When can you take a baby to the beach

When Can You Take a Baby to the Beach?

As an Amazon Associate BE Family Travel earns from qualifying purchases. Learn More

How Soon Can I Take My New Rescue D...

Please enable JavaScript

How Soon Can I Take My New Rescue Dog to the Beach

Taking a family beach vacation with a baby or newborn will certainly be more complicated than before you had kids. But many parents want to continue traveling even with the addition of a new little person. If you’re reading this article you are probably wondering when can you take a baby to the beach? There are several things to consider before taking a baby to the beach. Babies are extremely sensitive to the sun and heat, so you must be aware of how to keep your baby safe at the beach.

In this post, we will discuss taking a newborn to the beach, why waiting until 2 months is recommended, and find out when can a baby wear sunscreen. Also included are the best baby beach essentials, a beach packing list, and how to take a beach vacation with a baby.

These opinions are formed from the personal experience of parenting my own children. I cannot provide any medical advice, and your decision to take your little one to the beach should be shared with your doctor.

📌Pin it for later📌

Taking a Newborn to the Beach

Babies under 6 months old should avoid too much sun exposure. For the first 6 months of life, your baby’s skin lacks melanin – the pigment to protect it from the sun. Therefore, baby skin will burn a lot easier than adult skin, or even older children’s skin.

Infants cannot regulate their body heat like grownups, so when they are left in a hot environment they can feel heat stress. Thus, babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct and indirect sunlight because of the risk of heatstroke.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that infants who are younger than six months must avoid sun exposure to prevent sunburn.

Can I take my 2-month-old to the Beach?

You don’t find many newborns at the beach because it is a lot more complicated to travel with an infant. Even so, it is not unheard of and many parents will take the necessary precautions before heading to the beach

Babies can go in the water from birth, but they can pick up an infection from water until they build a stronger immune system. Also, it’s important that babies don’t get too cold in the water because they cannot regulate their body temperature like adults. Babies can lose heat rapidly, nearly 4 times faster than an adult. Therefore, the general rule of thumb is to wait until your child is at least 2 months old before taking your baby swimming in the ocean, a lake, or pool.

Where you want to swim makes a difference. Be aware of the water temperature. If you feel like the water is cool then your baby will definitely feel the cold very quickly. If you are in a hot climate and the water is as warm as bathwater, then a baby over 2 months can certainly get wet for a few minutes.

Taking a Baby to the Beach

New parents often wonder “when can I take my baby to the beach”? It is important to avoid the hottest part of the day. Choose to visit the beach with a baby in the early morning before 11:00 AM, or later in the afternoon after 3:00 PM.

If your little one is an early riser then head to the beach in the morning. Get in a few hours on the beach first thing before it gets too hot. Then head back to your beach house for lunch and nap time. Return to the beach in the late afternoon when it is cooler and usually less crowded. 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.

At what age can a baby wear Sunscreen?

To start wearing sunscreen your baby should be older than 6 months. Sunscreen for babies must be an SPF 30 or higher and remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours. I personally prefer to use a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF 50 on my children to provide greater protection.

If your child is younger than 6 months and you are not able to keep your baby out of the sun, you can apply a very small amount of water-resistant sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30. Ultimately the safest place for your baby is in the shade with their skin covered as much as possible.

Check out this Sunscreen Hack for Kids using a brush applicator.

📌Pin it for later📌

Baby Beach Essentials

When taking an infant to the beach it helps to be prepared with the best baby beach essentials. These items will make your beach vacation with a baby less stressful for you and more enjoyable for your child.

The Baby Beach Essentials include:

Baby Beach Tent
Pop Up Canopy Tent or a Beach Umbrella
Outdoor Beach Blanket
Beach Bag
Hooded Towels
Beach Cover Up for Baby
Beach Toys
Small Inflatable Pool
UV Sun Protective Swim Suit or Long Sleeve Rashguard
Sun Hat
Baby Sunglasses with Strap
SPF 30+ Lip Balm
Sunscreen
Baby Water Shoes
Infant Life Vest
Wet/Dry Bag
Swim Diapers
Baby Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Baby Powder

Learn more about a Family Beach Vacation

To discover why this baby beach stuff is important read my post about Baby Beach Accessories: The Must-Have Beach Gear. It will help you choose the best beach gear for your little one as well as learn some baby beach hacks. Find out about a baby powder beach hack (and it’s not for your baby’s butt).

