Make your fun in the sun time even better with these inventive baby beach hacks
Is there anything better than a sunny day at the beach with the kids? Sandcastle building, hole digging, and foot-burying goodness are what this family day is all about. But before you throw some sunscreen in a bag and head for the shore with your baby or toddler, familiarize yourself with these baby beach hacks and beach hacks for toddlers that’ll make your trip that much easier. These 25 smart-parent hacks (that include a few awesome beach gear ideas) will make ocean outings a cinch for your whole family. From why you should bring your own baby pool to the beach to a kitchen staple that removes sand like magic, these are the best baby beach hacks around.
1. Make a mini beach.
Pack a small inflatable pool and a beach umbrella (some pools even come with built-in shades) to keep your baby cool and contained at the beach. This is especially handy for new crawlers and babies who put everything, including sand and rocks, in their mouths. If you don’t have an inflatable pool, DIY one by digging a shallow hole, putting a shower curtain liner in it, and filling it with an inch of water.
2. Set a timer for SPF and liquids.
Set a timer on your phone so you know when it’s time to reapply sunscreen to your child (and yourself). Make sure you cover sensitive exposed spots like the tips of the ears and the back of the neck. Set another timer to remind you both to drink liquids so you don’t get dehydrated.
Related: Here Comes the Sun: The Best Sunscreens for Babies & Toddlers
3. Load up your laundry basket.
Pack your beach gear in a roomy laundry basket. It will store all the towels, snacks, and toys you’re bringing, and wider baskets can double as a play area or napping spot for younger babies if you line it with extra-soft towels and keep it well-shaded. The best part? Sand will fall out of the holes as you pack up and leave, so you don’t bring the whole beach into your car.
4. Create a sand-free play area.
The best baby beach hack, right? We love this idea from the Team Johnson blog: Turn a fitted bedsheet upside down and place a bag or cooler in each of the four corners to keep the sheet extended and the sides up. The sides act as a barrier to sand and keep your curious baby from crawling away. You can also purchase a similar product from Sandy Bumz that is designed to stay upright even without items propped in the corner. The Sandy Bumz mat folds up compactly. Take it to the park and friends’ backyards too.
5. Pre-freeze snacks.
If your baby is eating solid foods, freeze a few food pouches and yogurt the night before your beach outing. They’ll turn a chilly, slushy consistency at the beach and will help keep your baby cool. They’ll also feel nice on sore gums if there’s teething going on.
6. Spray away the heat.
Sometimes shade isn’t enough to keep babies cool. Bring a small spray bottle filled with ice water to spray on your child at regular intervals and when those cheeks are looking flushed.
7. Remove sand with cornstarch.
This is a must-try: Cornstarch is a surprisingly effective way to remove sand from skin. Sprinkle it onto exposed skin and watch it do its magic. It works by drying skin so sand wipes off easily and painlessly. Talc-free baby powder works well too. Pack it in your beach bag or leave it in the car to sprinkle on before you all climb in.
8. Roll your load.
Bring your wagon or jogging stroller so you don’t have to carry all the baby beach gear you’re bringing. Pro tip: Dragging strollers backward is easier than pushing them forward in the sand.
9. Use a pop-up tent for naps.
Plan on staying at the shore all day? Consider buying a small pop-up tent so baby can sleep in a cozy shaded spot away from the sun and sand. Check out our favorite portable tents and play yards.