Allegedly when I first visited the beach aged 9 months my mother placed me on a blanket within the strict confines of a playpen. Not to be contained I managed to scoop handfuls of sand into my mouth – the consequence being that I pooped sand for days. The moral of the story is that you can’t baby-proof the beach.
We got the jump on summer this year, having just returned from a glorious week staying at Trinity Beach in far north Queensland. I am now a veteran of beach trips with three different babies, and thought it was time, as the southern summer approaches to share some tips about visiting the beach with a baby:
Choose your beach carefully
If you are planning on going into the water rough surf beaches and babies don’t mix well. The last thing you want is to be bowled over by a rogue wave while holding your bub in the water. Stick to beaches with gentle waves. In Melbourne this means visiting Bayside Beaches. The beaches of far north Queensland are also more suitable for beach trips with baby than those on the Gold Coast.
Protect your baby from the sun
I can’t stress this enough folks. Baby’s skin is so sensitive to the sun’s harmful rays. A sunburn now, as well as distressing babies can lead to devastating health consequences down the track. Dress your baby in a UV repellant swimsuit, have them wear a hat with good coverage and put sunscreen on them before you head out. Do not, I repeat do not believe the rubbish I sometimes hear in chemist shops that sunscreen is not safe for babies. Unless your baby has had an allergic reaction to sunscreen before, it is safe. In addition, it may be worth investing in a sun shade to take to the beach with you. Avoid times of the day when the sun is at it’s strongest (10am-3pm). You can read more about protecting kids from sunburn here.
Do you really need your stroller?
Strollers are not easy to push on the sand. Before heading to the beach think about where you will be able to leave your stroller when you hit the sand. It may be easier to use a carrier instead.
Visit at the least windy time of day.
The beaches on the east coast of Australia with which I am most familiar become windy in the afternoons. This can upset babies, or worse still you may end up with sand in your baby’s eyes. Ask locals when is the best time of day to visit the beach.
Consider using a waterproof carrier or sling
I spent a great deal of time during our recent beach trip supervising my older children in the water while holding my baby in the shallows. You can buy baby slings and carriers for use in the water. Even if you are not going into the water with your baby they are a good idea because of the water spray in the shallows.
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This post is linked to to the new travel community Wanderlust.
Yes, good points. I did once let my second son’s cheek get burnt on the beach when he was tiny, am still horrified. In Sydney the harbour beaches are safest and some of the netted pools are great as you can get a coffee and snacks easily.
Late afternoon can be good on some of the northern beaches as there is shade on the sand.
I have some funny photos of the twins eating sand… great for their immune system, I’m sure!
Hi there, good tips. My twins used to eat sand all the time but it’s good for the immune system… I hope. In Sydney the harbour beaches are safest but the northern beaches do get shade on the sand in the afternoons.
Hi Seana. I’m happy I don’t remember eating sand although when I was pregnant I had pica (desire to eat non-food) and CRAVED sand! Never gave into the craving though.
Great tips! I wish someone had told me how sensitive baby’s skin is when my first was born. He got so burnt once he came out in blisters! Yikes! I’m definitely keen to get a carrier for the water, so that I can have Eli in it while Lior plays in the shallows. 🙂
And thanks for linking up with Wanderlust & sharing about it! We will be doing it on the first Wednesday of each month. 🙂
So sorry to hear about your baby’s nasty sunburn! Glad the tips were helpful.