In addition, you can read more about the Beach Essentials for Kids to help you prepare for a family beach vacation. This includes details about all the beach gear needed for your whole family (kids and adults). And for a more in-depth guide check out my Family Beach Vacation – Ultimate Guide & Packing Lists.

Beach Essentials Packing List

BONUS: Download our FREE Beach Essentials Packing List which is perfect for a Beach Day with Kids.

Click to DOWNLOAD Beach Essentials Packing List

How to take a Beach Vacation with Baby

Taking a baby to the beach requires parents to adjust their expectations of what a beach vacation will be. It requires a lot more effort to take a family beach vacation, but it is doable and will even be enjoyable with the right preparation.

Parents will enjoy walking the beach with their newborn in a baby carrier, or sitting in the shade while their child naps in a baby beach tent. Ultimately getting out in nature and enjoying the fresh ocean breeze is healthy for you and your child.

There is no hard and fast rule about when you can go to the beach with a baby. There are precautions to be aware of so you can decide what is right for your family. The two most dangerous things for babies at the beach are the sun and the water. Take the necessary steps to keep your baby safe at the beach.

Avoid going to the beach during the hottest part of the day to prevent your baby from becoming overheated. Keep your baby in the shade and cover up their skin from the sun. If your baby is over 6 months then apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. To avoid water illness wait until your infant is at least 2 months old before taking them swimming. Be aware of the water temperature since a newborn cannot regulate their body temperature.

Beach Baby Summary

Finally, be prepared with the necessary Baby Beach Accessories to keep your child safe and comfortable at the beach. It really is worth the extra effort to make the trip more pleasant for you and your child.

And remember, let’s BE Family so you can enjoy the journey.

Until next time,
💕 Ruth

For more about family travel check out these posts:
Beach Essentials for Kids
Baby Beach Accessories: The Must-Have Beach Gear
Family Beach Vacation – Ultimate Guide & Packing Lists
Road Trip With A Baby: Tips To Help Parents Survive

📌Pin it for later📌

BE Family Products Inc. or (BE Family Travel) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Using any of the links on this website does NOT cost you anything but does help us continue to create content on this blog.

Thank you so much for your support and partnering with us, let’s BE Family.

Ruth Hutchins grew up in England and now lives in North Carolina with her husband, Doug, and their two young daughters. They always loved to travel, but once having children everything changed because family travel is more complicated. Traveling with a baby may feel overwhelming to new parents. Travel with a toddler can really test your patience, and traveling with kids can lead to utter chaos. However, travel with your little ones doesn’t have to be that stressful or exhausting. On the BE Family Travel blog Ruth shares her parenting wins, and even epic failures about traveling with kids. She provides resources to help you feel empowered to plan a family vacation and travel with your children.

Taking your baby to the beach

What sun protection should I use?

Even if it isn't sunny, your baby's delicate skin can still burn, so it's vital to protect her.

If your baby is younger than six months, keep her out of the sun altogether and stay in the shade.

If you have an older baby or toddler, keep her out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, which is the hottest part of the day (NHS 2011).

When your baby is in the sun, dress her in cool cotton clothes that cover her legs and arms. A UV sunsuit is also a good option. Put her in a wide-brimmed hat that shades her face and neck, and sunglasses to protect her eyes from the sun and sand.

Before you go in the sun (NICE 2011), apply sunscreen thickly to every area of your baby's skin not covered by clothes or a hat, including her hands and feet. You may find it easier to apply the cream before you get your toddler dressed in the morning. That way, you can be sure you haven't missed any patches.

