Sun, summer 🌞and lots of heat!
Nothing better to cool off than taking the baby to the beach to enjoy the beautiful days ahead. But, it’s always good to remember the necessary care for little ones on warmer days.
Favorite program for the little ones is going to the beach on a sunny day. It can be a lot of fun, as long as proper care is taken to enjoy the day without major problems. After all, a baby at the beach requires specific care that must be considered.
Precautions when taking a newborn to the beach 👼
Taking some precautions, it is possible to enjoy summer at the beach with the baby! Check out these guidelines for the family outing to be the most enjoyable and fun for the little ones.
- Prefer going to the beach before 10:00 am or after 4:00 pm (before 11:00 am or after 5:00 pm in places where there is daylight savings time). During this period, the ultraviolet rays are less intense and the temperatures are milder.
- Keep the baby always in the shade. Up to 6 months, babies can be exposed directly to the sun for a maximum of 10 minutes. And from 6 months, for a maximum of half an hour. Even so, be very careful as the sun’s rays reflected from the sand can also cause burns.
- Newborns up to 6 months old cannot use sunscreen due to their developing skin sensitivity. Therefore, it is recommended that they are always dressed in light clothes and a hat to protect their delicate skin.
- For babies older than 6 months, it is essential to use special sunscreen even on cloudy days or in the shade. Apply all over the body, including the feet, ears and head.
- To avoid “surprises”, use diapers suitable for water under bathing suits. Some children’s swimwear brands offer swimwear with built-in diapers that are more comfortable for babies.
- Get the baby in the water little by little. She starts by wetting her little feet and feeling how he reacts. Give up if the sea is rough.
- And finally, remember hydration: take water and natural juices in thermal bags (to stay cool!) and always offer them to the baby!
Don’t miss organizing your beach bag correctly
The detail of changing clothes leads to another essential care when choosing what to take the baby to the beach: the organization of the bag. Remember that you will be away from home, in a place without much support network, so you will need everyday objects that will be useful on the beach. See which ones.
- Disposable diapers
- Disposable nappies for the sea
- Change of clothes
- Towel
- Talc to help remove the sand from the little body
- Sunscreen
- Toys that can get wet
Tips for taking a newborn to the beach
If you identify with families who love the beach and have a baby at home, stay with us. Let’s share tips to take the baby to the beach, preserving the health of the little one during the walk by the sea.
How many months can a baby go to the beach?
According to experts, from six months, the child is already prepared for a walk on the beach. Before that, the skin is still very sensitive to salt water, and may have reactions such as allergy, itching and irritation.
In addition, a child’s vaccination card at this age is already partially filled in, and immunity is a little stronger. However, this does not mean that some details do not need to be observed. Next, what are baby care on the beach?
Stay on top of the main care when taking a newborn to the beach
Always adopt special care during the walk with the baby on the beach, as they are essential to keep the little one comfortable and avoid complications during this outing or after it. Check out what you need to pay attention to!
1- Skin
Baby’s skin is very sensitive; so, he needs an age- specific sunscreen. Is it necessary to apply the product every two hours, agreed? To reinforce this care, the paediatrician recommends the use of clothing with UV protection.
Still, it is better for the baby to be under a tent or parasol, so that it does not receive direct sunlight. And don’t forget to line the place where he will be sitting, because direct contact with sand is also not recommended, as it can transmit skin diseases, such as mycoses.
2- Head
By keeping the baby in the shade, you will already be taking care that the sun’s rays do not fall directly on his little head. In any case, always reinforce this care by putting on a hat — which, preferably, is made of fabric with UV protection.
3- Food
Baby food on the beach needs to be light and nutritious. Continue offering breast milk in addition to fresh fruit. Avoid allowing the child to try very heavy foods, such as cold drinks and ice cream, in addition to those with the potential to cause allergies, such as seafood.
4- Hydration
Don’t forget to make sure your baby stays hydrated when at the beach. For this, you can offer coconut water, a very healthy drink approved by the paediatrician. But she can’t come alone. Also provide fresh mineral water.
5- Special cases
Some children have special conditions, and this requires even greater care on the part of parents. Baby paediatrician explain in more detail what to do in case of skin problems.
“Children with atopic dermatitis with active lesions, diaper rash and/or other skin lesions should not be exposed to the sun. The sun, in addition to causing spots at the sites of injuries, tends to make them worse. Atopic dermatitis that has no lesions can be exposed to the sun, as long as skin hydration is intensified.”
See what to do after taking a newborn to the beach
Did you manage to enjoy a lot when taking a newborn to the beach?
So now it’s time to take new care to ensure he rests in comfort and health. See some important steps in the routine that come after playing.
1- Bath
As soon as you get home, give the baby a nice bath. It doesn’t have to be much different than what he’s used to, but pay special attention to ensure that all sea air is eliminated, as well as possible grains of sand.
Don’t forget to carefully sanitize the skin folds and between the little fingers. Dry these places very carefully. Also apply a cream or ointment to prevent diaper rash, ensuring extra protection for the little one.
2- Skin hydration
The sea breeze and the heat contribute to the skin drying out more than usual. Therefore, after bathing, prefer to apply a baby-specific moisturizing lotion. It will prevent the skin from losing its natural moisture, keeping it smooth and healthy.
3- Good nutrition
Keep offering light and nutritious food to your baby, but don’t forget that this is not the time to try new flavours, especially if you are away from home, like in a hotel or inn. Routine changes can mess with the little one’s organism. So, keep the supply of breast milk, fruits and baby food that he is used to.
Taking an inflatable pool can also be a great idea to bring him comfort and fun. Not to mention the baby will be safe, in a controlled environment and close to you.
Conclusion
Do not forget that baby care at the beach must be started before taking a newborn to the beach. Choose quality products to keep his skin healthy on a daily basis and, when out and about, pay special attention to avoid allergies, burns and dehydration. As soon as you get back home, do a good skin care routine and enjoy the memories!
So, what did you think of the content? We bet that these tips will help you enjoy every moment with the baby on the beach with much more comfort and safety.
Enjoy a lot, and see you later! 🏖️