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With the warming weather and summer time just around the corner you’re probably thinking, When is it ok for me to take my newborn baby to the beach? Is it too soon for our first beach vacation as a family?
Since every baby is different, it’s always best to check with you pediatrician for specifics about going to the beach with your newborn. With your baby’s skin being thinner and more delicate, they have a higher likelihood for getting sunburn. In addition to that babies have a harder time regulating their body temperature.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggest keeping children under 6 months of age out of direct sunlight and limit sun exposure during the hours between 10am & 4pm due to higher levels of uv rays. In addition to that if the heat index is greater then 90 degrees Fahrenheit the AAP says to avoid taking babies outside for long periods of time.
It’s not to hard to keep them out of the sun if you prepare ahead of time. Here you will find some tips and what I have found as the best ways to make it less stressful and as safe as possible while you and the entire family enjoy your first beach day with your newborn bundle of joy.
Choose The Right Beach
Some beaches are great for babies while others are not. Trust me when I say choosing the right beach or the right area of the beach can make the difference between a great day and a day that will make it so you never want to go to the beach again.
When choosing a beach look for ease of access. How close you can park, and how close you can get to the beach water edge before trudging through the sand. Access to a bathroom for diaper changes, for yourself, or your other small children is another thing to look for. Nothing worse then getting down to the beach and having no bathroom in sight. Speaking of bathrooms, and I’m speaking for experience, they are usually crap no pun intended. More often then not you’ll find yourself holding your breath as you go, you probably not have toilet paper, or it’ll be wet, so it’s a great idea bring your own. As you are walking past the bathrooms or as you are setting up observe the line and how fast it is moving. That way you will know how long you’ll be waiting when the urge hits you or the kids.
Our favorite beach in our area is Huntington Beach, not by the pier but north of that. There are a few places that are great for new parents. One being the area by the playground. It allows you to get really close to the water without having to drag your stroller through a 1/2 mile of sand. There is also a bathroom right close by. During the 4th of July it’s a good distance from the fireworks so the noise won’t hurt her delicate ears, or wake them up which is usually what they are doing by that time. It also allows for an easy exit up Goldenwest Blvd.
The other beach that we like is down at Balboa Island. It’s more like a bunch of mini beaches along the boardwalk. When done you can walk up Main St. for a frozen banana or ice cream.
When Aaliyah was a baby we took her down there for her first time to play in the sand and the water. We found she wasn’t a fan of sand, or water for that matter, on her feet.
If we plan to spend the day out & at the beach we will break the day up. In the morning will be at the beach or walking the boardwalk, let the baby have her afternoon nap time or time to cool down time in the car during the peak heat hours. This is also a great way to let kids calm down from all the over stimulation they get when out and having so much to look at. After we would go back down to the beach for the sunset or fireworks during the 4th of July.
Clothing
Keep your little one in loose, lightweight, light colored clothing. In addition to that the American Academy of Dermatology suggest a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection (if you can get them to keep them on).
Make sure to pack in the diaper bag a change of clothes, regular diapers, swim diapers (if you plan on testing them in the water), and a wet bag or plastic bag to put wet cloths or dirty diapers in. If you are planning to be there later in the day the temperature can drop so you will want extra layers or long sleeves and pants instead of shorts to put them in.
When we go down to the beach on the 4th of July for the fireworks or Balboa Island for the Christmas Boat Parade we bring socks, jackets, blankets and the baby carrier. The baby carrier is great to use our body heat to help keep the baby warm on really cold nights.
Baby Sunscreen
It’s suggested that sunblock isn’t used on babies under 6 months old but according to AAP applying a small amount of baby-safe sunscreen starting 30 minutes before sun exposer with a minimum of SPF 30 sunscreen or more is ok if you can’t keep them out of the sun. Even if you are down to the beach and your baby is under cover or in a tent you will still want to be careful. As the sun can still get to them by reflecting off the sand and water.
Don’t think that just because there is clouds in the sky that your little one is ok to be out without protection. Theresa, I and the kids have all gotten sunburned on cloudy days thinking we were ok.
It’s recommended to apply sunscreen to the back of the babies hands, top of the feet, face, and head. Avoid putting sunscreen on body parts they put in their mouth often. Reapply every 2 hour or immediately after swimming, which swimming with them isn’t recommended.