Use a sunscreen specially formulated for babies and children, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 (NHS 2011a, NICE 2011). Make sure the sunscreen is a broad-spectrum brand with a four-star or five-star rating (NHS 2011a, NICE 2011). This means it offers UVA and UVB protection, which will be stated on the packaging.

Reapply at least every couple of hours and after your baby has played in water, even if the sunscreen is waterproof (NICE 2011).

What equipment will I need?

You may find the following items handy on a beach trip:

Towels. Take a good supply as they get damp and sandy very quickly.
UV sun tent or umbrella. You need shade at the beach, whether or not the sun is dazzlingly hot.
Windbreak. A windbreak is very useful for providing privacy for you and your family, as well as protecting you from the wind. If you have an adventurous crawler or walking toddler, they also help keep your little one from wandering too far away.
Picnic blankets. Not only are they useful for sitting on, they can also help protect babies and toddlers from the sand. Many babies dislike having sand stuck to them and get upset every time this happens. If your baby gets particularly distressed by sand, consider going to a shingle or pebble beach until she is older.
Cool bag with water and food. Babies and toddlers get hungry in the fresh air. Pack lots of snacks and drinks to stop your baby or toddler getting hungry or dehydrated.
Sunscreen.
Formula-feeding equipment.
First-aid kit.
Armbands, rubber ring, or float suit.
Bucket, spade, and beach ball.

And of course, take a camera to capture your baby's trip to the seaside!

What should my baby wear?

Babies need protection from the sun at all times. Babies of six months or under should be kept out of the direct sun, either in their buggy, under a parasol, or in a UV tent. Remember that it can be a few degrees cooler in the shade. If the weather is not very warm, make sure your baby doesn't get cold out of the sun. She may need an extra layer to keep her comfortable.

Once your toddling baby is moving around independently, it is less easy to keep her in the shade. As well as making sure she is wearing sunscreen, choose a long-sleeved top in a lightweight fabric to provide an extra layer of protection from the sun. Alternatively, get her a UV suit. They come in a wide range of styles and attractive colours. She will also need a sun hat.

Beach shoes or jelly shoes are useful for your toddler. They will protect her feet from the heat of the sand as well as any sharp rocks or stones when she goes in the water. Many toddlers don't like the feel of the sand sticking to them and beach shoes provide better protection in this case. Bear in mind that small children can still get sunburnt in the water. So if you take her in the sea, keep her T-shirt or UV suit on.

In summary, you will need the following clothing:

Several changes of swimwear, if possible. Babies and toddlers like to get in the water, out of the water, in the water, and out again. But they don't like putting on wet swimming gear!
A sun hat. Make sure it has a wide brim or is a legionnaire-style cap with a flap on the back to cover the neck.
Several long-sleeved T-shirts, sweatshirts, leggings or trousers, socks, and shoes. Babies and toddlers can lose heat quickly after they have been in the sea, particularly in cooler climates, and will need to be dressed warmly afterwards.

How can I keep my baby safe on the beach?

Keeping some safety points in mind will ensure you and your baby have a fun and relaxing time at the beach.

When you arrive, choose a clean spot not too close to the water's edge to set up your day camp. You don't want to have to move in a couple of hours when the tide comes in. Have plenty of towels and blankets for your baby to lie or sit on.

If you have a sun tent for your baby, line it with towels and make sure the temperature doesn't get too hot inside.

If your baby is on the move, you may want to set up windbreaks around your base so she can't crawl off in any direction.

If your baby wants to explore, you or another adult should stay with her at all times. You can quickly lose sight of a baby on a busy beach, and she is bound to head towards the water. Also, don't let her near the water without you or another adult.

Do try to stop your baby putting pebbles, shells, or sand in her mouth. But don't panic if she does! Just try to get as much out as possible and give her a drink of water. There's a small chance she may get a stomach upset later in the day. See your GP if you're worried.

Can I take my baby swimming in the sea?

Softly lapping waves can be really exciting for your baby, and she may love playing with you in the sea.

