We came home from a week at the beach full of fun, sunshine, and rest. I stayed mostly offline and only got on my computer to publish my Work it Wednesday post, and that was that! I did check Facebook and Instagram, but I barely did any work. It was wonderful and gave me the break I needed to come back refreshed and ready for the next item on my project list.
We enjoyed plenty of great meals and spent loads of time playing in the sand. It was our first beach trip since Miss A was born, and she adored it. She'd have stayed in the water all day if we had let her. At first she wasn't a fan of sand clinging to her feet and cried about it, but she got used to it by the middle of the week.
Since this was our first beach trip since having kids, I thought I'd share a few things I'd bring along with a toddler. It's a short and slightly silly list, but these are the things that really helped.
1. A canopy or tent for shade. My parents own a fantastic portable canopy that we set up on the beach every day. {Very similar to THIS ONE.} It gives you a way to escape the blazing sun, especially with kids. I'll never head to the beach without one!
2. Beach toys. This one speaks for itself. My daughter and nephew spent ages shoveling sand, knocking down the castles we built, and generally having a blast with the toys. They were absolutely worth the money for a week of fun!
3. Puddle jumper. Whether or not your toddler can swim, I found real peace of mind in knowing my daughter wore her puddle jumper. We stayed right beside her and held her in the water most of the time, but I felt much better knowing that if a wave knocked her over, she could still float on her own.
4. Lots of snacks and drinks. I always seem to pack plenty of juice or water but never enough snacks. Nobody enjoys trudging back to the house or condo because someone is hungry. So bring plenty of treats to keep everyone fueled and hydrated! Don't forget a rolling cooler for easy hauling!
5. Outdoor blanket. This was perfect for the kids to sit on the ground without covering our towels in sand. We received it as a wedding gift, and it has come in handy for picnics, outdoor concerts, and plenty of other occasions too!
6. Grandparents. I know this one isn't possible for everyone, but I strongly recommend bringing grandparents along for extra hands and babysitting. We celebrated our anniversary at the beach and got to go shopping and out to dinner while Miss A stayed back at the house with Grandmama and Granddaddy. Wonderful!
What's your best tip for a beach day with little ones??
