We're going to Florida in May and I have no idea how to prepare for a toddler at the beach (there's a pool too). I'll list out my specific stuff, but tell me everything!
So far, I have this from Ikea:
I also have a pool float with canopy that DS would sit in, but I'm starting to wonder if he's too old for that.
I was going to get a puddle jumper (unless you guys recommend something better). Idk how quickly they dry. Should I get 2 so he wouldn't have to put a cold wet one on the next day? Unless they dry quickly.
I was going to get some sand toys. And they have umbrellas to rent.
What else should I get or bring?
Also, DS has pretty fair sensitive skin so I originally planned to do long-sleeved rash guards. But there isn't much selection and my friend with a older LO was assuring me short sleeve would be great and he might even get too hot in long sleeved. Do you guys have any knowledge on this? Do you think it would make much of a difference?
You can easily buy sand toys anywhere...like a grocery store or Walgreens so you don't have to haul them along.
We do a short sleeve rash guard at home in the pool because usually an hour or less. We do a long sleeve one for the beach for sure! And this is for my guy who is in the FL sun daily.
A good hat. Preferably something that will help with face and neck shade too.
Swim diapers... again...could easily purchase once here
Post by brachysira on Apr 18, 2016 20:32:44 GMT -5
I am thinking of getting DS a puddle jumper too. He's large--2T clothes. A thin/small child would probably be too small for one. DD has one, and I think it dries overnight and wouldn't consider getting a 2nd for just her, but I guess it depends on conditions whether it will still be a bit damp. We have a pool float too, but I think they're right on the edge of being too old. Worth a try.
As for sun, get a hat or two. And a few sunscreens to keep in different places. How hot will it be? If very hot, short sleeve may be better. A nice beach day where we are is 80 and breezy and DD was fine in her long sleeve one from Old Navy.
Post by greenmonkey1 on Apr 19, 2016 10:15:08 GMT -5
Wet bag for the beach. I kept my phone and camera in there + keys/wallet if I was carrying them. Kept everything unsandy/dry and in one easy place the whole week. I could have used a ziploc bag but then I felt everyone could see my valuables and the wet bag is a lot more reusable. Also a "special" water bottle in the event your kiddo is not a big water drinker. Having something "special" always makes the required event so much easier with kids.
Post by weeklyplanner on Apr 19, 2016 13:27:41 GMT -5
You might want to think about the tent, depending on your son's personality. DS is too busy to sit under one, but lots of kids do! Last summer I trapped him in a portable play yard with an umbrella over it, so we could go to the beach daily, but that's not going to happen this year.
I'd also recommend beach chairs and beach umbrella for the adults. Plenty of hats-I usually bring 2-3 hats for DS. Costco sells these awesome toddler hats that have a draw string to tighten it around their head--this hat stays on really well! You can get puddle jumpers at Costco too. We've never used one, so I can't comment on that.
Will you have a long walk? Those beach carts with wheels are helpful!
Coppertone water babies "pure and simple" is a great sunblock. It's thicker and gives better coverage than the regular coppertone.
Like @becominggold said, beach towns sell everything you need in the pharmacy chains, grocery stores and Walmart. So, you don't have to pack everything....you can buy when you get there.
I forget where you are staying, but you might want to see if there is a local baby gear rental company. Then you can rent a lot of the big items for the week.
Post by gratefulgirl on Apr 19, 2016 14:59:55 GMT -5
Do you need to bring a baby gate for where you are staying? We have rented a beach house in the past and brought a pressure gate for the top of the stairs. No, not a real stable solution but at least something.
We have Puddle Jumpers, though we have never worn them at the beach. We use them at the pool. They go on wet just fine if you are at the beach morning and afternoon. DD1 has never complained. They also dry overnight even in our garage.
We have had long and short sleeve rash guards (for girls, but I doubt it is much different) and the long sleeve don't keep them hot, especially if wet. They breathe well. If anything the long sleeve are cooler when wet.
We used this shower curtain hack at the beach to let our A14 kid have a water experience without being in the ocean. She was terrified of the ocean (and also of sand) but loved splashing.
If your kid isn't going in the water and your swim diaper lets pee out (all disposables and some reusables do), just wear a regular diaper until it's time to get wet.
Post by hoosiermama76 on Apr 19, 2016 22:29:37 GMT -5
I overpacked when I went last month, and When we go back, I'm hardly bringing half of what I did. If they have umbrellas, you might not need the tent, but it does look nice.
