Talk w/ me re: the beach

susanmosley

We are taking a vacation soon - we won't be staying on the beach, but will be a half hour away.  So, I am having trouble figuring out how to be most prepared.  I assume one morning we will head to the island, have lunch, shop & visit the beach.  Since our hotel isn't there, where do we change? What do I need to make this work for 2 1/2 yo DD?  Do beaches have rinse off places or are we on our own with the sand?  Clearly I'm a novice.  TIA  anything you want to share is appreciated

lilone_06

We live in Australia so I fancy myself a bit of a beach expert.   Although, we live close enough to walk, so a bit of a diff situation than you.  But we have had similar beach outings to what you're doing.  Nearly every beach we've been to has a spot to shower off after, but not all.  I always bring a couple of extra towels - say, four total - two to lay on (the kids just run around anyway) and two to keep clean and dry to clean off after showering and changing.  Also pack a couple of large water bottles, for drinking in a  pinch, but also good for a mini-shower for DD if there's not one, and handy to clean sand off dropped glasses, fruit, hands, what have you.  Baby powder is also good to get sand off skin, just sprinkle it on and the sand brushes right off. 

Obviously, bring change of clothes for everyone, although I've always found it easier to wait to get home to shower and change myself, but I definitely rinse off the kids to they don't have itchy skin.  I guess it depends on the facilities and your plans.

Not sure if this is what you're asking, but I also usually bring: shovels, buckets, a ball, sunscreen, sunshade or hats, snacks, water.  The floatie arms and toys usually end up blowing away so I skip them at the beach.  HTH, enjoy your vacation!

susanmosley

Ya'll are great!  This is exactly what I am looking for.  Thank you!

Notwifezilla7

The beaches in NJ vary with accomodations. Things from port o potties to actual real restrooms.

1. Swim diapers do not hold pee in, so do not put your LO in them in the car. Change once you get there!
2. At this age, less is more in terms of toys. I'd bring a shovel & bucket, blanket or old sheet to sit on, and some towels.
3. We don't do food on the beach. The idea of sand in my food skeeves me out. We do however pack water bottles. Ditto the baby powder recommendation. Don't forget to reapply sunscreen.
4. You may want to look into water shoes, flip flops or something to that effect for you LO as the sand can get fairly hot!.
5. Before you go check and see if beach tags are a requirement and if so, the cost. Also check out parking and again prices for that. For us, we always keep a stash of quarters for the meters.

Emcat1980@yahoo.com

We have done 2 weekend beach trips this month so I'll tell you what I learned w/ a toddler (26 months).

Morning beach time best. Sun less fierce, not as hot. You mentioned shop, lunch then beach. I'd switch it if possible.....beach, lunch, then shop. Your DD may sleep through shopping (if you're lucky) if you have a good stroller that reclines some/is comfortable.

My son wasn't interested in sitting on a towel, but I would keep 2 - one for drying off wet sand/wet bodies and another clean one just in case.

Toys my son liked: 2 different size buckets, a few shovels, and a few little shapes to mold the sand with.

Unlike a PP I am ok w/ some snacking on the beach but not big meals. I did granola bars and fruit chews, water bottles and juice boxes.

An umbrella is great to get out of the sun - not that my DS really cared but it was nice for me. Not necessary though.

Shoes that can be worn to walk around/in the sand/in the water are great -- like keens or other waterproof sandals. Just rinse them and they can be worn the rest of the day.

Obviously sunscreen and a hat and sunglasses if she'll wear them.

As far as after-beach cleanup, a clean towel and a couple of bottles of water will get you far. How long is your daughter's hair? You may want to bring a spray leave-in detangler - just rinse it when you get out of the water then spray in and comb it out. I would look for a public beach access w/ a shower though - it will make it a lot easier. At this age I don't mind a total strip down to rinse them off, then wrap in a dry towel, then carry them to the car and put clean clothes on in there.

Good luck and have fun!!!

 

hellopoppyseed

Hmmm not sure what island you're talking about but when we lived in corpus, we would go to padre island a couple times a week. You know you can drive on the beach there so we would bring a gallon jug filled with fresh water and then sit in our car and rinse our feet with the jug. There aren't really facilities out there. We'd just change at home. There's no traffic over really so it was a quick drive. I like having a beach tent for sun protection. If your talking about some other place, this is semi irrelevant. Anyway. I love the beach!

hellopoppyseed

If you're talking about this area, I have lots of recommendations-mainly about food.

mandymack

What a fun vacation!!!

We live a mile from the beach here and go a lot! All the PPs pretty much mentioned all the necessities, so many great ideas!  

I just wanted to add that I always take a "wet bag" or gallon Ziploc to contain all the wet clothes/suits after leaving the beach and a trash bag for refuse. 

If there's no wash station, I give Emily one last dunk in the ocean and pick her up and carry her back to her towels.  Sit her down on one and use the other to strip her down, dry her off, and dress her in clean clothes.  This way, I don't have to try and rub the sand off, which does hurt.  I have never heard of baby powder, I'll be trying that one for sure!    Because it's not super warm where we live, after being in the Pacific ocean, Emily is always freezing so, dressing her in something more warm than normal works best for us.

I ditto the extra application of sunscreen, beach chairs, and a big beach umbrella (don't forget a rubber mallet/hammer to get it down in the sand!) - makes the whole day that much more enjoyable, although you can have a great day with much less "stuff". 

susanmosley

Thank you all - great info.  Just what I needed