Infants and the Beach, Park, Pool-BTDT moms what do I need?

With the warmer weather coming and these nicer and nicer days we have been having, I'm trying to prepare myself with the must haves when out in the backyard, beach, park, pool, etc...

Xavier will be 6 months next week. So far I have a couple of hats, sunscreen, floating thing for the water (for local pool), infant pool with a canopy, PnP net, and that is all I have.

I know I need to get the following:
-bug repellent. What is safe for a 6 mo old?
-tent for the beach
-umbrella for the beach
-chair for Xavier. Do I really need one?
-beach toys
-pool toys
-water proof blanket. Necessary?
-pool type diapers. What do you recommend?
-sunglasses. Necessary?

If there is anything that you feel I should have or don't need please feel free to add to the list.

One more thing, how on earth do you pack all this STUFF and walk around with it with a baby in tow? It's a pain with just my stuff when I go to the beach I can't imagine going with an infant and more stuff.

Re: Infants and the Beach, Park, Pool-BTDT moms what do I need?

WOWZA!!!!!!!! That's a lot of stuff.

As a pool and beach junkie with my little swimmer, I can't comment on it all, but just want you to think. (I will comment mostly on the beach, because the pool doesn't need as much.)

If you have a tent, do you also need an umbrella? If you are contemplating dragging a pnp with you, then why need a tent? Personally, I wouldn't bring a pnp to the beach. Sand gets everywhere. If you want one of those infant pop-up tents for naps and shade, they work.

As for a chair, I think he may be too young for one. They tip easily if a kid tries to crawl onto the arms, or even lean on the arms. A large blanket or towel is great.

Just know that sand gets EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!!!! And most kids like to stick their hands in the sand, then fling it, then rub their eyes, put their hands in their mouth, etc. And even if you think they aren't playing in the sand, they are. It gets into their diapers, even if they never sat in the sand.

The best advice given to me was to carry a large bucket. Once you get to the beach, fill it with water. At least that way you can stick your kids hands in the bucket every now and again to 'clean' them. Believe me, wipes only work so well with sand. And don't keep the bucket where they can tip it over.

As for bug spray, haven't used it yet, so I can't comment.

Diapers, keep the regular diapers on until a few minutes before going into the water. Your typical Huggies and Pampers Swimmers do not hold in the pee. They are designed to keep poop in as best as they can. If you dress a child in the swimming diapers, their clothes will be wet within 5-15 minutes. For a child as small as yours, I can't imagine needing a swim diaper for the beach. It's not like he will be going into the ocean.

For bringing stuff to the beach, I recommend the WOnder Wheeler. Click here for the Wonder WHeeler They do sell these at Bed, Bath and Beyond.

However, the Wonder Wheeler is not a stroller. It just carries stuff and chairs. Most strollers don't drag well on the sand. If you need a stroller recommendation for the sand, I can't really help there.

Just remember that ANYTHING you bring to the beach will end up with sand in it. Most kids like to dig and explore. Bring a small shovel. It can captivate for a long time.

Does my babble make any sense?

Re: Infants and the Beach, Park, Pool-BTDT moms what do I need?

Kelly gave you some great advice!

I took DS (11 months) to the beach for the first time on Friday. (Last summer he was too little) I do recommend a tent. We got one from One Step Ahead and it worked great. I definitely think a blanket or an all weather blanket is a good idea. I had a hat for DS which he kept on a good amount of time. Definitely sun block. Also, sunglasses it depends on the child. DS didn't leave them on for long. Some toys are good too.

I am going to get one of those wonder wheeler carts that Kelly recommended also.

Re: Infants and the Beach, Park, Pool-BTDT moms what do I need?

Beach bum over here!! I did bring a PNP to the beach and used an umbrella to cover it. I brought favorite toys to entertain them with. Took them out to play in sand and with baby powder I dusted off the the sand on their bodies and back in the PNP they went. With them being in the PNP for whatever amount of time they would stay,,,I was able to "relax" and not worry about them tipping over, crawling away, eat sand, etc. I bought the wonder wheeler to carry all my beach stuff and it was perfect.

Re: Infants and the Beach, Park, Pool-BTDT moms what do I need?

I wasn't planning on bringing the PnP to the beach. That was more for our backyard and for outside gtgs/bbqs.

Thanks for the tips! The wonder wheeler looks awesome. I'm going to purchase it asap.

How many bathing suits do you think I would need? I have one so far. I won't be putting him in the water all the time. Probably once or twice a week, if that.

Re: Infants and the Beach, Park, Pool-BTDT moms what do I need?

My DD is 6.5 months, and we have gone to the beach 4x already...

I bring the BARE MINIMUMS knowing that I need to carry it plus her...

1- The wonder wheeler is AMAZING, AND if your DD is still in her infant seat... you can put this on top BUT BUT BUT BUT BUT YOU MUST HOLD ONTO HER B/c it only fits in like a cradle and does NOT LOCK IN so you must have your hands holding it at all times while pushing...

2- I bring the following
*A big comforter that is old that we don't use anymore
*A SPF SUn tent that we got for our Shower (from BBB)
*You can put them in bathing suits, but so far, she has only worn dresses and I brought pants and a sweatshirt... remember it might be hot out for us b/c we are in the sun, but they will be in the shade in their tent etc... so it can get windy and cool in there.
*Sunscreen (if they are 6 months plus) My ped recommended Blue lizard
*Lots of water, remember to keep them hydrated.
*2 Towels
*Plastic Toys that are for the beach only, and not to bring into the house
*I guess formula (I BF So its always there)
*I don't know about the diapers yet b.c we haven't gone in...

ENJOY!

Re: Infants and the Beach, Park, Pool-BTDT moms what do I need?