Post by greysonsmom on Apr 19, 2016 23:47:36 GMT -5
When we went to the beach we rented chairs and an umbrella. We bought sands toys there. I put DS in both a short sleeve rash guard and a long sleeve one. We went to the beach multiple days. I packed snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, extra swim diapers, baby powder and change of clothes and towels. My child Is nuts and thinks he can truly swim so he doesn't tolerate life vests or a puddle jumper. Best I can get with him is swimmies. While at the beach I just let him do his thing and I hung out with him on the shore. Beach vacations with babies/toddlers is different but it can still be fun.
Wet bag for the beach. I kept my phone and camera in there + keys/wallet if I was carrying them. Kept everything unsandy/dry and in one easy place the whole week. I could have used a ziploc bag but then I felt everyone could see my valuables and the wet bag is a lot more reusable. Also a "special" water bottle in the event your kiddo is not a big water drinker. Having something "special" always makes the required event so much easier with kids.
I've never heard of a wet bag. I like the concept though. Are they sold everywhere?
You might want to think about the tent, depending on your son's personality. DS is too busy to sit under one, but lots of kids do! Last summer I trapped him in a portable play yard with an umbrella over it, so we could go to the beach daily, but that's not going to happen this year.
I'd also recommend beach chairs and beach umbrella for the adults. Plenty of hats-I usually bring 2-3 hats for DS. Costco sells these awesome toddler hats that have a draw string to tighten it around their head--this hat stays on really well! You can get puddle jumpers at Costco too. We've never used one, so I can't comment on that.
Will you have a long walk? Those beach carts with wheels are helpful!
Coppertone water babies "pure and simple" is a great sunblock. It's thicker and gives better coverage than the regular coppertone.
Like @becominggold said, beach towns sell everything you need in the pharmacy chains, grocery stores and Walmart. So, you don't have to pack everything....you can buy when you get there.
I forget where you are staying, but you might want to see if there is a local baby gear rental company. Then you can rent a lot of the big items for the week.
Thanks! We're staying right on the beach, so just have to walk by the pool area, not very far.
I'll tag @becominggold because she mentioned waiting to buy stuff till we're down there too. I'll definitely keep that in mind for the future, I never would have thought of that. But my parents are coming too and they're driving down in their SUV. I plan to meet them like a day or 2 before we leave so they can haul our big stuff down lol.
Do you need to bring a baby gate for where you are staying? We have rented a beach house in the past and brought a pressure gate for the top of the stairs. No, not a real stable solution but at least something.
We have Puddle Jumpers, though we have never worn them at the beach. We use them at the pool. They go on wet just fine if you are at the beach morning and afternoon. DD1 has never complained. They also dry overnight even in our garage.
We have had long and short sleeve rash guards (for girls, but I doubt it is much different) and the long sleeve don't keep them hot, especially if wet. They breathe well. If anything the long sleeve are cooler when wet.
We used this shower curtain hack at the beach to let our A14 kid have a water experience without being in the ocean. She was terrified of the ocean (and also of sand) but loved splashing.
If your kid isn't going in the water and your swim diaper lets pee out (all disposables and some reusables do), just wear a regular diaper until it's time to get wet.
Wow that shower curtain idea is so neat! I thought about trying to do a baby pool like some people mentioned last summer, but this would be a cheap/easy to transport alternative. I like it!! Swim diapers let the pee out?! I guess that makes sense but I'd never contemplated that. Ew. No baby gate needed where we're staying, but good thing to think of!
Wet bag for the beach. I kept my phone and camera in there + keys/wallet if I was carrying them. Kept everything unsandy/dry and in one easy place the whole week. I could have used a ziploc bag but then I felt everyone could see my valuables and the wet bag is a lot more reusable. Also a "special" water bottle in the event your kiddo is not a big water drinker. Having something "special" always makes the required event so much easier with kids.
I've never heard of a wet bag. I like the concept though. Are they sold everywhere?
Here is an example of a wet bag sold at Target. You should be able to find them wherever baby stuff is sold. People who cloth diaper will use a wet bag to store a wet cloth diaper when they are out of the house. I bought my wet bag at BJ's (Costco/Sam's Club-type store) for something in the $5-15 range. We don't cloth diaper, but I find the wet bag very handy for other child stuff. Again a ziploc/plastic bag will do the same trick, but the bag is more reusable and zippered so a bit more reliable.
I've never heard of a wet bag. I like the concept though. Are they sold everywhere?
Here is an example of a wet bag sold at Target. You should be able to find them wherever baby stuff is sold. People who cloth diaper will use a wet bag to store a wet cloth diaper when they are out of the house. I bought my wet bag at BJ's (Costco/Sam's Club-type store) for something in the $5-15 range. We don't cloth diaper, but I find the wet bag very handy for other child stuff. Again a ziploc/plastic bag will do the same trick, but the bag is more reusable and zippered so a bit more reliable.
Thanks! That looks perfect. I'm putting it on the list for sure!
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