Beach Vacation

I'm with the others, play it by ear. My oldest was very content at the beach from a young age. My second has been there yet, because I'm afraid it would be a nightmare! Have fun!

Hi, Yes, I think you should just base it on your son and see how it goes. He'll let you know when it's time to go in. More important to me on vacation is keeping up the bedtime routines. Meantime, enjoy. D.

Well I was literally at the beach from 11 am until 7pm with my son. I left about the time he goes down for his morning nap. The beach I went to has a boardwalk so I walked it until he feel asleep, for his afternoon nap. We shopped ont he boardwalk and ate dinner and left aroun 7pm which was his bedtime. He has a grand old time.

However, the first time I went with friends and he refused to sleep in the car bc there was another kid. He refused to nap once we got there bc he loves the beach so much. He finally went to bed when I put him in my baby carrier. If you have one, I recommend you bring it! Also, don't forget the sunscreen. If he loves the waves as much as my son did, it might not be possible to keep him under the umbrella. Have fun and takes lots of pictures!

Dear J.,
I love the beach, but when it came to my infant, I took many precautions. I took the playpen that was off the sand and a cover that shaded him strongly. I did not let him touch the sand as there is too much in it that is questionable. The fresh water in a plastic spray bottle is excellent. Bring Baby Wipes to wipe off anything that he touches or you touch that might be questionable. Also, bring a fly swatter, just in case. Of course, you will extra diapers, a big t-shirt if you are nursing. My babies have slept in their playpens on the beach for several hours with no problems. If it is a windy day, you might want to get some Macs Ear plugs, or wear a hat that covers his ears. The Macs ear plugs are soft and pliable and highly effective.
I hope you have beautiful weather.
E.

I agree with many of the others with needing to play it by ear. Depending on the temperature just monitor how he's doing with the heat. Even with all the other things, I always wanted to make sure my son didn't overheat. I can tell you the inflatable pool is a GREAT idea. We still bring one down, use big buckets to fill it up and even my 3 year old still likes to play in it. The tent is always a great idea for naps, and I agree that you should borrow one if you can...you don't use it that often to warrant buying one. Other than that sunscreen, hydrated and just go with the flow and keep expectations low. :) You never khow a baby will like the beach and the sand. We also always have a jogging stroller with her so that we could take the baby for a walk, it helped them fall asleep and then he would just nap in his stroller.

Be prepared for a different kind of vacation than you may be thinking of! LOL My son HATES sand...still....at age 6 and we spend a LOT of time on the pool. Go with the flow and you know your baby. He may just nap at the ebach, or he may prefer the cool quiet of your accommodations.
Try to keep your baby's schedule as close to normal as possible. Shade, shade and more shade. Sunscreen and more sunscreen! SPF clothing at the beach and HATS! Try to fine a "french foreign legion" type hat that shades the back of his neck. The inflatable pool might entertain him, as will buckets, shovels, etc. Take along some familiar toys and his lovey if he has O.. Have a great time!

We had one of those little beach tents (spf protected + mesh for breathability) for babies when our son was that age. We put him in the tent w/ his binky and blanky and he took a nap there! You never know--that could work. But I wouldn't buy one...just borrow one if a friend has one. He could take one look at it and refuse to go near it.

Make sure he's got a white, very lightweight hat and plenty to drink. As long as he's shaded, lubed, and hydrated , just play it by ear. If he's happy, stay; if he isn't, go. Have a great time!

J. B You have to play it by ear. My youngest hated the beach as soon as her feet touched the sand she started screeming she could sit in the sand and play but hated walking in it. Keep him cool as possible, covered in light if not white shirts and have an umbrella over his play area. Also make sure you put loads of sun screen on him and keep reappling it. Bring plenty of water for him to drink. If he is happy with it stay as long as he will put up with it. The fresh air and playing in the water will make him a tired little fellow and he should sleep well at night. Good luck have fun. I want to add how sorry I am for the loss of your little angel. J.