Beach essentials for kids

I’m pretty sure new parents are the largest target group of advertising. Now matter how well they try to prepare for this new role, it can be overwhelming. No wonder why is it so easy to use the uncertanity of a mom/dad to be and influence them to buy everything, that’s claimed to be essential to raise a child. If you are not careful, you end up doubling your belongings in the first year.

Our daughter has spend half of her life on a kite beach so far in rather nomadic conditions, so trust me when I say so: you won't need a lot

Being outside, running around barefoot, playing with water and sand gives them plenty of satisfaction, they won’t miss any toys. Children from the very beginning are sensorial learners. They use their five senses to gather information about their environment: sounds, colors, textures etc. Luckily nature provides so many things for them to study, you don’t have to worry about entertaining them as much as you might do at home.

With that said, there are a couple of things that are useful to have with you in order to make the most out of beach life.

So, let's see what you need to keep in mind

1. Plenty of proper clothes

Sun protection is the most important for babies and toddlers, since their skin is very sensitive. Waterproof sunscreen is an option, but applying it several times/day on the entire body of a forever moving toddler is not a dream. I recommend sun hats (preferably with a string on a windy spot), sunglasses, lycra shirts and all kinds of UV clothes. They are available nowadays even in the smallest sizes and they save you a lot of trouble.
Watershoes can be useful too, especially if you are going to rocky/pebble beaches.
Make sure you pack enough clothes for the beach. Even in the summertime, it’s best not to leave them in wet clothes for too long to avoid cystitis.
If you’re planning a kite trip during spring/autumn, rubber boots and rain coats are the best choices for beach adventures.

2. Beach toys

As I said, you probably won’t need many toys on the beach, but a good sandbox set for instance is a blessing. A simple bucket is so versatile, it can form a sand castle, they can take it to a treasure hunt or fill it with water. Their immagination is endless, you just need to provide a few tools.
If you are planning to go deeper in the sea, an inflatable or an armband comes in useful too.
In my experience having a ‘bait toy’ is also needed. When your little ones are so immersed in the game, they wouldn’t leave the beach even if you have to go home or when you just want them to come back from the sun for a while, you should offer them a better deal. In our case it’s usually a book, but it can be anything that calms them down a bit or changes their focus. Snacks work too.

3. Food and hydration

Even if there are restaurants nearby, it’s better to prepare some quick bites, fruits, seeds, crackers etc. so you can offer your kids several times throughout the day. If they enjoy the adventure too much, they might forget about eating and drinking all day, so it’s your job to remind them. Staying hydrated is important especially for the ones who spend hours on the sun and in salty water. Drinking enough water helps to prevent sunstroke too.
If you are a mom who breastfeeds, take care of yourself the same way, so you’ll be able to feed your baby even if his/her thirst increases with the heath.

4. Containers for babies

If your baby is not walking yet, he/she probably spends most of the day in your arms, and in containers like stroller, car seat or bouncer. You don’t have to leave these things at home, even if you travel by plane. Most airlines allow them on the plane free of charge. You can even go through check-in with your stroller, use it at the airport and only give it to the ground staff right before boarding.
Wrap carriers are also very convenient on holidays. Babies usually love them, they fit in a small bag, you can take them anywhere and your hands are free to take photos anytime.

5. Basic medication

While I’m not a big fan of giving medication to children unless it’s absolutely necessary, when you travel to a foreign country and you might not even speak the language, it’s good to have an emergency kit with medicines you are familiar with.
I’d suggest to pack something for pain and fever (ibuprofen and paracetamol are safe for children) and anthistamine in case of allergic reaction (e.g.: Zyrtec can be used for 6 months old babies already). Cough and cold medicines are not recommended for little ones, only use them if they’re prescribed. Saline nasal sprays however are harmless and they can help them with breathing. A mosquito spray and a gel against insect bites, like Fenistil, can come in handy as well.

Last but not least, to have the perfect vacation, your kids will need you

They will need you to be fully present, to slow down, to explore with them, to roll up your sleeves and dig in the sand, to join the splashing game and to see the world with their eyes. Allow yourself to forget about work and duties, and be a child once again. I find this is the best part of parenting.

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