Keep a good hold of your baby when you're in the sea, even if you are used to letting go of her in swimming lessons. Stay in the shallows where you can sit down and hold her safely. Don't wade in too far, as the water can suddenly become very deep at some beaches.

If she likes swimming under water in the swimming pool, she may not feel the same way about the sea. A big mouthful of salty water doesn't taste pleasant. And seawater in her eyes can sting, which may have you rushing back to your camp to wash it out.

If your baby is big enough, pop her in armbands, a rubber ring or float suit. But still hold on to her!

Try not to stay in the water too long as your baby can get cold very quickly. If she starts to shiver, it's time to get out and wrap her in a towel.

If your baby is nervous of the sea, you could paddle and splash a bit to show her how much fun it is. If she really isn't keen, stand at the water's edge and watch the waves. Or she may like to play in sand and build sandcastles. There is plenty of time as she grows up for her to learn to love the sea.

How can I feed my baby on the beach?

If you're breastfeeding, it's easy to do on the beach. Just find somewhere sheltered where a gust of wind and sand can't disturb your baby's feed.

If you're formula-feeding, take cartons of ready-made formula milk. These can be offered straight out the carton. If your baby prefers warm milk, why not make a feed when you need it? Take some freshly boiled water in a vacuum flask, which will keep it warm for about four hours. You can then easily make a feed by adding the water and formula powder to a sterilised bottle. Read more about formula-feeding when you're out and about.

If your baby is on solids, one of the main challenges of eating at the beach is keeping sand and shingle out of your picnic! Sit her on a large rug somewhere sheltered, and hand her one item at a time. Give her a whole lunchbox and it's bound to end up upside down in the ground.

Bear in mind it can be difficult to warm food on the beach. So either serve her food straight from the tub, or take along a flask of boiled water and a plastic jug to warm the food container.

If your baby will eat finger foods, take along a selection. Depending on her age and tastes, good options are:

unsalted breadsticks
banana
cooked carrot sticks
pieces of nectarine or peach
chunks of cheese
cooked pasta spirals
rice cakes
raisins

Remember, if your baby is eating solids, make sure you wash her hands first.

How can my baby have her nap at the beach?

Convincing your baby to sleep in a new environment isn't always easy, but without her nap she's likely to be grumpy later.

She may be willing to lie down after a feed in the shade of an umbrella or sun tent. Or you could pop her in her buggy for a nap. You could also wheel her up and down the promenade until she drops off.

You may prefer not to push your buggy on the sand or shingle. It's hard work for you and bumpy for your baby, and once sand gets in the wheel crevices it can be a nightmare to remove. You may prefer to ask someone else to carry the buggy on and off the beach while you carry your baby.

If your baby won't sleep on the beach, you may find it easier to time your trip to fit around her nap times. You could go to the beach after her morning nap, and leave when she's ready for her afternoon sleep.

References

NHS. 2011. How can I keep my baby safe during hot weather? NHS Choices, Common health questions. www.nhs.uk [Accessed August 2011]

NICE. 2011. Skin cancer: prevention using public information, sun protection resources and changes to the environment. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. Public health guidance 32. www.nice. org.uk [pdf file, accessed August 2011]

Show references Hide references

Relax on the beach for the little ones

Summer sun and water bring many benefits to kids - under the influence of sunlight, vitamin D is produced, which promotes healthy growth, while swimming, the body hardens, and interesting beach games contribute to physical and mental development. However, when going to the beach with a baby, you need to remember a few important rules.

At what age can you take your child to the beach? Pediatricians do not recommend visiting the beach for babies under one year old, as their skin is still very vulnerable and the thermoregulation mechanism is not fully formed. If you still decide to go to the coast with a baby, try to keep the baby in the shade as much as possible and give him more water. In fact, the same rules must be followed with older children, especially if the child is on the beach for the first time.

The best time to visit beach is before 10 am in the south or before 12 noon in the middle lane and after 4 pm. At this time, the sun does not shine so brightly, and there is less chance of getting a sunburn or heat stroke.

