Sun Hat – wide floppy brimmed to protect nape of neck and ears. Choose a hat with UPF sun protection and a chin tie to help keep it on. See our sunhats >>- Sunscreen Wipes – the wipes from MDmoms are hypoallergenic and approved even for a very young baby’s sensitive skin. Sunscreen wipes are easy to apply on squirmy infants and wiggly toddlers: one wipe covers your little one quickly and thoroughly.
- Swim Diapers – Choose a bathing suit with a built-in swim diaper, and pair it with a disposable swim diaper. If you take your baby swimming, keep his face and shoulders up away from the water – babies love to lap at the surface. Recent studies show that many public pools are contaminated so in addition to preventing your baby from drinking pool water, be sure to rinse your baby well after swimming.
- Sun Protective Clothing – We love these cute rashguard tops from iPlay that are UPF 50+, moisture-wicking and quick-dry, to help keep your hot tot cool and comfortable.
- Shady Spots – you’ll want a sun umbrella, baby cabana or a Peapod KidCo baby tent for napping. Water and sun will tucker out your little one.
- Water – Juice and sports drinks have lots of sugar and empty calories – water is the best hydration fluid for children and adults. If you haven’t run a half-marathon, you don’t need a sports hydration drink! Read, Does My Baby Need Water?
- Cooler (for drinks and snacks) – Use frozen water bottles as your cold packs – as they slowly thaw, you’ll have additional ice water at the end of the day.
- Snacks – Pack cut up fresh fruit for snacks: watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, plums, and strawberries each have more than 90% water content. Fresh fruit is a tasty, healthy snack and hydrating “drink” at the same time.
- Toys – don’t have a full assortment of beach toys yet? That’s okay – a few tub toys will work fine in water and sand, and clean up well. Trucks, boats, stacking cups and plastic containers also work well.
- Camera – you’ll want to capture your baby or toddler’s firsts: first swing at the park, first splash in the pool, first mouthful of sand – and don’t worry – a few tastes of sand won’t harm your baby – like most other things, this too shall pass
What do you consider a beach, park or pool essential for you and your baby or toddler?
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