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. Show
4 ways to stay safe on the beach with your babyYou 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 dayThis 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 unattendedEven 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 sandSand 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 isBeaches 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 essentialsSo 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?
6 nice-to-haves to take to the beach with your newbornOk, you have the essentials, but what else should you bring (if you have the room)?
5 beach games to play with toddlersWe 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 artUse 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 huntBury 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 sculpturesLet 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 bingoTake 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 tripsWe never did more than a few hours at a time on the beach when the babies were little. Less to pack, less exposure to the sun, and I could still stick to their sleep routines. Parent hack #2 Try bringing a blow-up paddling poolDon’t leave home without a small blow-up paddling pool and a beach umbrella. It helped our newly crawling son keep cool and stop him putting sand in his mouth. JessicaParent hack #3 A buggy for the beach, not a beach buggyWe always found taking our buggy to the beach useful for loading up the bags and weary babies – but remember to drag them backwards across the sand, not forwards! AmandaParent hack #4 Use cornflour to make cleaning up easierA nursery teacher we knew suggested using cornflour to remove sand from your toddler’s legs and arms. It dries the skin so it’s easy to wipe the sand off. It worked for us. SarahParent hack #5 Ice blast their mealsFor hot days, I would stick their food pouches in the freezer the night before – they would go nice and slushy by the time we got to the beach (which helped with sore gums when they were teething too). ClareDive into a range of insightful contentOver 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. Can I take my 1 month old to the beach?Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight and sun lotion isn't recommended because of the fragility and permeability of their skin. So dress your baby in light clothes that cover their limbs and a cute little sunhat. Find a space in the shade, or use a parasol to keep the sun's rays off your baby.
How soon can you take a baby to the beach?The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) doesn't have an official age recommendation for when babies can go in bodies of water like oceans, lakes, and rivers, but most pediatricians recommend waiting until your baby is about 6 months old or can hold their head up well on their own (around 4 to 5 months).
Can I take a 3 week old to the beach?Later in the day, the lighting is also perfect for taking photos of your family on the beach. Babies younger than six months should stay in the shade and be kept out of the sun altogether. Your baby's skin is delicate and can still burn even if it isn't sunny, It is vital to protect your baby from the sun.
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