New Mom's Guide to Baby's First Beach Trip
A baby's first beach trip can be both exciting and overwhelming for a new mom. You want to make sure you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable time. But, you might also have questions about babies and sun safety and what to pack for baby’s first beach trip. Well, wonder no more–we’re here to answer all your questions to help you make your baby’s first beach day an enjoyable one to remember!
Babies and Sun Exposure: What You Need to Know
According to the American of Pediatrics, babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight. And while it may be tempting, you shouldn’t use sunscreen on your baby’s skin until they are at least six months or older, as the chemicals tend to be too harsh. To make your baby’s first beach trip enjoyable while also following guidelines for babies and sun safety, we recommend using our baby’s first beach trip checklist below!
Baby’s First Beach Trip Checklist for All Things Babies and Sun Safety
The sun’s UV rays are still intense and dangerous on a cloudy day, so it’s always best to be prepared before heading to the beach. To help make your baby’s first beach day an enjoyable experience for both you and your little one, here are a few items to pack in your beach bag.
Shade
It’s not guaranteed that you’ll be able to find a shaded area on the beach, so pack some shade of your own. You can get a small beach tent that’s just big enough for your baby or a canopy the whole family can fit under.
Lightweight Sun Protective Clothing
You should dress your baby in lightweight sun protective clothing and bring some extra clothes just in case. All UV Skinz baby UPF 50+ clothing is designed with sun protection material that blocks 98% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. Since babies under six months shouldn’t use sunscreen, having sun protective clothing is the best way to prevent sunburn during your baby’s first beach trip.
A Baby Sun Hat
A baby sun hat will keep your baby’s face, ears, neck, and eyes protected from the sun. When shopping for a baby sun hat, look for one made from lightweight, breathable fabric with a wide brim to provide ample coverage. Also, be sure to choose an adjustable hat, so you can get a good fit as your baby grows. And don't forget to pack a spare! Babies are notorious for losing hats, so it's always good to have a backup on hand.
Sunscreen for Babies Over Six Months
If your baby is older than six months, or if you have other little ones joining you on the beach, then don’t forget to pack sunscreen! CoTZ Baby - Extra Gentle Sunscreen - SPF 40+ is designed for little beach-goers 6+ months of age and MDSolarSciences Mineral KidCreme - Face & Body Sunscreen - SPF 50+ is perfect for toddlers and older children.
A Baby Blanket
You’ll also want to pack a baby blanket to bring to the beach, but not all blankets are created equal. A UPF 50+ sun-protective blanket provides additional protection from the sun! This is perfect for covering up your baby if the sun gets too harsh or if you need to wrap them up after enjoying a dip in the water.
Beach Toys
Depending on your baby’s age, bringing some of their favorite toys to the beach might be a good idea. This will keep them entertained and having a good time while you relax and enjoy the sunshine.
Make Baby’s First Beach Day One to Remember
By packing everything on the baby’s first beach trip checklist, you can make your baby’s first beach day a memorable one. Plus, you can feel confident knowing you’re following best practices for babies and sun exposure. So, now you know what to pack for your baby’s first beach trip and can enjoy this memory with your little one. Shop UV Skinz today to find everything you need for a safe, fun day in the sun with your little one!
