How to get baby ready for the beach?

When can you take baby to the beach?

Summer is on its way and you'd love to go on holiday and enjoy the beach? We understand! But with a baby, it can turn out to be trickier than expected. Here are a few valuable tips to make your day out a lovely moment.

Paediatricians recommend waiting until baby is at least 3 months old before taking them to the beach. For swimming, however, it is best to wait until they are at least 4 months old because, on the one hand, it could frighten them and, on the other, seawater contains germs and fungi that could be dangerous for baby.

Later on, swimming will be possible, but only for a few minutes, because your baby is much more sensitive than an adult to the difference in temperature between the water and the surrounding air.

How do you protect them from the sun?

Babies are very sensitive to UV rays, which can be very dangerous. So it's essential to protect them. To do this, baby should never be left bare: you absolutely must cover them with UV-protective clothing. You can also give them a hat, sunglasses and sun cream on any areas that aren't covered.

But it doesn't stop there! To be sure you don't put baby at risk, it's important to avoid the hottest hours of the day, between 12 noon and 4pm. Keep them in the shade, and for this we recommend UV-protection tents, which are very practical for protecting baby.

Finally, one last tip, and by no means the least: hydration. It's very important to give baby water regularly to avoid them feeling unwell or getting sunstroke. We recommend taking a small cool box to keep their bottle of water in, so they can cool down properly.

But which sun cream should you choose?

It's important to choose baby's sun cream carefully. There are different types of cream but, above all, different protection factors. For your baby, maximum protection, i.e. SPF 50+, is a must. As their skin is very sensitive to UV rays, poor protection could prove dangerous and cause irreversible damage (skin ageing, cancer…).

You should also choose a hypoallergenic cream that is alcohol-free and paraben-free and dermatologically tested. The cream should be applied every 2 hours and after each swim.

What to take with you?

Let's recap. To take baby to the beach without stressing, check that you have everything you'll need once you're there. You'll need something for them to eat and drink. A cool box or a small insulated bag is recommended for this. Depending on their age, bring fruit, fruit purées or biscuits for their snack. Depending on their age, don't forget their bottle of water and/or milk (better to bring too much than not enough), and offer them a drink regularly.

Next, you'll need a UV-protection tent so that baby can shelter from the sun and have their nap without suffering from the heat. What's more, there are now very practical models that are lightweight and easy to unfold. A parasol can also work, but it may be less practical as you'll constantly have to turn it in the right direction.

If baby is old enough to go in the water, you'll need a swim nappy and a towel, as it's important not to let them get cold when they come out of the water. The Premiers Moments Baby Hooded Towel, made from 100% organic cotton, will warm baby up in the blink of an eye and protect their soft, delicate skin. Its built-in hood prevents any loss of heat.

Don't forget to bring everything you need to change baby's nappy.

Finally, it's a good idea to bring a few toys to keep baby entertained and help them discover this new playground that is the beach.

Which beaches should you choose?

For baby's comfort, it's best to choose a beach where you can have your own private space, without too much noise. It's also recommended to choose a calm sea, where the waves won't be too strong, so you can enjoy a swim (if baby is old enough). Finally, baby will probably have more fun on a sandy beach than on a pebble beach, but that's down to your own preferences.

There you go, you now have all the keys to enjoy a lovely family day at the beach. So make the most of it!

Dylan
Proud dad of three little ones and founder of Premiers Moments. Together with the whole team, I share our parenting tips here to support you, from pregnancy through your child's first years.