We have found that with babies being so squishy it can be hard to apply it directly to the skin from the bottle. How we always did it was to put a little bit of sunscreen in out hands rub them together them rub it gently into the babies skin. It applied a light layer and spread easily on their skin.
New moms, don’t forget yourself. When pregnant and months after giving birth you will be more susceptible to sunburn.
My wife never use to get sunburned but since our first born she now burns easily.
If by chance you do get sunburn I suggest Ultimate Aloe Gel from shop.com. We’ve been using it for years. It soothes the burn quickly and even use it on the kids sunburn if they get one.
Hydration
Hydration is obviously important all the time but more so when it’s hot outside. When it’s hot out your baby can’t drink water so they will need to breastfeed or have formula more often. Moms you will need to make sure you also stay well hydrated. Not just because it’s a good idea, but because breast milk is made up of 88% water. To produce the milk needed will require you to be well hydrated.
If you are formula feeding you should prepare a way to mix bottles easily when out.
When we was using formula we use to put the dry formula in an empty baby bottle and use the Moderna bottles that are used for breast pumping to store water in. That way it’s easy to mix a bottle when needed.
Ask a restaurant that is close by for a cup of hot water and warm the small bottle of water before mixing or bring a thermos with super hot water and a large cup to use to warm the baby bottle water in. We always kept it slightly on the cooler side if it was a hot day to help keep our little one cool.
The other formula that is easier to use then the powder is the liquid formula like Enfamil NeuroPro. That way you just have to warm up the little bottle the formula comes in and pour it into an empty baby bottle.
Keeping Cool
I always suggest having a stroller on hot days over using a baby carrier. If you haven’t read my review on the Austlen baby stroller go take a look, it’s one of the best strollers on the market. The best part is you can get beach wheels so no worry carrying the baby and all the gear. When the baby is in the stroller and you are blocking the sun make sure you are still allowing for a good amount for airflow. If you don’t have a good awning on the stroller you have, a thin muslin swaddle blanket works great to lay over the top.
Things To Pack
Beach umbrella or baby beach tent
Look for one that has a high UPF protection. The good thing about a tent is is can also work as a wind protector. We would usually angle it slightly away from facing the beach as the wind usually comes off the water. It would allow us to put the baby down for a nap and be out of the wind and from being pelted with sand.
Beach blanket towel, or mat
The sand gets unbelievably hot to the point it can cause blisters. A large beach towel, mat, or blanket can help keep them safe from the burning sand.
Baby Gym
We’ve taken this to the beach with us before to keep our baby entertained. It also adds a bit of padding to take a nap on.
Baby Powder
This isn’t just for the babies bottom, it’s the number one way to get sand off the skin. With babies having sensitive skin getting the sand of as soon as possible can avoid chafed skin. You’ll be surprised how even the littlest of babies can get sand in their cloths & down their diaper.
All you have to do is powder the area and the sand will brush off easily.
Things To Keep In Mind.
Swim Time
When going to the beach and you’re planning to have the baby get in the water, do so only if your baby is over 2 months old. Babies loose heat rapidly, about 4x faster then adults. If you still plan to go in the water do so near a lifeguard tower, keep them in shallow water, use flotation devices, and watch for undertow.
Additional Kids
If you have other kids and plan to bring young children with you, it can be a bit more stressful. With older kids they can more or less take care of themselves but younger ones will have you wishing you could clone yourself 12 times over. To help, bring toys, sand toys, football, frisbee, and baby beach toys to help keep young ones entertained.
Know When To Leave
Be prepared to leave immediately and get them in a cool space. On hot days keep an eye out for excessive crying, fussiness, or redness on exposed skin all signs of heat related issues.
After reading this make sure you remember you’re going there to have fun, and make memories. Don’t let it get you stressed out. These times are the best. The time you spend out showing off your baby because you’re so proud. The time you get to spend seeing them discover new things in their world. Thinking this is the happiest you’ve ever been in your life, and your probably right.
Also if you found this useful and plan on having a 4th of July down at the beach check out this article about “Are Fireworks Safe For Babies Ears & How To Protect Them”
