Is it unrealistic to think I'll be going to the beach this summer w/ a 3yr & a 4month old?

My 3 year old loves the beach! But I just don't see how I'll bring her and also bring a 4 month old. She likes to play near the waves, but will play near our tent as long as I bring a few buckets of water to us. I wouldn't be going alone, but with a friend (who has no kids) or my sister (Also no kids). Is this even doable, or not worth it and I should plan to pool hop this summer and skip the beach with a little baby.

Re: Is it unrealistic to think I'll be going to the beach this summer w/ a 3yr & a 4month old?

I think it's doable, or at least I hope so because I plan to do it as well.

I personally wouldn't go alone, but if you have help and a good shade tent, why not?

Re: Is it unrealistic to think I'll be going to the beach this summer w/ a 3yr & a 4month old?

DH took DD to the beach this summer when she was 4.5 months old. he went with friends when i was away on a business trip
he said the beginning went well...she was happy and enjoying herself. but then she got fussy and wanted to nap etc and just couldnt bc she was probably too hot.
so if the beach is close and you have others coming with you, i would think its doable. but if you have a long drive to get there i would be hesitant.
i personally hated that after a few weeks i was still finding sand in the stroller.

Is it unrealistic to think I'll be going to the beach this summer w/ a 3yr & a 4month old?

I brought DD to the beach more at 3-4 months than I did last summer at 16 months! We had a big pop up tent so she could play or nap and I could nurse her with some privacy. The shade and breeze of the tent helped since she didn't have the extra heat of being held the whole time. I think as long as you have an extra pair of hands you'll probably have a blast!

Re: Is it unrealistic to think I'll be going to the beach this summer w/ a 3yr & a 4month old?

I went with my DC. DS was 2 & DD 5 months.
No biggie: pick a short beach (short walk), travel super light & start off for short periods of time.

I went for an hour to 2 hours (multiple times).
I would not let my 3 yr old play in waves though if you are solo (DS gets knocked down easy & it's hard to juggle that and another kid).

Re: Is it unrealistic to think I'll be going to the beach this summer w/ a 3yr & a 4month old?

We went several times last summer with a 5 month old and an almost 4 year old. But we go EARLY, like before 9:00 a.m. And we didn't go solo, with only one adult. My DD stayed in her stroller most times and napped. We also had a small pop-up UV-protected baby tent for her, and let her lay in there. She wasn't rolling over yet (I don't think) and it was fine. 2 hours max, and my son was ready to come home.

Re: Is it unrealistic to think I'll be going to the beach this summer w/ a 3yr & a 4month old?

Not at all - IMO everything is much easier before the second one is mobile and has a mind of his/her own!
I wouldn't take mine this summer (3 & 5) alone b/c I'm too afraid w/ the water - but I did it all the time the summer my little guy was born

Re: Is it unrealistic to think I'll be going to the beach this summer w/ a 3yr & a 4month old?

Alone no way...but it really depends on your child's temperament. But an hour or so with a helper would be doable.

Is it unrealistic to think I'll be going to the beach this summer w/ a 3yr & a 4month old?

I took my boys alone last summer. DS # 1 had just turned 2, DS # 2 was 4 months. It was fine, we went to Zach's Bay. We did Long Beach a few times, but I only did that when DH or my BFF came with us. I would be nervous at a huge beach by myself.

Re: Is it unrealistic to think I'll be going to the beach this summer w/ a 3yr & a 4month old?

My DS was 10 months old when we first took him to the beach. He took the best naps at the beach - I think it was because of the sound of the waves. At that age make sure you have some good shade and don't expect to be able to spend more than a couple of hours before one of them needs a break.

Re: Is it unrealistic to think I'll be going to the beach this summer w/ a 3yr & a 4month old?

It will really depend. Doable, yes. But I had a really even tempered baby and at 3 months tried taking her to the beach and she was miserable. Wouldn't lay in the pop up tent at all. And screamed outside of it. She hated the sun in her eyes (even though she had have a sun hat on and such. She is three now and still hates the sun in her eyes and screams - lol!

Is it unrealistic to think I'll be going to the beach this summer w/ a 3yr & a 4month old?

As long as you're going with another adult who can stay with your 3 year old by the water I think its doable. I definitely wouldn't try alone though.

Re: Is it unrealistic to think I'll be going to the beach this summer w/ a 3yr & a 4month old?

Thanks everyone. I would never take them w/o another adult! But glad to hear it's doable with an extra pair of hands. I think the first time I'll go early or late in the afternoon and only stay for an hour to see how it goes.