STMs help please: NBR trip to the beach with a toddler

jnnfrrose6 · March 2014

We are headed to the beach next month for our first "family trip." We've travelled plenty with DS, but this time is different. We've rented a house and will be taking our niece with us. Last time we had DS at the beach he was 6 months old and it was February, so no real beach time (and it was just over a long weekend with plans that kept us busy anyways). What do you recommend for the beach? I feel good about the general things to bring for a vacation, just looking for beach specific things I may not think of. Thanks!

Big+Lil · March 2014

An umbrella/sun shade/tent that is well reviewed against wind. Baby powder dusts sand right off the skin and is good to keep in your beach bag. I also like those zip up picnic blankets that fold into themselves with handles as a large blanket (mine is from Target). My daughter could sit with sand toys for hours at the beach, enjoy your vacation!

AKB090609 · March 2014

If you can get a pop up tent I suggest it, we also brought a huge beach blanket. We just got back from the beach last month and DD was not a fan of the sand the first few days. I would also bring water shoes for the toddler. As far as toys DD really only wanted to play with a spoon and disposable cups in the sand.

aimeepigott · March 2014

We found these great umbrella half tent things and put a wading pool inside to help avoid too much sun. We took tons of snacks and water. Loaded up with sunscreen and played the day away! Just be prepared to chase too! Haha

ghostof5letters · March 2014

Empty milk jug of fresh water to wash off sandy hands.
Insulated cooler bags for fruit and snacks.

Sunbrella is my most favorite beach umbrella - My kid would never sleep in the pop up tent, but the sunbrella was great.

Shovels, buckets

Toddler sized beach chair

reils500 · March 2014

Extra towels, sandals/water shoes in case LO doesn't like the sand, bucket & shovel, sunscreen, water, sun hat, spray sunscreen for their head/hair if won't keep hat on.
Have fun!

Giles4 · March 2014

Found this on Pinterest!

ginger313 · March 2014

See if you can find a cheap baby pool, blow up would travel better. You can put some water in the pool on the beach if the toddler is afraid of the waves or noise of the ocean up close. This way the toddler can play in the water right by your set-up, and you won't have to worry about them getting knocked over by a wave or anything.

The baby powder that PP said actually works! I don't know if you've seen these" Wonder Wheeler Beach Carts", but if you can find one or something similar it makes getting everything out and back so much easier.

We went last summer when DD was 18 months, and she had the best time. I hope you guys have a blast too!

BBColt78 · March 2014

I agree to all of the above. FWIW- My DD was scared to death of the ocean waves. She was a little over two when we went last year. Nothing I could do would calm her from thinking the waves would suck in her. Also, she said the waves made her dizzy.

I like the mini pool idea. I think a buck for water and some shovels is great. Water shoes are a must for us. DD doesn't like hot sand on her feet. An umbrella or popup tent is a must too. Chapstick and drinks are also things I wouldn't leave behind.

Skeemer · March 2014

A friend of mine swears by the mini pool idea also.

zellatrix · March 2014

My son could spend all day on the beach. Just give him a bucket, shovel and a couple beach toys. He also likes flying kites. With a few breaks in between with his own little beach chair and snacks/juice boxes. Something about the sand, he just never gets bored. (He's also 6, but has been going to the beach since he was 8 months.)

jnnfrrose6 · March 2014

Big+Lil said:

An umbrella/sun shade/tent that is well reviewed against wind. Baby powder dusts sand right off the skin and is good to keep in your beach bag. I also like those zip up picnic blankets that fold into themselves with handles as a large blanket (mine is from Target). My daughter could sit with sand toys for hours at the beach, enjoy your vacation!

I've heard this before. Explain to me how it's supposed to work, please. I assume you just rub it on LO after the sunscreen has soaked in? Do you put it on the LO under their swimsuit/diaper too? Or am I somehow missing something with this?

kmawb · March 2014

jnnfrrose6 said:

Big+Lil said:

An umbrella/sun shade/tent that is well reviewed against wind. Baby powder dusts sand right off the skin and is good to keep in your beach bag. I also like those zip up picnic blankets that fold into themselves with handles as a large blanket (mine is from Target). My daughter could sit with sand toys for hours at the beach, enjoy your vacation!

I've heard this before. Explain to me how it's supposed to work, please. I assume you just rub it on LO after the sunscreen has soaked in? Do you put it on the LO under their swimsuit/diaper too? Or am I somehow missing something with this?

You use the baby powder to remove the stuck on sand from your skin (it's not a preventative thing but a use it once it has happened). Basically if you/LO/whomever has sand stuck to their feet, legs, bum, arms, etc. just pour some baby powder into your hand and rub it onto the skin where the sand is. The baby powder will absorb the moisture on the skin and the sand will just fall right off.

FYI, if you aren't a fan of baby powder, cornstarch works just as well.

ETA: tag @jnnfrrose6.

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STMs help please: NBR trip to the beach with a toddler

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