Taking a baby/toddler to the beach for first time!

[Ginfilledcats]

Hi,

I'm taking my 12m old to the beach this weekend for the first time! I'm trying to ensure I am prepared and take useful things (I am one of these over prepared types and enjoy packing).

Has anyone got any tips/advice for taking baby to the beach, this is my list of things to take so far:

• our back pack baby carrier (to get to the beach you go over sand dunes, not sure a pram would make it)
• UV tent
• picnic blanket
• picnic
• extra bottles of water to wash sand off hands/feet
• bucket spades and balls
• sun cream
• hat with the little neck flaps for baby
• uv swim suit? Or just a little outfit? (Not likely to go in the water - we live in the NW)
• large muslin to make a bed out of for a nap in the tent
• little fan if the tent gets too warm/needs air circulating
• spare clothes
• usual changing bag stuff

I was considering taking one of those cheap inflatable pools because I remember my baby sisters hating sand when they were little and they used to play in the pool with no water/sand in and the sides prevented sand getting in. But maybe that's unnecessary. Or if she just want to splash in water I could put water in for her.

Am I over thinking this? Just conscious we're carrying everything but at the same time don't want to get there and be like "ugh it would have been so useful to bring x"

Thanks in advance xxx

I think you sound very, very organised. When I first took mine, I didn't take more than a towel and some sunscreen!

First time mine went to the beach they were scared of the sand and would not be put down on it AT ALL even though hey loved a sandpit. They were nearly one.

I'd be inclined to go with a full length arms and legs UV suit to save trying to rub more cream in on the sand.

Talcum powder -amazing for removing sand stuck to skin

Talc removes sand much better than water.

Look at the sheet hack...

Wow you sound pretty well organised!

Mine never ever stayed in the UV tent so I stopped bothering to carry and set them up unless it was a proper hot summer day.

I always take loads of snacks and my kids seem to eat tons when they’re at the beach. Possible because they are moving about a lot.

I always take a few spare of clothes because without doubt they end up back in and out the water.

Maybe some warm fluffy socks in case baby does dip their feet in the sea. To warm up after.

I came on here to post a similar question to see what people would suggest but it looks like your list is gonna do be fine haha.
I wasn't sure about the UV tent either cause I was wondering if she would actually go in it but I guess we're best taking it just incase.