Parenting Tips: First Day at the Beach in 4 Easy Steps
We might not remember our first childhood experience at the beach, but we’re going to assume that it was notable for our naive minds at the time. Seeing how incredibly wide and stunning the sea or ocean is, enjoying the warm weather, the fun splashing about in the tide, and digging in the sand.
Visiting the beach and ocean reconnects us with nature, reduces stress, and nurtures our physical and mental well-being. And so if you don’t live near it, revisiting is a must, and not just during the summer months, preferably seasonally.
Further Reading: 10 of the Best Irish Beaches for Scenic Winter Walks
As such, you may be excited to prepare your little ones for their first day at the beach! It’s a big deal for them and even more for you … keeping them safe in warm weather, amongst the many other beach goers is going to be the main priority here. But to encourage a smooth sailing it’s also important to plan the day, making sure you have the equipment you need, when you need it.
In this article, we’re discussing four steps you can add to your checklist before setting off on your trip. We hope they help you relax on the beach with your awestruck little ones, creating family holiday memories and passing on the love for the ocean to another generation!
4 Steps to Preparing Your Little Ones For Their First Day At The Beach!
Preparing Your Little Ones For Their First Day At The Beach #1
Comfortable, Protective Swimwear
Swimwear is obviously going to be one of the first things you pack, but it’s worth taking a little extra time to get it right. Make sure the swimwear fits properly, isn’t too tight or too loose, and covers enough to protect against sunburn, especially for kids with fair skin.
For little girls, it’s worth investing in well-made, comfortable girls swimwear that’s designed for active play in the water and on the sand. Look for options with UV protection built into the fabric if possible. This helps you tick off two important needs at once, that is fun fashion your child will be able to run around in comfortably, and that little bit of extra sun defense you’ll appreciate. Young boys are usually happy with a comforting pair of swimming shorts with netting for comfort.
Also, consider throwing in a lightweight cover-up, a sun hat, and a pair of water-friendly shoes (flip flops or sandals usually) to keep their feet safe from hot sand and any sharp shells that can be hiding on the beach.
Preparing Your Little Ones For Their First Day At The Beach #2
Protecting Against The Sun
You know it already, but it’s worth repeating that sun protection at the beach is utterly essential, and yes, that goes even if your skin is dark, as sunscreen can help even with melanin protection.
More importantly, especially for those living in Ireland and the UK – even on overcast days, UV rays bouncing off the water and sand can still be intense and are worth protecting against.
It’s best to bring a high-SPF sun lotion and apply it before you leave the car or hotel room. Pack it in your beach bag for regular re-applications throughout the day, especially after your child has been swimming and it has washed off, and don’t forget to gently apply it to spots like the tops of ears, the back of the neck, and the tops of feet. Bringing an umbrella or a pop-up tent for some shade can help for your “base” on the beach.
Preparing Your Little Ones For Their First Day At The Beach #3
Snacks, Water, & Simple Comforts
We all know how children can be, first highly excited, then worn out, irritable, and overtired. If it’s very hot where you are, this can happen sooner. So it’s important to have plenty of easy-to-grab snacks on hand, such as whole fruits and fruit slices, premade pancakes and waffles, hard boiled eggs, crackers and wraps. The likes of hummus with dips can work too, just remember that with little ones, non-messy options that hold up well in the heat work best.
Plenty of drinking water is a must and be mindful of how much your little ones are drinking throughout the day. A good rule of thumb is to pack more than you think you’ll need. Keep encouraging your children to take sips whenever you can offer them.
You might also want to pack a few comfort items such as a nice beach toy, a cuddly towel, or perhaps a lightweight blanket you can throw over them if tired. It will help give them somewhere comforting to retreat to if needed.
Preparing Your Little Ones For Their First Day At The Beach #4
Planning Safety Ahead Of Time
Even if you’re sticking to a busy, lifeguard-patrolled beach, it’s worth taking some extra safety steps, because the ocean isn’t safe for little ones. It’s important to make sure your little one knows some basic rules, like staying close to you at all times and never entering the water without an adult.
Remember: brightly coloured swimwear and sun hats can make it easier to spot your children quickly in a crowd. If your child is very young, a beach wristband with your contact information on it can also be a simple extra safety plan. Of course, chaperoning them as closely as possible is always the best port of call.
With this advice, we hope you can feel more confident in preparing your lovely littles ones for their first big beach adventure!
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