Summer is already here and we’re all tempted to get up and escape to the beach for a day full of sunrays, cocktails, and relaxation. We’ve finally managed to get some time off of work, we’ve planned everything to the last detail but we’re forgetting one thing – hitting the beach with the little ones is no easy task!
In fact, it’s a true adventure that demands not only preparation but flexibility, a quick mind, and the ability to stay concentrated at all times while relaxing. Sounds like a tough battle to fight, right?
Well, there’s no reason to worry as we’re here to save the day and give you all the information you need to have the time of your life on the beach with the kids. We’ll help you organize, pack, prepare, and be ready for anything that may come your way. After all, summer is not to be missed just because of uncertainty or fear.
Let’s get started.
1. Start with a list
We’re quite fond of staying organized via the use of lists and would suggest you do this everything you are about to organize something new or even something old. Use your phone or the old-fashioned pen and paper to write down all of the equipment and gadgets you’ll need to spend some time with the little ones on the beach. The good news is that your list doesn’t have to go in the trash after every beach visit and can be reused over and over again. Chances are that it will only get better with time as you continue to add new items you may have forgotten about before.
2. Don’t overpack
It is likely that you’ll feel the urge to bring along anything that comes your way. A ton of toys can be distracting now only for your kids but for you as well. Imagine having to look after all of these items while your main priority is the safety of the little ones.
To avoid any chaos, only bring along your kids’ favorite toys. Let them pick one and stick to it. You will notice that kids have preferences when it comes to toys and will usually decide quickly when asked to choose their favorite toy they want to play with on the beach. This could be their new water beads shooting gun or their remote control air swimmers.
Regardless, by doing this, everyone will have more fun and you will only have to worry about bringing one toy back home.
3. Sunscreen is a top priority
Sunscreen is essential for adults as well but it is common that we forget or simply choose to tan without any protection. And that’s okay as you’re old enough to make your own decision and your skin is tougher. However, this is not the case when it comes to little ones. Add sunscreen to your list of items to bring to the beach. It is one of the most obvious ones but you will be surprised how easy it is to forget. It is best to use a stick sunscreen, which is safer and easier to apply to the face.
4. Remember to bring a beach umbrella
When your kids first step foot on the beach, chances are that they’ll be mesmerized by the amazing warmth, the sound of the waves, and the gentle touch of the sunrays. However, keep in mind that the longer you stay on the beach, the harder it will become to cope with the heat, especially if you’ve chosen a particularly hot day and hot hour.
To keep your kids safe and happy, bring along a beach umbrella that could be used as a shelter from the sun when needed. It is also the perfect place to take a nap or cool down. It is a nice resort to have if needed and doesn’t really take up that much space in the car.
5. If possible, bring a chair too
Now, chairs on a beach are a luxury in most cases. However, if you’ve decided to spend a longer period of time tanning than it is worth preparing to make it as comfortable as possible, especially given that you’ll be with the kids.
The chair could come in handy if you’re trying to feed the kids and need a clean space with no sand getting in the way. Although this could be done on the towel too, with a single movement everything could become buried in sand in no time. The chair is a bit higher up from the sand and guarantees an extra level of safety. Plus, it’s certainly enjoyable and comfort-bringing.
6. Choose your bags carefully
Remembering to bring everything you need is one thing. Actually packing it for the beach is a whole other thing. It is essential to have a bag that offers a lot of pockets and has different compartments for storage space. Think about it – you’ll have things like sunscreen, water bottles, keys, wallet, or a book all swimming around your bag. It could take you ages to find an object if you’re not well-organized.
It is also advisable to take a separate bag for the towels alone to avoid getting everything in sand towards the end of the beach adventure. Place them somewhere visible in the car where you can’t miss them as they’ll be your foundation on the beach at all times.
7. Take a large bag for trash
Considering the number of things you’ll be using on the beach it is only natural that you generate a lot of trash during your stay. That’s not a bad thing as long as you’re prepared to take care of it and dispose of any trash in a designated area. To leave the beach clean and tidy after you leave, take a few plastic bags along to store all the trash in before you reach a place where you can safely get rid of it.
8. Baby powder can save your life
We’ll share a little trick with you. Did you know that baby powder can be used for so much more than its original purpose? For instance, it’s a perfect cheat for the beach as it will help you get rid of sand easily. Dust a small amount on your baby’s skin and notice how easy it is to get the sand off without spending ages struggling only to make a mess in the car at the end. Put it on your beach list and always remember to bring it with you.
9. Get to the beach as early as possible
Now that we’ve helped you pack everything, it is time to move on to the actual beach. The sun is gentler towards the early morning hours and the late evening hours. If you’re hitting the beach on your day off it is best to leave as early as possible for a few reasons.
First, as already mentioned, the sun will not be as strong and dangerous, meaning that your little ones can enjoy the sand and the waves with no risk of burning. Second, the beaches are usually less packed with people, offering a calmer environment for your little ones and for you as well. You will have more space to yourself, you won’t be worried about your kids running around and pouring sand on everyone, and everyone will be happier.
10. Don’t forget to stay hydrated
Always pack enough water. Especially if you are planning to visit a beach with no bars or restaurants, it is up to you to stay hydrated and provide your kids with plenty of water. It may be impossible to access drinking water on the spot so be prepared in advance and bring enough for everyone. Remember to keep the water cool and if you don’t have the necessary equipment, at least avoid leaving it out on the sun.
You could play around with tastes and add different fruity flavors to the water to make it even more exciting.
You’re ready to hit the beach
There we have it – the full guide to a beach day with the little ones. If this is among your first times it may be stressful to think about but don’t worry – everyone goes through it at some point and comes back alive. It’s only a matter of good preparation and organization and you will find that the beach can once again be the perfect place to relax and get the tan you’ve been dreaming of.