The child's body is very sensitive to temperature changes, so do not allow the child to immediately enter the water - play with him for 20-30 minutes on the shore, in the shade. If the water is cold, then swimming is generally better to exclude. Water temperature should be above 20 ° C, and the best option for a child is 21-24 ° C. And try to make sure that the baby does not get cold: the time of one bathing session should not exceed 10 minutes.

Mandatory use sunscreen : the younger the child, the higher the protection factor should be. Apply sunscreen to your baby's skin 20 minutes before leaving the house and every hour at the beach, including after every swim.

Beach wardrobe is also worth special attention. Buy a wide-brimmed panama hat or a scarf for your child, but leave the cap at home, as it will not be able to protect the baby's ears from the sun. Many parents let their children run naked on the beach. But the beach is not the cleanest place, and to avoid the possibility of infection, be sure to wear cotton panties or swimming trunks for your child. And in the sand there can be small sharp pebbles, fragments of shells and even glass, so instead of flip-flops it is better for the child to wear light sandals that sit firmly on the leg.

What to bring?

Adults can often get by with just a towel and sunglasses, but a child on a beach holiday needs a lot more: rest by fresh water),

blankets and towels,

two or three bathing suits or a few swimming trunks (to change the baby after each bath) and a change of dry clothes,

panama hat or kerchief,

swimming equipment (circle, armlets),

toys: sand play sets, beach ball,

clean drinking water, and more to not only quench your thirst, but also wash your hands or wash your hands fruits,

light snacks (fruits, vegetables, biscuits).

Water games

It is almost impossible to see a child sitting quietly next to his parents on the beach. Little fidgets now and then strive to go swimming or bury their heads in the sand. Make beach games not only fun, but also educational. After all, there is so much natural material on the beach that you can use in the game! Sand, water, sticks, shells and pebbles of all shapes and sizes. And if, in addition to all this, you still stock up on molds, spatulas, buckets and paints, neither you nor the baby will definitely be bored.

Castles and towers. What's a beach without a sandcastle? Building castles is a favorite pastime for children. If the beach is sandy, then invite the child to build a large castle with turrets, passages, a bridge and a moat. If the shore is pebbly, the castle can be replaced with a high tower. It is necessary to stack the pebbles so that the tower stands straight and does not fall. Join the kid and arrange a competition: whoever lays a stone that will cause the whole structure to collapse, loses.

Color the stone! Take acrylic paints with you to the pebbly beach and enjoy your creativity with your child. For example, try to draw a funny little man on two pebbles: on the top, draw a head, on the bottom - torso. There can be many lower stones: each instance is a new outfit. Then draw houses, cars for the little men - as a result, you will get a whole city.

Fun cooking . Ask your little one to make you an invigorating coffee from water and sand, and don't forget to "drink" with pleasure. Remind him that his favorite teddy bear hasn't eaten anything for two days now - let him cook and serve him dinner, like in a real restaurant.

Treasure hunt. Did your little one make friends on the beach? It turns out that now you need to entertain not one, but four fidgets at once. Divide them into teams. In a small designated area, let one team hide a small toy in the sand, and the second one will find it. Then swap them. Keep track of the time that the first and second teams spend searching. And don't forget to give the winners a round of applause!

Right on target. Take a ball with you to the beach. Ball games, according to pediatricians, develop dexterity , endurance and coordination of movements. Draw a target on the sand or lay out a target from stones - let the child try to hit it with a ball from a distance. Warn that for the title of "winner" you need to hit the target 10 times.

Sinking - not sinking. Let your little one feel like a scientist. Fill a bucket with water and put a variety of objects nearby (toys, pebbles, leaves, blades of grass, fruits). Let him determine by experience which of them sink and which easily float on the water.

Aquarius. Children love to play with water. At home, this love gives a lot of trouble to parents and, as a rule, is banned. But on the beach - please! Stock up on a variety of vessels: a bottle, a bucket, molds, yogurt cups. The baby will happily pour and pour water from one dish to another. During this game, you can also practice counting skills . For example, ask your child to count how many cups of water fit in one bucket.

