Hi. In about a month, my husband and I are driving to the beach with our baby girl, who by then will be 6,5 months old. I'm taking her to her monthly appt before we leave and I will ask the Dr then. I just wanna hear experiences, tips and advice from mommies who have gone to the beach with babies. This is our 1st long trip (10-11 hrs), we are very excited about it.
Please don't tell me to stay home, WE ARE going. Thank you all!!
2007-07-10 05:02:41 · 16 answers · asked by Baby Ruth habla español 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I'm checking the article on Parents magazine, it's very helpful, thanks!
2007-07-10 05:16:49 · update #1
I live minutes from the beach, and we take our 6-month-old daughter often. We bought a baby tent, but she hated it. It gets incredibly hot in there, and it blocks any breeze. We usually bring her 4 PM or later (not only is it cooler, but the crowds have significantly died down) and put on lots of sun screen and a floppy hat. We also have an umbrella and a baby adirondack chair for her to sit in. Before we go, I make sure to give her liquids, so she doesn't dehydrate (and I bring some, too). Someone mentioned baby powder for the sand; it works wonders!
We usually take her to the edge of the water and let the end of the wave hit her feet. Of course, the first time, she freaked out a little. (Granted, we do have a bit of a drama queen.) However, if you keep her feet in and let her adjust to the temperature (much like we have to), she'll like it. Since I'm in NJ, and the water is still is pretty cool, we usually don't do more than wet her feet though.
All that, and you may only get in an hour in at the beach.
We have a blow-up dip pool in my in-laws' yard for when we walk back from the beach. We usually fill it earlier in the day and let it get warm. It's a nice way to let her cool down after some time on the beach. She LOVES it. Often we bathe her right in there (after she plays around a bit).
If you want check out pics on myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/tinamarie_c
2007-07-10 05:25:10 · answer #1 · answered by adelinia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Awesome! It is such a fun trip. There is the obvious...lots of fluids and keep applying sun block. Like every 1/2 hour to hour. Apply liberally. They sell these neat little patches and bracelets that indicate when it needs to be reapplied. We brought a baby tub, filled it with beach water and had her play in that. She had so much fun. See if you an get one of those beach umbrellas and try to keep her out of the sun or find a place to periodically take her out of it. As you know their skin is much thinner than ours and the effects of the sun hit them faster. Also some beaches require the use of swim diapers so have some of those on hand. Take lots of pictures and or video tape. One last note though... See if the local beach has an air quality report. Some days it is just too dangerous to have the baby out at all. No matter the precautions you take.
2007-07-10 05:18:43 · answer #2 · answered by In love with 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just rode with my 2 year old for 12 hours. Wow...I can't say that I envy you with the 6 month old! LOL Just from personal experience, I will guess the 5 month old won't be able to tolerate the heat for too long out on the beach. Sun block or no sun block, baby MUST have protective clothing on, a sun-hat and HAVE to stay under some coverage and out of the sun The baby also needs to have a lot of fluids out there because their little bodies get dehydrated quickly. Your doctor can confirm whether baby is old enough yet to have sun block slathered all over. I thought it was 6 months, but I could be wrong. Anyway, good luck with everything!
2007-07-10 05:10:18 · answer #3 · answered by julesl68 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The most important thing for a baby at the beach is shade. Make sure you have a shady spot for her. She'll be old enough for sunscreen, so put it on. That and a hat to protect her head.
Also, make sure to keep her well-hydrated. If you're breastfeeding, that's all that's required. If formula feeding, she might need some water as well.
Bring some toys she can play with and have a good time!
2007-07-10 05:15:01 · answer #4 · answered by Questing 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lots o'sunscreen (reapply, reapply, reapply)...they make some especially for babies if u wanna use that, then just keep an eye on her (of course) and have a great time. i live on Cape Cod, MA...so I know beaches well<( :
I recommend having a bucket&shovel as well..they're not just for kids, u know!
I'm not a mom, i am only 18...but, I was a mother's helper for 2 years and I went to the beach (alone) with the little girl who was 1 at the time, so I do have some experience.
Oh yeah...just make sure she doesn't put anything in her mouth...the little girl I went with had a strange/dangerous fascination with small rocks / :
2007-07-10 05:14:51 · answer #5 · answered by sk8rgrl02631 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Im not a mommy yet, but my parents used to take us to the beach every year. Make sure she has sunblock and sun protection (hat, umbrella etc.) you don't want a burnt baby :o( my mom used to bring a little bucket (not much bigger than a kitchen sink size) and fill it part way with the beach water so my baby sister could sit in it an play without the waves crashing on her. I hope you three have fun! How exciting, my husband and I can't wait to be parents. :o)
2007-07-10 05:14:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Things to bring:
Large beach umbrella
Large blanket
lots of towels
wet wipes
tons of baby-friendly sunblock
sand toys as well as blocks, etc (non-sand toys)
try a small baby pool - bring a little inflatable one and a bicycle pump
BABY POWDER is the most effective and stress-free way to remove sand from sweaty little bodies
Remember that babies can be odd little creatures - the same baby that adores the sandbox at the playground may hate the sand at the beach.
Enjoy ourselves...take lots of pictures!
2007-07-10 05:13:55 · answer #7 · answered by sylvyahr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pack the baby powder it helps remove sand from little ones easily! oh and make sure to keep the salt water outter her eyes...have a bit umbrella and plenty of sunscreen....in the "Parents" magazine out this month there is a whole article on taking your kids to the beach...you should check it out!!
2007-07-10 05:11:42 · answer #8 · answered by tll 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Keep the baby out of the sun as much as possible - get an umbrella - and use sunscreen (like Water Babies) everywhere except the hands and face.
2007-07-10 06:16:14 · answer #9 · answered by zippythejessi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
taking your baby to the beach is soo much fun.! just remember to use lots of sun block on her and keep a hat on her head... also don't be paranoid about putting her down and letting her play... ( that is the best part after all) and yes she will eat some of it... LOL don't panic... but when you do put her down remember there are lots of junk in the sand that people throw away ie: wrappers, cans, glass so where ever she is I would just run my hands through quickly to make sure she isn't crawling on something sharp.... and most of all don't forget your video camera you won't want to miss your baby's first time in sand..... sooo cute.....
2007-07-10 05:14:08 · answer #10 · answered by tinkerbell3648 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