All you need to know to make those first beach trips ones to remember.
When to take your baby to the beach
A great question. The good news is there’s no age limit for a beach trip! Exposure to the natural world, the benefits of sunshine, the effects of sea air, and the sounds of waves at naptime mean the seaside can have a positive impact from an early age. But there are important things to consider before you plan on taking your baby to the beach.
4 ways to stay safe on the beach with your baby
You want to make sure that when you and your newborn go to the beach for the first time, it’s as safe as possible. Here are a few tips on how you can protect them.
Go early or later in the day
This will mean you avoid the sun at its hottest (11am-3pm). Protect your baby with a wide brim hat, sun umbrella, full-body UV rash suit and, of course, a quality sunscreen suitable for babies. Baby sunscreen should have an SPF of at least 30. Apply 15 minutes before they’re out in the sun and reapply after a dip in the sea. You can never be too careful!
Never leave your baby anywhere near water unattended
Even if they have had a few baby swim lessons, your little one will be far from a competent swimmer at this age. Always monitor them while they are playing near the water.
Be careful of the sand
Sand can be fascinating to a baby, but it can also contain sharp stones, glass and rubbish left behind or swept in by the tide, so keep a watchful eye. Waterproof shoes help, especially if sand gets hot.
Keep aware of where your little one is
Beaches are one big playground for little ones. A mobile toddler can cover a lot of ground–so don’t take your eyes off them!
What to take to the beach with a baby: 8 essentials
So now you know what age a baby can go to the beach and how to keep them safe, you’re ready to go, right? But what should you bring with you?
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- Sunscreen – a quality brand that’s at least SPF 30 and suitable for baby’s sensitive skin.
- Sun hat – pick a style with a wide brim to shade your baby’s neck and eyes.
- Huggies® Little Swimmers® to take care of any little accidents, made with an absorbent material that doesn’t swell in water.
- Beach parasol or tent – shade is really important to provide young children with some much-needed shelter from the sun.
- Change of clothes – pack clean, dry clothes and a few extra layers.
- Towels – one to sit on, one to dry with.
- Drinks and snacks – plenty of liquid, especially on a warm day, and a good supply of snacks to replenish your busy beach baby.
- Wipes – useful for cleaning up after a roll in the sand, a sticky ice cream and, of course, a nappy change.
6 nice-to-haves to take to the beach with your newborn
Ok, you have the essentials, but what else should you bring (if you have the room)?
- Swimwear – the fun Disney graphics on a pair of Huggies® Little Swimmers® mean swimwear is not essential, but a cute cossie will help cover your baby’s delicate skin.
- A UV rash suit is a practical way to protect your baby’s skin from the sun’s rays (you’ll still need to use sunscreen).
- A bucket and spade, ball and other durable toys for extra entertainment.
- Big blanket, with room for everyone to stretch out and relax.
- Camera to record those magical beach outings!
- Waterproof footwear to protect little feet from sharp stones and hot sand.
5 beach games to play with toddlers
We all love to have fun at the beach, especially our resident parents. Here’s some of their go-to beach activities to play on your next visit:
Sand art
Use fingers, a stick or a spade to draw lines and shapes in the sand. Start with familiar shapes to get your little one’s interest, then encourage them to have a go.
Catch me if you can!
A game of running, carrying or toddling from the incoming waves will provide endless fun for a squealing tot, especially when someone gets wet!
Treasure hunt
Bury shells, pebbles and other beach objects together for your little one to uncover by digging them up with their hands or a spade. Remember - X marks the spot!
Sand sculptures
Let your imagination run wild! You don’t even need a bucket and spade, just use your hands. Wet sand holds better than dry sand and beach finds, such as shells and feathers, make great decorations.
Beach bingo
Take your tot in search of different objects and animals that can be found on the beach. Decide what you’re going to look for and then shout ‘bingo!’ when you make your discovery.
Parent hacks that make going to the beach with your baby a breeze!
Parent hack #1 Start with shorter trips
Parent hack #2 Try bringing a blow-up paddling pool
Parent hack #3 A buggy for the beach, not a beach buggy
Parent hack #4 Use cornflour to make cleaning up easier
Parent hack #5 Ice blast their meals
Dive into a range of insightful content
Over the years, we’ve picked up a thing or two about parenting, and we want to share it all with you.
Discover an insightful range of articles, lists, tips and tricks which are all designed to make playtime and adventure with your little one as exciting as possible. Whether you’re looking for fun swimming games, or what swim bag essentials are needed for your first dip, we’ve got it covered.
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