10 Tips for Toddlers at the Beach

I love the beach, I love the pool, I love all things summer. There is nothing about summer from the fireflies to the sandcastles that I don't find utterly enchanting. That being said, I remember the first time I went to the beach with my son, I was super anxious. I bought and brought (lugged) a thousand things to the beach that I really didn't need to. It the beach, the toy is the beach. But, I thought I would share some products and ideas that made our trip much easier. Here are my top ten: 

1. Try and park or stay as close to the beach as possible. Don't kid yourself, you will be carrying a lot, there will be steps, and that includes your kids. Paying a little more is totally worth it, when you love decides its time to potty. 

2. Morning Beach Time is where it is at. Your kids are up, they are fed and well rested, go to the beach. In the morning, there are a lot less people, the sun is not as bright, and your kids are in a good mood. So, bring a travel cup of joe and enjoy the scenery. Plus lunch is a great time to go home, and you can always go back after nap. Bonus idea: pack your beach bag the night before so you can just go. 

3.  The Beach Bag.

• LL Bean Boat and Tote - There are lots of beach bags to choose from, this is my favorite. I use the large open tote with the long handles. It is perfect for throwing over your shoulder while you carry ... ehm children. It is incredibly crafted, sturdy, stands up, is light, and you can even get your monogram on it. It's ok, I'm from Virginia, we monogram everything. Bonus it is 10% because of Labor Day 2014.
• I love Turkish towels, they are light, thin, and super absorbent. It certainly makes packing a lot easier and lighter if your whole bag is not devoted to bulky beach towels. 
• Water... good old fashioned H2O. Don't bring a bunch of sugary snacks and drinks... yes, they may want a little snack and if you are going with other kids. I would have some goldfish and some gummies in your back pocket just in case. But the truth is they are at the beach, and you just fed them breakfast... don't mess about packing a picnic unless you are actually going to picnic. I love these Zoli Bot Sippy Cups for babies and these Life Factory Glass Bottles for toddlers. For grown-ups I find the most convenient and easy to use are CamelBak Glass Water Bottles. 
• Sunblock. Sweet sunblock, thank you Lord for sunblock, and the woman who invented spray bottles of the stuff. We use Alba Botanica Natural Protection for Kids. For Momma, I'm using Sun Bum, it came in my PopSugar Box and I love it... I heart the stuff.  Truth be told, I love everything that comes in my PopSugar Box. I think little angels bring it every month. 
• A waterproof bag with your: wallet, phone, camera if you are not using your phone, keys, any medication or epi-pen... if you roll like that. 

4. Floaties. If your little one is 6 month to 2 years-old I recommend the Baby Spring Float with Canopy. My son loved his little boat. I liked using it because it had a canopy to shield him from the sun. We used in both the pool and in the bay and in the pond. Now that my son is 3 we use the Puddle Jumper.  I like it because i don't have to blow anything up, and he loves it because he gets to swim without any one holding him and doesn't limit his range of motion. 

5. Easy Chairs. If you are not staying somewhere that has beach chairs, bringing beach chairs can be quiet bulky and heavy. Instead we opt for easy fold, light weight camp chairs. For my kid, he loves his Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Giddy Chair. It is stinkin' adorbs. 

6. One bucket of toys that he can carry. The rule is, if you want to play with it, you have to bring it. My momma got these for my kid and we love it. Thank you Momma!!! 

7. What to wear. I have a moral requirement not to pay too much for children's clothing. We are very happy just using Old Navy toddler swimwear. I am practically Evangelical about rash guards. These t-shirts are such a blessing to a mother of fair-haired child. The trick is to buy a size up it in September so it is on deep sale and save it for the next summer. As for Mommas, I use Miraclesuites. They are wonderful, well constructed and make everyone look better. Daddies, I'm pretty sure my husband is wearing his old gym shorts from college... I am not strong enough. 

8. Cover that up. I know it sounds counterproductive to bring something warm to the beach. But I find the key to be warm but breathable. The water cools you down, and with the ocean breeze it can be a little chilly. I heart my monogrammed Columbia Bahama Shirt that I wear as a cover up down to the beach. For my little guy I put him in UV Skinz. They are little pricey but if you buy them big they last for years and they have built in sunscreen. My husband is over German decent and has never been cold a day in his life. But if he ever was he would wear a Michigan Long Sleeve T-shirt. 

9. Take care of the footsies. For little ones, these Panama Jack Water Shoes are awesome. They can go from street to sand to water without blisters or ouchies.  For Lady feet, I use my old Rainbow Flip Flops. My hubby wears Keens sandals, closed toe. What can I say he cray. 

10. Have fun and take pictures. Remember to have fun, this is your vacation too. You deserve to have a laugh, lounge a bit, play and laugh. Also, I know you are in a bathing suit and we can all be in better shape, but get in there. You will love the pictures and the memories. :) 

Have a great trip to the beach!