A day spent at the beach with your baby can be a joyful adventure, but it also requires some thoughtful preparation! This year was my husband and I’s first time bringing our 9 month old baby boy to our yearly beach trip, and though it was not as quick to get out to the lake every day, and we had to take a lot more with us, it was just as fun! Here are some of what I think are essential packing items and tips for a successful beach day with your little one!

Protecting your baby's delicate skin from the harsh sun is most important. I love anything Coppertone with a high SPF and apply generously. To help cover their little face, I used a wide-brimmed hat that was also breathable, the one from BinkyBro worked great and shaded his neck and shoulders too. Don't forget about yourself! Good sunglasses that will block sun rays, and SPF 30 are a must for me. I found this great sunscreen for my face and to apply where my hair parts - it’s non greasy, lightweight and works great!

I don’t know about you, but nap time is a great time. When we’re on the beach all day, we aren’t always able to get back to our condo so our little man can take a nap, so it's important to create a space in the shade where he can fall asleep comfortably. Sometimes it’s in my husband or my arms in a chair under an umbrella, or it's on a towel in this great pop-up playpen we got off Amazon. It has mesh sides so a breeze comes through, and is also great for play when you want to keep them contained if they’re crawlers like mine! Place this under an umbrella for added shade or buy the canopy top attachment that goes with it. 

Babies can get dehydrated quickly, especially in the heat. Make sure to offer water or a suitable beverage regularly. For snack time we kept on hand puffs, veggie straws, applesauce pouches, and when we needed something to keep him entertained for a longer stretch - Smartie suckers. They’re all the fascination babies have for suckers but safer because they dissolve better and without the sticky mess!

Babies can get dehydrated quickly, especially in the heat. Make sure to offer water or a suitable beverage regularly. For snack time we kept on hand puffs, veggie straws, applesauce pouches, and when we needed something to keep him entertained for a longer stretch - Smartie suckers. They’re all the fascination babies have for suckers but safer because they dissolve better and without the sticky mess!

A couple additional items I think are nice to have at the beach:

• When things get too hot this misting spray bottle puts off the perfect amount of water to keep you and your baby cool.
• The perfect water floaty was this one I found on Amazon! My baby is a water baby - he loves it! Crushes bath time, our floors turn into their own water park from all his splashing. I knew he would love this floaty because instead of just sitting in the water, he’s able to lay in it safely and splash to his little hearts content! There is also a detachable canopy.
• Any beach towel will be perfect for your family, but I really enjoyed these ones from SandCloud because they were thinner than most towels and I could roll up 3 of them to fit in my beach bag! They are so soft, dry quickly and lightweight so it was easy to wrap around my baby even when he was napping

Lastly, Don’t forget to take a couple pictures and videos, especially if it’s your baby's first time at the beach, this experience is new for them with many firsts! These precious moments spent with family and friends are special, and whether it’s their first time or their fifth, it will be so fun to look back on all these cherished memories as your little ones grow.

Going to the beach with your baby can be a blast as long as you’re prepared! These times are filled with laughter, discovery and bonding. So, pack your beach bag, soak up the sun, and enjoy the magic of the beach with your bundle of joy!