5 Beach Baby Essentials
Having a baby doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy summer’s most celebrated destination. With just a little extra planning you and Baby can be on your way to a memorable day spent in the sand and the surf. Here’s our list of must-haves for a day at the beach with Baby:
1. SPF Swimsuit
Newborn skin is fragile and can’t handle prolonged exposure to sunlight. Most pediatricians also recommend waiting until newborns are at least six months old before applying sunscreen lotions and sprays to help protect their vulnerable skins. While this may seem like a hopeless combination, many retailers now offer SPF-rated swimsuits specifically for young children. Made from fabric designed to absorb or reflect the sun’s harmful rays, these swimsuits often feature long sleeves similar to a surfer’s rash guard for better coverage and greater protection.
2. Sun Hat
Besides being the perfect accessory to show off in all of your seaside photos, sun hats are a simple yet important way to protect baby from overheating at the beach. While any hat with a wide brim (at least three inches) will help shade your little one’s scalp and face, specialty swim hats are an especially appealing option for long days in the sun. Made from the same material as swimming suits, these hats feature a wide brim, plus long flaps to cover the ears and back of the neck. They can also be soaked in water during the day to help keep baby cool.
3. Swim Diapers
Although they can seem expensive, avoid the temptation to let baby play in the water without a swim diaper. Swim diapers are water resistant and don’t bloat, sag, and leak when immersed, making them far more hygienic (and comfortable) than conventional diapers.
4. Lightweight Blankets
Heavy knit blankets and quilts are great for swaddling babies in the winter, but lightweight muslin blankets are the perfect choice for a day at the beach. With a soft gauzy texture and a large diameter, these blankets are great not only for wrapping up a sleepy newborn, but can also be used to create extra shade over a car seat or travel bassinet.
5. Lots of Liquid
Whether your baby is breastfed or bottle-fed, time spent outdoors (especially in warm temperatures) can quickly deplete an infant’s moisture reserves. To prevent Baby from becoming dehydrated, bring along plenty of extra bottles and watch for early signs of dehydration, including irritability, dry mouth, lack of tears, warm skin, etc. You’ll likely need to feed your little one more frequently than on a normal day, so if you’re breastfeeding be proactive in getting enough liquid for yourself throughout the day as well.
For tips on traveling with your newborn check out our previous post here!
The beach is the perfect place to make summertime memories with your newborn. To gain the confidence necessary to embrace other adventures with your baby, visit us today!
