To the Beach! 13 Tips on Taking Young Children Along

There are two reasons why it is very important to start the sunscreen process inside: first, you'll give it time to absorb into your tot's skin, and second, it makes for one less time you'll have to put lotion all over your child's sandy body.

Source: Flickr user bryan

Protective clothing not only cuts down on how much sunscreen you need to lather all over your tot's skin (see above), but it can also protect the skin from irritation from the other elements at the beach (sand, boogie boards, etc.).

Source: Flickr user Damien Dempsey

Will your tot sit under a tent happily playing? No, probably not. However, a sunshade does provide shelter for when he does sit to have a snack, for when you change him, or even if he decides to take a little rest (gasp).

Source: Flickr user Andrew Malone

Prebabes, I was totally against having sand on the blanket or towel I was lying upon. Postbabes? Not a chance. I had to let that one go fast — embrace that the sand will be everywhere, and you'll be much better off.

Source: Flickr user Lou Oms

Speaking of sand being everywhere, did you know that rubbing baby powder on skin where sand appears to be stuck will help remove it? No joke. Stock up on the travel-sized versions to put an end to tantrums from a kiddo who's suddenly over the sand.

Source: Flickr user Austin Kirk

I really wish I knew about this when my tots were younger, but someone recently told me that they always brought a small blow-up baby pool to the beach, and it acted as a sneaky play yard (don't actually fill it with water).

Source: Flickr user Nikki Gomez

Kids are early risers, so take advantage of those early mornings by hitting up the beach first thing — it'll be less crowded, you can pick the best spot for your family, the water is usually calmer in the mornings, and the sun isn't as blazing hot. And if you've got an afternoon snoozer, you'll still have time to make that nap happen!

Source: Flickr user MattLake

They'd never admit it to you, but kids love their schedules. If you want an ace-in-the-hole happy day at the beach, then think about sticking to your usual schedule (at least for the first day or so).

Source: Flickr user Gareth Williams

I'm not trying to be a bummer, but you might as well leave your book at home. Here's why: there's just not going to be enough space in your beach bag for something that will not get used. You might think you'll sneak in a few pages while your husband takes your child for a swim, but you won't. You'll secretly be playing lifeguard from your beach blanket, all while delighting at the sight of it.

Source: Flickr user k1ng

Why won't you have room for a book? Because that beach bag will need to be filled to the gills with snacks. No worse a time to be without a snack then while at the beach. Take it from someone who's walked (for what seemed like hours) down a beach boardwalk to find $15 hotdogs, while dragging two very hot and completely melting-down toddlers in tow.

Source: Flickr user jessebezz

If I'm on the ball, I'll bring our Itzy Ritzy Wet Bags ($18), which keep dry things dry (change of clothes, electronics, etc.) and wet things wet (bathing suits, swim diapers, etc.). But more often than not, I usually forget them at home and end up stashing a dozen gallon-size ziplock bags in my beach bag.

You might have a water baby who loves the bath or pool, but the ocean is an entirely different scenario. Tots tend to be a little weary of the great big ocean and the waves that crash onto the shore. You might want to avoid pushing it on your child if she seems fearful at first — playing in the sand is just as fun, and after she gets used to it, she'll be jumping in just like the rest of 'em.

Source: Flickr user Lee Lilly