One of the best things about being a parent is getting to enjoy all the firsts with your little one. Of course, this includes your baby’s first beach day, which will be an unforgettable experience. While it’s important to be prepared, the last thing you want to do is over-pack which will just leave you frustrated trying to manage your bags. You will need to make a list of everything your baby will need and preferably pack all of it in a separate bag so that it’s easy to access. You also need to decide how much time you want to spend at the beach – if your little one is under a year, it would be best to spend just a couple of hours so that your baby does not overheat.

Baby boy at the beach. Photo by Matt Howard on Unsplash

Here are a few must-have items to pack for your child’s first visit to the beach:

1. Baby Sunscreen

A lot of people assume that there’s no difference between adult sunscreen and baby sunscreen since
both have the same SPF. However, baby sunscreens are specifically formulated for the delicate skin of
babies. Furthermore, unlike sunscreens meant for adults, most baby sunscreens do not contain added
fragrances and dyes that can irritate their sensitive skin. Sunscreens for adults can be chemical-based or
mineral-based but baby sunscreens are only mineral-based. Chemical-based sunscreens should not be
used on babies because some of their ingredients such as oxybenzone and avobenzone are endocrine
disruptors that could affect a baby’s development. There are plenty of baby sunscreen options so
you should compare the best baby sunscreens that have been vetted by dermatologists to help you
pick one that suits your little one. You would need to pick up a water-resistant sunscreen for a day at
the beach to make sure that it’s not washed off while they splash around in the water.

2. Check UV Index

Sunscreen is great at protecting your baby from the harmful UV rays of the sun but it doesn’t offer 100%
protection from UV rays. Some areas have a higher UV index while other areas are lower – when the UV
index is below 2, it means that the risk of getting too much sun is low but if it’s over 6, it means the UV
index is high and you will need to take additional precautions to keep your little one safe. You can enter
your Zip Code or your city and state into this UV index search tool to find out the UV index at the beach
you want to visit. You can use a beach umbrella or a beach tent if it’s a windy day so that your little one
can enjoy the beach without the risk of sunburn.

3. Swim Diapers, Wipes, and a Changing Pad

Swim diapers are an absolute must even if your baby is only going to spend a short amount of time in the
water. Regular diapers become very heavy and fall apart if they are soaked and your little one will be
uncomfortable. Swim diapers are specifically designed for babies to wear while swimming so they remain
light and comfortable. There are both reusable and disposable options for swimming diapers so you will
have plenty of options. You will also need to carry your regular wipes and a changing pad so you can
change your baby’s diaper on the spot.

4. Large Beach Mat or Blanket

While it’s obvious that you would carry a mat to the beach, “large” is the operative word. A large mat or
blanket provides your little one with a comfortable and sand-free surface to crawl around and then take
a short nap. A large mat also gives you more space to unpack your towels, snacks and other items so that you don’t have to dig through your bags each time you need something.

5. Bucket and Spade and Baby Powder

You don’t need a whole lot of beach toys to keep babies entertained – a simple bucket and spade can keep them engrossed for hours if you let them! The beach already offers plenty of sensory stimuli – the sound of seabirds and the waves as they crash, the unique smell of the ocean, and the texture of the sand. Research shows that sensory experiences promote cognitive development. Once you are ready to call it a day, you can use baby powder to get rid of the sand on your baby so that your little one doesn’t have any grains of sand rubbing against their sensitive skin on the ride home. Each child is unique and has different requirements. For instance, if your baby is breastfeeding, you may not need to carry water or snacks for them. However, if they have already started on solid foods, then you will have to pack accordingly.

Preparing for Baby’s First Beach Day: A Comprehensive Checklist