Sunblock Baby Baby

Mommy's Beach Bag Checklist

Last summer was my first as a parent. Being responsible for that little gal made me rethink a lot of the summertime rituals I’d taken for granted, especially what “going to the beach” looked like.  Gone were the days of just bringing a towel and a book, I soon learned.  Instead, I was carting a small truckload of baby gear, essentials, and assorted supplies…just in case… to the beach with me.  Yikes.

It took a few tries to get it completely right, but with handy resources like Disney Family Fun’s Beach Packing Checklist and Amazon’s shopping guide to Take a Trip to the Beach with your Baby/Toddler , I’m now a seasoned professional.  Summer number two as a parent should be a breeze! Here’s my beach bag packing list, in case you’re as clueless as I was last year.

Sun Protection

This is more than just sunblock, but will start with that all-important beach bag must.  Choose a sunblock specially formulated for your little guy or gal and don’t leave it at home! In fact, just keep it handy in the diaper bag even if you’re not heading to the beach.  You can pick up baby sunblock from brands like Aveeno, Ocean Potion, California Baby, and many more.  See which ones are the best at Consumer Search’s Full Report on Sunscreen .

Beyond sunblock, you’ll also want to pack a hat and some sunglasses for the wee one.  Especially if your baby or toddler has a full head of hair and you can’t get sunblock on that noggin!  Cover it up with a Velcro-strap hat to keep it on and complete the look with a pair of sunglasses.  Check out the selections at the Carter’s in Wayside Commons for adorable options for boys and girls.

Finally, invest in a pop-up baby tent, possibly man’s greatest invention (no joke).  These fold up easily for storage almost anywhere and simply pop up when you need them.  Perfect for shady playtime, naptime, or snack time. Check out the UV Playshade tents available at BabyScholars.com for an extra way to keep baby safe from the sun at the beach. 

Beach Apparel

Of course you’ll want to bring diapers and wipes with you—a given, no matter where you are!—but what about specially designed waterproof ones? When you hit the beach or the pool, go equipped with a swimsuit and swimming diapers to make your life easier.  They won’t fill up with water, burst open, and leave nasty pieces in the water.

Jason Earth's Best Baby Care Chemical-Free Sun Block, SPF 30+, 4 ...

I purchased this sunscreen after a doing lots of research. I was happy to find this option because 1) it contains a non-chemical sunscreen and 2) the mineral particles are not micronized so finely that they can be absorbed into the body. Though I was shocked by the enormous price and the tiny bottle, I decided it was the safest option and went ahead and bought it. It was difficult to spread the thick cream onto the skin, and I can best equate the texture to the original type of Desitin. Anyway, I thought it was worth it, and pressed on, coating my protesting offspring. That ghostly zinc-oxide cast was evident on the skin, but I figured that that was a small price to pay, as it reassured me that the stuff was remaining on the surface of the skin rather than sinking in. Throughout a one-hour romp outside in the kiddie pool, the cream did seem to stay on. I was shocked, however, when, hours later, I noticed my daughter was coated with a fine-textured bumpy rash all over the places to which I had applied the sunscreen! To make matters worse, her skin was bright pink! Not only had she reacted to this product, but she had gotten the first sunburn of her life! So, no, I cannot recommend this product to others, and will continue my search for that perfect, safe, EFFECTIVE sunscreen. Also, I never thought to do a little spot-test, and will do that from now on!

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