Home Beach moms??

[sunkist]

I''m looking for advice from any moms that frequent the beach or anyone who has taken their baby to the beach. I live in SoCal and Im planning on going to the beach a lot this spring, summer. Today was my first trip to the beach with baby that we didnt just go for a walk- today was sitting on the sand and dipping our feet in the water! DS was wide eyes, just soaking in his surroundings and amazed by the water - too cute!

I grew up going to SoCal beaches, so I know sunscreen is necessary but not recommended for babies < 6 months old. He''s got a great sun hat. I just realized when we got there that we dont have an umbrella though! So i found some shade behind some rocks for today. But what are some light to carry, easy to put up and down shade products? I see some tents for babies and wonder if thats better than an umbrella.

LO is almost 5 months old.

Any ideas?

 

[Mandarine]

awwwww, just too cute! Totally chillin''!

I''m planning on taking the boys to the beach with us this weekend....I was just planning on taking the umbrella and I will be putting swinshorts and swim shirt...and will definitely put sunscreen too (they will be 6 months Sunday!). I think it''s ok to put sunscreen a little earlier...so I would go ahead and put it if he''s going to be out there.

Anyway, I''m not much help...but just had to post that he''s adorable!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[CasaBlanca]

Sorry I don''t have any suggestions from experience...

I just wanted to chime in and say what a big smile your photo has given me! LO is simply adorable! I WANT! May I ask for more pics? That hat is just perfect for that beautiful little face!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

So cute! We have a beach tent which is AWESOME. They make them with floors (one we have) which made a perfect bed for her so she could nap on the beach or tents w/o which are good for older kids to be able to play in the sand in shade.

 

[Sha]

We used the visor/sun shade that came with her carseat, and we also went to the beach when it was a lot cooler - after 4 pm.

 

[sunkist]

Mandarine - I can''t believe your boys will be 6 months already!! Have fun at the beach

Thanks Tacori, Sha. Good idea not to go at high noon too.

CasaBlanca, thanks! Sure I can post more pics of my little boy!!

 

[sunkist]

And here he is giggling it up in his bumbo chair

 

[Sha]

Gorgeous! I just love his cute smile!

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Awww he''s so precious!

And you''re gorgeous, you look like Uma Thurman!

 

[Sabine]

I''ve been thinking about this too and haven''t decided on anything yet. But every time I get the One Step Ahead catalog or look at their website I look at all their sun tents and try to decide which one would be best.

 

[Mandarine]

adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Rachel9]

Beautiful Babies! I used CA Baby spf 30 quite early [7 mos] the norm when you live next to the beach. Not sure if Primepicks.com still sells their Beach Cabanas, that shelter was large enough for all of us [3] to take a nap and very light.
We don't go out until 3:30pm thogh.

 

[CasaBlanca]

Well, Hey there Sunkist! What a beauty you are!

I love the one in his bumbo chair. You can''t help but laugh with him! That nose is PERFECTION. Looks hand sculpted. And those little feet look so smoochable! Does he giggle more when you do? Simply precious!

 

[steph72276]

I''m no help, but curious as to the answer too since we live pretty close to the beach as well. Just have to say W is adorable in his swim gear!

 

[sunkist]

Thanks Sabine and Rachel for those websites, catalogs. I''ll look at that!

My mom reminded me today about those full suit swimsuits for kids, like this http://www.alexandme.com/SnapperRock_Baby_Boy_UV_UPF_SPF_Sun_Suit_p/swi-bb-sr.htm
Useful to more protect their delicate skin, and cute too!

Hudson, heehee! Never been told I look like Uma Thurman before, but I see what you mean, at least in that picture!

CasaBlanca - Yes, he laughs when I laugh

I''m always searching for more ways to make him laugh. It''s my favorite!

 

[janinegirly]

such a cutie!

we will have a beach "toddler" this summer so look forward to any suggestions. Last year we didn''t go much but I did buy a beach tent. I didn''t go with an expensive one since I had a feeling it might only get used 1 or 2x which is what happened. Still it''s def worth it!

I want to get C a full swim suit too--still debating between body one, or just the rasher with the shoulders covered. The zip ups look convenient but could get annoying w/diaper changes. I also avoid the swim diaper since I doubt she''ll be immersed--that''d come in more handy for pools. I saw some mini beach chairs for kids and they are too cute!!

 

[Shoopy]

Awe Wes is adorable

They''ve actually changed the recommendation/guideline for babies less than 6 months old. You can use SPF15 or higher but in minimal amounts:

AAP Summer Tips

I believe Burt''s Bees sells a chemical-free sunscreen as well.

 

[MustangGal]

Awe, little cuttie!

I took Kyle to the beach for a weekend last year, and we spent most of the day under a tent. He was still a bit on the pink side the next day. This summer we''ll be camping for a week in San Diego, so I''ve done a bit more planning. I bought a few rash guards and trunks, a sun hat, and one of the full suits with floaties (he''ll be 16 months so I hope to get him in the water a bit). I''d ask your pedi about using sunscreen sooner than 6 months, but the idea of going in the morning or afternoon is good too.

Have fun with your little beach bum!