8.09.2012

Beach Advice


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If there's one thing I've repeated again and again to family members who have asked "how are you doing?" {and maybe to some who haven't asked... these days when other adults are around, I tend to do most of the talking}, it's "I'm ready for things to go back to normal again." By which I mean, I'm ready for the stage of my life where I can't do anything except survive to be OVER. I've been in that stage for about 18 months, ever since I went on bed rest when I was pregnant with Max and Maggie, and it's lasted much much too long.

One way I've combating the cabin fever that I feel almost constantly is to encourage family outings -- it's too hot for the park {and even our older two don't get it yet}, but we go on walks in our neighborhood, and we've tried the library and Marbles Kids Museum. I've also been insisting on a family beach trip in September. I'm at the point where I don't really care if it's a disaster, I just miss the ocean and some semblance of freedom in my life so we are going end of story. If I sound selfish and a little whiny, I think it's my turn.

As much as I'm resigned to the idea that our beach trip might be a disaster, I plan on doing quite a bit of work to make sure it actually doesn't turn out that way. I'm only looking into vacation rentals that are right smack on the beach, because I don't see Christian and I carrying three babies and all our stuff across a busy road every day. No thank you. And I'd love any advice you have to share. I've heard the thing about baby powder to get rid of sand, but how much do I need? I have a trial size container; should I buy an industrial size? And do I shake it directly on the skin, or should I pour it in my hand first?

I'd also love advice about what baby gear has been excellent at the beach {and in the pool}, and which you wished you'd passed on, along with any recommendations on places to stay in Atlantic Beach or thereabouts. I've already done quite a bit of research about what might be the most fun aspect of preparing for this trip, which is buying a new swimsuit for Maggie. {More advice needed: should I get her a tankini for easy diaper changes?} I love all of these, and, awesome bonus! because summer is almost over they're all on super-sale:



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Thanks in advance for all your help!

18 comments:

  1. Get an industrial size of baby powder and just get it on anyway possible and rub/ brush until the sand is off. It is especially helpful for beach diaper changes. Make sure the twins have easy to slip on and stay on shoes because the sand is hot. Though they aren't the cutest we used crocs and they were a lifesaver. Bring a canopy not just an umbrella. You won't worry as much if it's windy and it provides a lot more space that you will need. We used a little tent under our canopy with the girls when they were Lucy's age to help keep the sand/ wind off and it was a great place to throw a blanket and let them sleep or play for a little while. You might want to go for a beach access that has ramps instead of steps and rent a beach cart so there are less trips to get set up and broken down. Get heavier balls for the twins to play on the beach with.

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    1. Yes! The place we're going offers the use of a rolling beach cart, and we have a little wagon, so I'm hoping that between the two of them we'll have enough room for everything we need. Thanks for all your advice!!

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  2. I forgot to add that a boogey board with a towel on top is a great place to change diapers...I wish I had figured it out sooner.

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  3. I am so glad you are doing this! I know how hard it's been for you and I'm excited for you to get a break.

    Baby powder is great for getting sand off of baby skin. I would just experiment with hands first or skin first. It works really well, but the powder does get picked up and blown around by the ocean breeze.

    We find that we rarely change diapers at the beach, mostly because Tate won't poop anywhere but home and swim diapers are essentially poop catchers. The wet stuff goes right through.

    Our beach stuff is pretty simple but Tate always appreciates a bucket and shovel. I think a beach umbrella is a must. Oh and I would get a rash guard for Max to keep him from burning.

    That's all I can think of right now, but let me know if you have any specific questions.

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    1. PS - the suits are incredibly cute!

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    2. I need to get us some rash guards. And beach toys. I think we have one shovel, but seriously, that's not going to be enough. Thanks for your help. :)

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  4. You're not selfish! I'm leaving my baby to go to the beach for 2 days because I need to regroup and I only have 1.

    A canopy is great because you want the extra shade. We took a blow up pool for zoey and she loved being able to play in the shade when she was tired of the ocean, it also made it easier to watch her (which is great when you don't have as many hands as there are kids).

    Two piece suits are nice, but diaper changes are pretty infrequent at the beach for us... so i prefer a normal suit with a rashguard and a hat so i don't have to worry about sunburns as much. Spray on sunscreen is nice, but i find it doesn't last as long or give quit as even coverage as the lotions.

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    1. I agree, completely, about spray on sunscreen.

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    2. A blow up pool in the shade is genius! And thanks for the tip on sunscreen!

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  5. What a fun trip!!! :) I think if you're staying right on the beach, you might as well just change diapers at the house. :) I agree with Hannah about the shoes! And those swimsuits are darling! I do think tankinis might make diaper changes easier but I don't love how large diapers are and how they always stick out. I'm also kind of obsessed with robes for little ones instead of towels- they can wear them to and from the beach and it's one less thing to carry! Don't forget the sunscreen.

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  6. Have fun! And as I found out today... those swim diapers do NOT hold pee, only poo. Poor M sat in her carseat covered in pee for the 40 min drive to the lake, and I had no idea. :( So you don't really need to worry about changing diapers on the beach until the poop.

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    1. While I agree that swim diapers do not hold pee I doubt you will have Lucy in a swim diaper all day. We didn't use them at all when we went to the beach with Lily that young. I would be prepared for a few diaper changes on the beach with her.

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  7. Amen and Amen! If you need a break then you need to take it. End of. People who don't act like motherhood is hard work are lying or doing an awful lot of covering up. I tell my husband that my idea of a holiday is going to a hotel room all by myself and sleeping for 3 days. All alone. I want my brain to stop moving.

    I've not been to the beach yet with my little one. Well, we've gone but the water is too cold to swim in here in Scotland. So we don't have to worry about that part. All the preparation is going to help you have a great holiday!!

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  8. Mary I am dying over the whale tankini, it really is so cute! And good for you, vacation is good for the soul! Marisha is right, swim diapers do not hold pee, at all. We had a very wet carseat after driving home from the beach the other day. And yes, a heavy duty umbrella or canopy is a must if you want to hang out longer than an hour. I think you are so right to stay on the beach because carrying all that stuff is enough to make anyone go crazy.

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  9. Put the baby powder on your hands first away from your kids if you must use it- don't shake it directly on them. Baby powder is dangerous when inhaled, especially for little ones.

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    1. This is especially true of cheap powders containing talc.

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    2. I didn't know that! Good to know!

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  10. Just drafting an e-mail...because as I started typing a comment I kept thinking of things :) Though everyone has said the most important things already.

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