beachgoers and vacationers

nikinikinine

We're taking the kids away twice this summer, both are beach vacations.

What stuff do I need to stock up on besides the obvious (i.e. suits, sunblock, sunhats, protective clothing)?

We already have a large umbrella and a pop up kid tent (we actually used to use it for our dog!). Are there items that make carrying stuff easier?

We were thinking of getting a wagon to put the kids and some stuff in too - if anyone has a rec for a beach wagon let me know!

Also, were your kids able to nap on the beach or did you just break the day up and go back to your hotel/rental/room/etc. midday to let them take a break?

TIA

kafunder

Great question! I was going to post the same thing about the nap situation b/c they're building a huge sprayground/water park less than a mile from our house, and I'm wondering if we'll have to trudge back and forth for naps or if people are able to get the kids to nap outside.

MrsLnt

We just took ours to the beach over Easter.  I don't want to be a Debbie Downer but the vacation was pretty rough.  Not relaxing at all.  We got down onto the beach a few times, but just for a few minutes each time because, after feeding them, changing into swimsuits/swim diapers, applying sunscreen and getting down onto the beach, it was practically nap time, at which point it was time to go back inside. Mine are not good at napping anywhere other than their own crib, so they spent the whole trip overtired because they hated sleeping in the PnPs. And the time they were on the beach, it was a constant battle to keep the sand out of their mouths and keep them entertained in general. 

We used our Baby Bjorns to get them down onto the beach but if you've got a wagon or anything, that would be better,  Walking across sand with nearly 20 lbs of baby is a workout. 

We brought their Bumbos for sitting on the beach and that worked out well.  That was about the most successful part of the trip.  And, in general, I"ve got pretty easy babies.  They are just set in their routines.

 

emhaywood0918

I've taken the girls down to the beach 3 times now and they do great!  We have a PnP they sleep in and my mom has one that we take on the beach which they lay in and nap on the ocean.  I make sure to take diapers and bottles for their feedings and I only had to go in when I needed to pump.  My mom, aunt and sister were with us, so that helps, but it felt like a vacation to me!  We have a big tent that is UV protective that the babies stay under because my pedi said no sunscreen till 6months.  They both have sunhats, but it is a PAIN to get them to wear them right now!  We plan on going several times this summer because it was so easy.

sawyer918

MrsLnt:

We just took ours to the beach over Easter.  I don't want to be a Debbie Downer but the vacation was pretty rough.  Not relaxing at all.  We got down onto the beach a few times, but just for a few minutes each time because, after feeding them, changing into swimsuits/swim diapers, applying sunscreen and getting down onto the beach, it was practically nap time, at which point it was time to go back inside. Mine are not good at napping anywhere other than their own crib, so they spent the whole trip overtired because they hated sleeping in the PnPs. And the time they were on the beach, it was a constant battle to keep the sand out of their mouths and keep them entertained in general. 

 

 

We just had ours boys down this past weekend and it was not fun.  They also came down with colds/fevers the 2nd day we wer there so we had to leave early.  They didn't want to nap in their PnP or sleep at night so everyone was miserable.  GL.  I am hoping that the next time we go it won't be as bad b/c they hopefully won't be sick. 

GSwans

Definitely get one of those carts that you can put all the beach crap in and pull with you.  You can hang beach chairs on it, too.  Cuts down on what you have to carry.  A stroller that can easily be pushed int he sand is imperative.  They were able to fall asleep in it and nap, so we didn't have to leave the beach!  Also, a little pool under the umbrella for them to splash in and stay cool. That was genius.

omalley

GSwans:

Definitely get one of those carts that you can put all the beach crap in and pull with you.  You can hang beach chairs on it, too.  Cuts down on what you have to carry.  A stroller that can easily be pushed int he sand is imperative.  They were able to fall asleep in it and nap, so we didn't have to leave the beach!  Also, a little pool under the umbrella for them to splash in and stay cool. That was genius.

I agree with the beach cart and the stroller!  The last 2 summers we went to the beach a ton and my husband would push the cart with our umbrella and chairs in it.  And I would push the stroller and when it was nap time I would take a long walk until they fell asleep and then push the cart under the umbrella.  We had many wonderful beach days!

This year however will be our first with them walking...I think I might skip our beach chairs b/c I have a feeling we will be doing a lot of running! 

anyalee

We practically live on the beach in the summer.  Last summer whie I was preggo, I saw a MoM bring her babies down and setting up.  She pulled out this tent, set it up in like 2 seconds, and here babies happily played in there most of the day.  I went over because I had to know what that tent was.  It is called the Instent Tent and is made by Abo Gear.  I ordered one for like $70.  Haven't used it yet but I have played with it in the house and it's amazing!!  It really does pop open and closed super easy and quick.  It has a floor, windows so you can close for privacy while nursing/napping, and little pockets on the side to put sand in so it doesn't blow away.  It's the perfect size too.