We just got back from our family beach trip on Tuesday and we had truly the best time ever. My family has been going to Myrtle Beach since I was little and I was so excited to bring our own baby in on that tradition! My parents own a house in Myrtle that we are fortunate enough to go to and we were able to eat at home, cook, and go to the beach all while keeping our distance from anyone.
I named this blog post "Beach With a Baby" because it is DIFFERENT! Let me tell ya! But better than any other beach trip I promise! Seeing your baby observe something new for the first time is truly incredible. Spending time like this together as a family is also incredible. I already wish we could go back!
The trip to and from the beach
For the ride down (about 7 hours), we left around 4:30pm because Andrew's bedtime is 7pm. This was SO helpful! I packed two bottles in a small cooler and was able to feed him with those. He fell asleep around 7pm and was out for the entire trip until we got to the house at 12am! YAY! We got lucky. We stopped for one diaper change and burp session and then had to stop for gas a separate time that he slept through. To prepare for the ride we downloaded a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse to play incase he got fussy (this helped big time on the way home). We also brought lots of little toys that he could grab and bite if needed. I do have to say though that our dog was panting from the back the whole time and staring at him and I think Andrew loved every second of it! Haha!
What we packed for the beach
I will link everything at the end, but I basically packed everything that he needs from a day to day basis. We brought his monitor, sleep suit, hatch sound machine, packnplay, and then clothes and what not! All of this was very helpful. I loved having the monitor so we could go down stairs or be outside with the peace of mind that he was okay.
As far as beach products go, we only actually went to the beach twice (we are the worst- I used to be someone who laid in sun from 10 am- 3 pm, but it is much different with a baby!). We used Think Baby sunscreen (highly recommend), an adorable swimsuit set with a rash guard, and a bucket hat. Those are an absolute must in my opinion to keep your baby safe from the sun and nice and cool. We also had an umbrella! Each day we pushed him down in his stroller to the beach (house is about a block from the beach) and then would fold up the stroller once we got to the sand and carried him down. Someone would sit with him in a chair when we got to the beach. The pool where we were was closed for safety reasons, so we brought his little blow up pool and used that each day. So fun and he loved it! *I asked so many questions before the trip and so many moms gave all these suggestions. They helped a TON and helped me feel more confident! I also had my mom to help with ideas.
For toys, we packed his Sit Me Up (needed for rice cereal feedings) and his piano mat. He was held so much throughout the week, but still loved his toys! We also packed the Baby Bjorn which I was so glad that I did! I used it in the mornings to walk on the beach with him and it was so much fun.
The trip in general
We truly had the best trip and I hope everyone gets to get out and away if even only for a little! For me, I needed to get out of the house and spending time with my family made my heart feel so full. I have to say- there is nothing like seeing your siblings or parents with your baby! I mean it seriously makes my heart burst in joy. We were also able to see my grandparents which was wonderful. I know it made them so happy to see Andrew and he was excited to see them! I already cannot wait for our next trip. If you are nervous about traveling with a baby, I understand. You can do it. Your baby will love it and you both will grow from it! Is there anywhere you are planning on going this summer?
xo,
Jess
