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Did Someone say "Beach Trip"! I just love-love the beach and so do my littles. They would build sandcastles and dig holes for days! As parents however, we must be as prepared as possible for hours in the hot sun, with such precious little people! Of course, technically all you need is your littles, some shovels and some sunscreen to have a good time! But for those of us who find comfort and peace of mind in preparing, here is a list of the 15 most essential things to pack for your next beach trip with your littles! If you think I missed anything, please share in the comments!
1. Patience
Sure, you love your little's, but littles plus tons of sandy-sand, salty water and mega sensory overload! Eek! Take a deep breath, remember you packed your Patience, you got this Momma!
2. Sunscreen
A must have to keep that precious baby skin protected from the sun's rays and Momma's too!
3. First Aid Kit
Boo Boo's happen. Sometimes it's just for the little's peace of mind (my two-need band-aids for everything!). We never go anywhere without our little first aid kit!
4. Wet Bag
The single most forgotten item of all and yet so very important. Typically, I don't remember to pack our wet bag until we are getting ready to change clothes and I'm stuck trying to find a place to put a soppy pile of wet clothes!
5. Towels
Pack one for each person, even if you don't plan on everyone getting wet. And then, pack at least one extra! Be sure to also have a stack of towels ready for the return home, everyone will need a shower!
6. Change of Clothes
I dress my littles in their swimsuits before we leave the house, that way they are ready for a sunscreen spray down as soon as we get to the beach! I pack, an EASY change of clothes for everyone going, even if, not everyone "plans" on getting wet! By EASY clothes, I mean, a pull over dress for the girls and a comfy shirt and light pair of shorts for the boys.
7. Sunglasses & Hats
Sunglasses are a must for momma! Hats for the kids must have a strap, otherwise they blow off with every gust of wind and become too much of a pain to chase after. Hats are good for keeping sun off of the face, neck and ears-of those precious little's!
8. Beach Toys
We have a basket full of digging and sandcastle toys that we bring. Kids love to dig! My little's will spend about 85% of their time digging and drawing in the sand. Go figure! At this time, we do not bring balls or Frisbees to the beach, maybe In a few years when they are both a little older. They can play ball while me and hubby recline! Wishful thinking?! For now, our little set of beach toys does the trick!
9. Phones/Chargers
This should be a given, but sometimes we forget to charge before leaving the house and end up on the road with two dead cell phones and NO charger! No way to call for help, but also, NO way to take beach selfies! I mean photos of the children!
10. Cash
We usually bring one debit card and about $30 bucks in cash. It costs $10 just to park near the beach. Some of the beach vendors take credit/debit card these days, if you forget your cash, chances are you'll be near the one that doesn't! Always good to have a few bucks in cash in your pocket!
11. Diaper Bag
Although my littlest little is 2, we still carry a diaper bag, ours is actually a diaper bag backpack, but you get the gist. We also make sure we have her essential baby things, like diapers, wipes, booty cream, hair ties, Sippy cup & favorite blankie (we don't leave the house without it, ever)!
12. Snacks & Drinks
We normally eat a good meal before heading out to the beach, but regardless ten minutes into the car trip someone is asking for a snack. We pack lots of snacks for the trip there and back. Something about the beach makes you extra hungry on the return trip. We are not big fans of eating on the beach, with all the flying sand and whatnot. Typically, the little's do not start asking for food until we are already off the beach sand, getting showered up to change. Sand and food just don't mix! As far as drinks go, we bring a few bottles of icy cold water, in a small collapsible cooler and usually a large bottle of lemonade and one cup with a lid! Lid is a must have because of the sand!
13. Blankets & Chairs
Blankets are a must for the beach. The hubby always tries to sneak a ten minutes nap when we are out in the sun. He deserves it, he's with these two 5 days a week, while momma's at work! Beach Chairs are a must also! We usually only bring two chairs though; the little's are typically in the sand the entire time.
14. Umbrella/Tent/Ground Plow
Super super important, the Beach Umbrella or Beach Tent, perhaps both! And equally as important the anchor you use to drill into the sand with. The Umbrella post has to make its way deep enough into the sand, otherwise, it like the hats, will blow away! From time to time, we also will bring the beach tent. We use to bring it more often when the little's were super little.
15. Beach Cart
To put all the stuff into, so we don't break our backs carrying everything! Plus, we need free hands to hold the little's! Work smarter not harder, right?! Get a Beach Cart! You will Thank me for the it later! Plus, it's multipurpose, you can use it for all kinds of outings! Craft fairs, sporting events, you name it! I love our breach cart!
Enjoy your Trip!
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