We are in the dog-days of our second Summer together and I feel like I have finally mastered & identified our favorite baby-beach gear. Because we live within walking distance from the bay, we find ourselves loading up for a trip at least once a day. These frequent trips have enabled me to pack light & efficient- it doesn't have to be a huge (& tiring) task!
2. BOB Jogging Stroller: This stroller has been my saving grace (& fav purchase) since day one. We are a very active family and there hasn't been a place this stroller can't go. I take this jogger into the mud & up hilly trails of First Landing State Park, and it also goes down beach ramps, access stairs, and sand dunes. It folds up easily and fits in the trunk of my Jetta perfectly. This stroller can also hold up to 70 pounds!! So.. we load it up with W & all of our gear.
3. Honest Company Sunscreen & Kiss My Face Sunscreen Stick: Skin protection is vital! I use both of these products on all three of us. I've used a variety of products & I've landed on these two! Many mineral based sunscreens are very thick and difficult to rub in. Those with kiddos know sunscreen application time is very limited & it needs to be done quickly! The Honest Sunscreen rubs in easily and has a light-weight feel. This Sunscreen Stick allows me to get difficult and sensitive facial areas like his little ears, nose, cheeks, and neck... don't forget the hair part too!
4. Re-Play Snack Stacks: Toddlers snack constantly... well, at least mine does! Packed snacks are a must while we're out playing, especially hot beach days. I love this company- we also have their plates and utensils for home. The snack-stacks don't spill and they're compact for and cooler, bag, or cupholder. Once the top comes off, they serve as little bowls that fit perfectly in toddler hands!
5. Melissa & Doug Beach Chair: So, I usually don't bring a beach chair for myself anymore because I'm always on my feet swimming or digging sandcastles... plus W always steals my seat for himself. He loved sitting in our chairs so much that we got him his own, in his size. This itty-bitty chair has a cup holder and folds up into a little carrying bag that fits perfectly under the stroller. Although he is busy playing most of the time, he really enjoys taking breaks in his chair under the umbrella with a snack!
6. Keens & Havaianas Flip-Flops: Shoes are optional at the beach and usually not worn while playing in the waves- but they're necessary to walk across the street, down the access, and across the hot sand! Walter has graduated from walking to running. Because he is still learning, he frequently stumbles his feet or takes a trip. I was hesitant to buy him sandals that expose his toes because of this. I wanted a waterproof shoe that can act as a sneaker without socks and wouldn't fall of his feet. These Keen Seacamp Sandals are perfect for any crawling baby or newly walking toddler that needs protection! W wears these to the splash park, the beach, and the pool. They're also safe to throw in the washing machine! As for me and Matt, we wear Havaianas to the beach because they're light weight, waterproof, and still stylish enough to wear out.
7. iplay Swim Trunks, Sun Hat, & Rashguard: All of these products provide UBF 50+ sun protection, breathable and quick drying fabric, and they're adorable. The swim trunks have a built in reusable diaper that keeps the sand out & the chaffing away. This sunhat also has a secure chin tie & extra neck protection too (when he allows me to put it on!).
8. Hooded Baby Bundler & XL towels: I love these hooded towels that help to dry W's hair and wrap him up for the ride home. We prefer the XL towels from Target, too! That way Matt can actually fully lay on a towel (since he's so tall).
9. Thermos FUNtainer & S'well Stainless Bottle: Hydration can make or break a beach trip. We can be fully equipped with all of our gear, but if we forgot our water, we'll be headed home very soon. Because our water bottles are kept near us in the sand, it was key to find bottles that stay cold. This Thermos cup has a secure close to keep the sand out and an easy sipping-straw for W. I've been through my fair-share of water bottles and this S'well Bottle is my all time fav. It holds 25 oz of water and fits in all cup holders! Both of these bottles are made of double-walled stainless steal that keeps our water ice-cold in the sunshine.
10. Canvas Umbrella: Any kind of shade is important. Just before Walter was born, we bought a large umbrella because my pregnant-self couldn't handle the heat. It has a sturdy wood pole, metal extensions, and a weather proof canvas. When Walter napped frequently last summer, we dug a mini cradle-like hole in the sand for him to nap in under the shade. Now, we take sun-breaks under the same umbrella (shade is always 10 degrees cooler than sun). With any umbrella, make sure it's sturdy and solid- no one likes to chase a wind-blown inside-out umbrella down the shore line.
11. Scout Pocket Rocket: My fav beach essential of them all: the tote. For years I used my simple canvas L.L.Bean tote to hold my towel, book, and sunscreen bag (prior Walter and Matt). Now that I carry more than those three items, I've found the need for more pockets. This Scout bag wins in the pocket department! With 6 outside pockets, deep inside storage, and an inner zipped pouch for keys/phone, it was made for moms. I'm able to separately store diapers, wipes, change of clothes, sunscreen, water bottles, towels, and snacks. This bag is made of waterproof material that easily wipes clean.
12. Scout Stiff Cooler: This cooler is my personal favorite because it is soft and easy to carry. It has a stiff boxed bottom that helps it sit flat, but the body of it is made of a soft-wipable material. Hard plastic coolers can be uncomfortable to carry! This specific size holds plenty of drinks, icepacks, and food for the day.
13. NYR Seaweed Salt Scrub: After a long day in the sun, our skin is left salty, sandy, and covered in sunscreen. Even after a shower or bath, there are traces of sunscreen that can be hard to get fully off. I use this Seaweed Salt Scrub after every beach trip and it leaves my skin free of the beach-feel while revealing a new-tan-glow. This product is free of paragons, silicones, phthalates, and propylene. It uses black pepper, grapefruit and ginger essential oils to tone the skin combined with mineral-rich seaweed. This scrub is very fine and gentle so I use it on Walter too, around his hairline where the sunscreen loves to stick.
As for toys, we don't usually bring many down with us. As long as we have a bucket and shovel, W is happy as a clam!
^^ Super cute insulated picnic tote, a gift from Marshalls. I use this tote for our neighborhood ladies beach night & trips to the farmers market.
^^ My fav sunscreens & homemade bug spray >> 2 oz witch hazel + 2 drops lavender oil, 2 drops citronella oil, + 2 drops lemongrass oil.
^^ Super cute insulated picnic tote, a gift from Marshalls. I use this tote for our neighborhood ladies beach night & trips to the farmers market.
I hope this list helps you pack light & effeciently for your family! ^^Click the products name above for the direct link to find them. Enjoy these last couple months of Summer!
xo,
Monica
