Going to the beach with littles can feel intimidating and like a lot of work, but there are a few simple systems I live by as an avid beach bum mom who takes my baby and toddler multiple times a week.
It took me months to work up the courage to take both girls grocery shopping with me, but I had my first at the beach solo parenting from the time she was 2 weeks old. Rarely without a little chaos- even now- but some patterns I have found certainly make a beach day feel smoother.
10 Things I wish I knew when I took my baby to the beach as a first time mom:
1. Team Up: Go with a mom friend. Having an extra set of hands and eyes, even with extra littles, makes everything a little easier (and fun!).
2. Sit Close: If you do not go with a mom friend, aim to set up near another mom who just happens to be on the beach too. (This is actually how I met one of the best moms ever who was the biggest blessing to our family, but that’s a story for another day).
3. Start Small: Aim for a short trip. If everyone is still happy when you planned to leave, you can decide to stretch it if you want.
4.Go Early or Late: Aim for early morning sun or late afternoon sun. Its better for everyone’s skin and makes setting up/ packing up feel stressful when you are not fighting peak heat.
5. Everything You Need: And nothing you don’t need to carry. Find my packing list here in the All You Actually Need for a Beach Day article.
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I get asked about my beach shade recommendation all the time. This has been a game changer for an easy set up and UV protection. Shade is a must with a new baby on the beach, but it has to be easy enough for me to set up in 2 minutes top and actually stay up all day.
6. Embrace the Sand: You will get sandy. Your baby will get sandy. Your car will get sandy. Everything is washable. I aim to give my car, especially the car seats, a quick vacuum with my dust buster at the end of the day. It does not always happen though.
7. Beach Nap: Okay, I don’t give sleep advice, so carry on with what is working for you for naptime. I also don’t let naps fully rule either. I’m actively aiming to raise a nap-on-the-go baby. What I do for beach naps is babywear and walk or hold Little Sis from my chair.
8. Mom Break: I use my drive to/ from the beach for a mom reset to drink my water and eat a snack (or meal). Speaking of naps, hopefully everyone falls asleep on the drive home.
9. Timing: As much as possible, I aim to head home towards the end of a wake window for the baby. I give a quick feed before we pack up and she is usually out before we get to the main road.
10. Chalk It Up: Some days it will go south. Everyone will cry. Sand will be everywhere. And all of the granny’s will be staring at you and offering help that is actually not helpful (not that I would know or anything…) When that happens, chalk it up to a practice run. Get yourself a treat on the way home. Remind yourself that next time will feel a little easier. Go back again.
Bonus: Co-Bath: Straight from the car to the bath for everyone. I co-bath with both girls, all 3 of us in the tub, as soon as we get home.
I am sure this list will evolve will time. What would you add? Let me know and be sure to subscribe to the blog.
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