Have an easy beach baby summer outing

Hitting the beach with a baby in tow can be a hassle (soooo much gear). However, you can minimize, and make it easier to have a fun-filled beach day, baby included.

Before you go - make a list: It sucks to drive all the way to the beach, only to learn you forgot a blanket and bug spray. Supplies you'll need...

• Change of clothing for everyone going. Plus hats with brim and sunglasses.
• If you live near a windy beach, take a small light blanket you can use to cover your baby's face with (as you hold her) so sand stays out of her eyes.
• Diapers and wipes plus swim pants for water play.
• Swimsuits if you're headed to a warm beach with safe swimming. I live in Oregon so our coast is crazy cold and swimsuits aren't needed.
• Towels for all plus a couple extra.
• A bag for sandy, wet, or dirty clothing.
• Snacks and drinks (LOTS of water) in a cooler - formula and baby food too if that's what your tot eats.
• Sunscreen and bug spray.
• Baby powder - removes sand fast from sandy toddler and baby feet, legs, and bum. NOTE do not sprinkle near your child's face.
• Sand toys.
• If you're going in the water safety gear like life jackets.
• A blanket or two to lay on.
• A beach umbrella for shade.
• You should have a first aid kit in your car - you don't need to take it on the beach, but you still need one nearby.
• Your charged cell phone for emergencies.

Buy a wagon! One trip with all your gear in a wagon is a million times easier than back and fourth to the car nonsense with your baby on your arm. However, you need a wagon that works on the sand, like the All-Terrain Cargo Wagon - it's got wide inflatable pneumatic tires that go anywhere. If you also have a baby carrier on hand, that's just one trip! Later we'll look at some cool gear that will make your trip to the beach even easier. Go beach baby trips!