Footprints in the sand. The kid will support your idea of leaving footprints in the sand with great pleasure. He will diligently clap his hand, stomp his foot, put all his toys and molds to the sand. The culmination of the game may be the imprint of his or your whole body. Invite the child to finish drawing it: draw around the contours, make a face with the help of pebbles, hair and clothes - with the help of grass and algae. Fun guaranteed! And don't forget to take a photo of two kids side by side: a real one and a drawn one.

10 things to take your baby to the beach - Parents.ru and eyes. So the best choice is a cap with a large visor, a panama hat or a hat with a large brim. It should sit well on the head. Otherwise, it will either be blown away by a gust of wind, or it will fall when the baby gets naughty and will, like a clockwork, run, jump and jump.

Try also to keep the headdress bright. So you can easily distinguish your child in a crowd of other little ones.

Photo: Getty Images

2. Sunglasses

On a child's list of things to bring to the sea, this accessory is an absolute must. The most useful are gray or green lenses made of polycarbonate plastic. These colors preserve the natural colors as much as possible and relieve stress, the material is light and durable, does not scratch and almost does not distort the image. Quality sunglasses are always supplied with inserts indicating the level of UV protection. For a baby, it is better to choose filters of the 3rd and 4th category, since they almost completely protect against ultraviolet radiation.

Photo: David Trood/Getty Images

3.

Spare panties or swimming trunks, and better not alone. But if this option is not acceptable for you, take off your baby's bathing suit immediately after leaving the water - otherwise, wet clothes can provoke, surprisingly, hypothermia. In addition, during the game, sand is often stuffed into a wet swimsuit or panties, which can irritate children's genitals.

Photo: Getty Images

4. A light T-shirt for boys and a dress for girls

They can be put on after bathing to keep baby warm. In addition, a T-shirt or dress will protect the baby's delicate skin from the sun's rays. After bathing, rinse the baby in the shower to wash off the salt, dry with a towel and change into a light T-shirt.

Photo: Dragan Smiljkovic/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

5.

Comfortable slippers or sandals

Protect delicate children's feet on a pebbly beach from sharp stones, and on a sandy one - from burning sand and debris (for example, broken glass). Children's beach shoes are made from special materials - they are incredibly light and dry quickly.

Photo: Getty Images/Image Source

6. Sunscreen

To avoid sunburn, baby's delicate skin must be protected from the sun with sunscreen. In the middle lane, it is enough to use products with a protective factor of 20-30 units; in the south, the protection factor should be 40-50 units. Many sunscreens do not start working immediately, so they must be applied to the skin in advance. In addition, after each bath, it is advisable to reapply them to the skin.

Photo: Getty Images/Fotosearch RF

7.

Drinks

Ordinary boiled or still mineral water quenches thirst. For children under 3 years old, it is better to take special bottled baby water. For older children, juices in small packages with a straw are also suitable. Milk, sour-milk drinks, fruit drinks and homemade compotes in the sun will quickly turn sour, so you can only take them with you in a cooler bag. It is better to forget about sweet carbonated drinks altogether. It is impossible to quench your thirst with them, but it will be possible to “kill” your appetite. As a result, the baby will refuse lunch or an afternoon snack, which will not benefit the baby.

Photo: Getty Images

8. Food

Take juicy fruits, vegetables and berries with you to keep your child from getting hungry. They must be held in advance for at least 5 minutes under running water. In addition, berries that we eat raw should be boiled over to avoid infection. For a snack, you can take drying with cookies. Do not be alarmed if the baby refuses to eat: a decrease in appetite in the first days at sea is a normal phenomenon. As soon as the body adapts to the new conditions, the baby will begin to eat willingly.

Photo: Swetta/Getty Images

9. Toys

Don't forget to take a rubber or beach ball and a set for playing with sand - a bucket, molds and a spatula or scoop. They will help to keep the baby busy between baths. In addition, all children love to build castles and entire cities out of sand. A scoop or spatula in this case is simply irreplaceable.