings.
At about a year and a half – when baby is walking and hopefully learning boundaries and ‘no’ – playing in the sand and splashing in the water is so much fun! By this point they are usually able to eat some convenient beach finger-food, rather than needing a separate cooler of all their carefully prepared meals.
What To Pack
The best beach trips are the lightest ones, however, I have a few items that I like to pack because they make my life easier.
Sun Protection
The best protection from the sun is physical – a rash guard, hat, and some sort of canopy.
We love Sunday Afternoons Kids Play Hat for its wide brim, safety clasp on the chin strap, and durability. It holds its shape even when wet.
For rash-guards, look for UPF 50 protection. I like jumpsuits as they protect legs and arms. The less sunscreen you have to use, the better! Sunscreen makes slippery babies in the water, and makes sand stick out of the water. Remember that the UPF protection relies on the tight weave of the fiber, so take care of your rash-guards. They usually just need to be rinsed in cool water, although sunscreen and mosquito lotion need to be washed out to protect the fibers.
For shade, umbrellas are great (again, make sure they are UPF rated!) but my personal favorite is the Guava Lotus Crib with the optional Sun Shade. It gives baby somewhere safe and sand free to play, nap, and snack. As an added bonus, the zip front means I can sit in there with the kids to feed or apply sunblock. The backpack carry bag makes it easy to carry across the sand, and it sets up in minutes.
Sunblock
Sunblock is the last line of defense, and is only recommended from 6 months and up. Babies can be burnt in the shade, under a hat because sand and water scatter UV rays everywhere. Choosing a sunblock that is reef safe is always a good idea, and there are many options available that are gentle enough for the whole family. Our favorites are physical barrier sunscreens (using minerals), as opposed to chemical sunscreens. Keep in mind that chemical sunscreens need to be applied about 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. Both types need to be reapplied on the recommended schedule.
Our favorite is Badger Baby Sunscreen SPF 30 which rates high on EWG’s safe sunscreen list. The cream is thick and can be difficult to apply, so it is best applied before baby gets sandy! We also like the Rubber Ducky Naturally Tinted Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50 to make quick touch-ups. Sun Bum Baby Bum has a lighter texture than can be easier to apply.
Beach Toys
I’m not a fan of single use toys, so your beach toy collection will depend on how often you go to the beach. Some dual use toys that get a lot of use in our household are stacking cups, watering cans, and a bucket and spade. They get used in the garden and bath year round! A mesh bag makes cleanup quick, and you can shake the sand off once everything is dry.
Snacks and Water
It can get hot in the sun, so make sure everyone stays well hydrated. If your babies are under six months, speak to your doctor before offering water. If you are nursing, baby might ‘snack’ to get the watery fore-milk to quench their thirst. They usually ask to switch sides sooner than usual, leaving the fatty hind milk behind for when they are hungry.
Swim Diapers
A good swim diaper is invaluable. The adjustable swim diaper from Beau & Belle Littles has been tested many times between two babies and I can confirm it works as promised! A spare is also a good idea, as is a wet-bag to put all your wet items in for the trip home.
Towels
We prefer pareos and woven bath sheets over traditional terry towels. They pack smaller and don’t bring nearly as much sand home. They also dry faster. The kids use their old Aiden & Anais Swaddles.
Safety
If you are going boating, make sure your kids are wearing an approved flotation device at all times. And please remember, floaties are NEVER a substitution for constant adult supervision around water.
Resources:
* Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. We may be compensated (at no cost to you) should you decide to buy online. However, for our St Maarten / St Martin visitors we encourage you to shop local, and every effort has been made to provide a local source. Please let us know if you want to be included!
The Scuba Shop (Palapa Marina, Simpson Bay) has rash guards, Sun Bum and Raw Elements sunscreen, life-jackets, and beach toys. As well as snorkel gear for the whole family.
Bebe N Kids (Bellevue, French St Martin) has baby gear (strollers, car seats, travel cribs).
Island Water World and Budget Marine (Both Cole Bay) have life jackets.