Posted on 04/11/2018
Especially if you have a baby or a toddler in tow, the prospect of taking a trip to the beach can be anything but relaxing. But it doesn't have to be that way. No, it won't be anything like it was before kids — not by a long stretch. But that doesn't have to be a bad thing. Like much of this parenting gig, once we adjust our expectations and plan ahead, we can have fun experiencing the beach with our little ones.
Have a Designated Beach Bag
I don't know about you, but just preparing for a beach day can seem daunting some days! By the time I would go get towels from the linen closet, sun block from the medicine cabinet, swim suits from each individual person's dresser, flip flops from the mud room, flotation devices from the basement, and beach toys from the garage, I'm far too exhausted to think about packing a picnic lunch! And to find a bag big enough for all that stuff? Forget it. I'd rather just stay home. Instead of exhausting myself by going on a scavenger hunt to all ends of our house, I've started keeping all beach-related items in a designated beach bag; that way, I'm all set for a beach day when the weather is right and opportunity strikes!
Keep Picnic Foods On Hand
Making sandwiches and finding containers for every single little snack can be daunting, too, so I like to keep some easy-to-grab fruits on hand, along with a few individually packaged snack foods like cheese, yogurt tubes, and applesauce. (If you'd rather not purchase those items, you can easily put portion-sized baggies of nuts, cheese, or lunch meat in zip-top baggies ahead of time, too.) I also like to keep some small bottles of water on hand — both in the fridge and in the freezer. Then all I need to do in the morning, if we decide to go to the beach, is to throw everything in a cooler bag and go! Remember: you don't need a 3-course meal when you're at the beach. As long as you have some healthy snacks and plenty of water to stay hydrated, you'll be fine. When it comes to water, always bring more than you think you'll need.
Don't Forget and Just-in-Case Kit
This isn't necessarily a beach-specific item, but it's a great idea for anytime you're out in the great outdoors — and away from most conveniences. Include a basic first aid kit, including rubbing alcohol, antibiotic ointment, bandages, and allergy medications. Be sure to have an emergency cell phone charger handy, too, along with cash and a floating key chain. Especially if you plan to get into the water, yourself, you may also want to keep your car key and your cell phone in a waterproof case.
Hopefully you feel like you can be prepared to go to the beach a little more often this summer and maybe even take a spontaneous beach day once in a while. Of course, if you do decide to take a last-minute trip to the beach, be sure you let someone know where you're going.
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