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How to Have a Great Day on the Beach with a Toddler

Few things are as fun as watching your toddler play in the sand or dip her toes in the ocean for the first time. A child’s joyful spirit is exactly why we all love the beach. Of course, for mom and dad, taking little ones to the beach can be more challenging than relaxing at times. It doesn’t have to be! This week we have all the best tips for taking your toddler to the beach for the first time.

Pick the best time of day

With toddlers and little ones you’ll want to head to the beach either first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. This way, you’ll avoid the highest heat and UV indexes, which occur in the middle of the day. The good news? This is a perfect schedule for time on the beach followed by a nap and then… more time on the beach. It’s ok, mom and dad – you can nap, too.

Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate some more

Kids need to stay hydrated just like adults do. However, kids tend to get distracted easily and often forget to drink enough. This can be especially true with toddlers. One trick to entice toddlers to drink more is to offer some watered down juice. This sweet flavored treat will help them stay hydrated. Another tip is to set a recurring alarm on your smart phone (every 20-30 minutes) to remind you to give them a sip.

Apply sunscreen properly and often

Sunscreen is as important as hydration, and when dealing with toddlers, it is especially important. Toddlers and children usually have very sensitive and fragile skin. Make sure to keep them well coated with a good quality sunscreen. Nothing ruins an Ocean Isle Beach vacation like a sunburn.
Tip: It’s best to apply a layer of sunscreen while still inside where it is cool, prior to heading to the beach for the day.

Pack the essentials

Consider this your go-to beach checklist. Run through it before you pull out of the driveway:

  • Multiple sunscreens, in case of a sand or spill disaster (it also helps to have options — stick, spray, lotion — if your kid is fussy about reapplying).
  • Zip-top bags to store sunscreen, wet bathing suits, and more
  • Beach hats, sunglasses, and cover-ups
  • Water bottles
  • Small bills for the ice-cream truck
  • Baby wipes and antibacterial hand wipes
  • Talc-free baby powder to remove sand from feet
  • A mini first-aid kit of bandages, alcohol wipes, and antibacterial ointment packed in a zip-top bag

Bring a small kiddie pool

It may sound counter intuitive, but bringing a small inflatable kiddie pool to the beach is a great way to keep your toddler occupied and safe. Place the pool near an umbrella to keep it shaded. Simply fill the pool with buckets of seawater and watch your little one splash in delight.

Forget the beach chairs

In reality, life with toddlers doesn’t include much sitting around, and the beach is no different. With small kids you’ll probably be running around a lot, and with the water close by you need to be on your toes. Bring extra beach blankets instead of chairs. Blankets and towels give you a lot more options. One of the best tricks is to bring a fitted sheet that can be used to set up a sand-free area for your baby to play.

Be ready for the potty

If you’re just starting to potty train, bring a travel potty and a swim diaper so you can enjoy the beach without worrying about number two. Refer to the swim diaper as “beach pants” rather than telling your newly potty-trained kid you’re putting him in a diaper. Bring a gallon size ziplock to seal the dirty diaper before throwing it away.

Keep out the sand

No matter how hard you try, the beach is a harsh environment for many things. This includes electronics, food and other fragile items. Make sure to pack your items in waterproof bags to keep the sand and water out.

Are you ready to introduce your family to Ocean Isle Beach? Whether you are looking to come for your first visit or carrying on a family tradition, we are here and ready to help you have the best vacation possible. Our team of dedicated professionals is standing by to help you find your dream vacation rental on Ocean Isle Beach. Give us a call at 800-727-9222 or click the button below to plan your vacation today.

How to Have a Great Day on the Beach with a Toddler

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