Thinking about hitting the beach for the first time with your baby? Don’t let the hassles of traveling with small ones in tow scare you off — you can make it work with the right gear. You’ve already got a bathing suit, sunscreen, hat, and wee sunglasses, right? Here’s what else you need.

A Warm-Weather-Ready Carrier

Babywearing is perfect for a situation where you need both hands, but many traditional carriers can make both baby and you sweat like crazy. Beachfront Baby offers a baby carrier that is perfect for the hot weather and a trip to the beach. This carrier, created by a mother of four, is made of performance athletic mesh, which allows just the right amount of stretch while letting the air flow through. The fabric is lightweight for swimming and dries quickly. It is a great idea for moms who want to enjoy the water while holding baby.

Ergobaby also makes a mesh version of its popular carrier. Its breathable fabric made from recycled polyester and spandex, makes it stretchy, easy to use, washable, and breastfeeding compatible. It also includes a wrist strap for easy carrying on the way to the beach.

Baby K’Tan’s Breeze Baby Carrier also offers similar benefits. This carrier is easily adjustable to accommodate any temperature, perfect for a hot beach day. Along with ergonomic positioning to promote healthy infant development, the carrier also offers easy, discreet nursing and opportunities to practice skin-to-skin kangaroo care.

A Source of Shade

On the beach, you need more than sunscreen to protect young skin from the punishing rays. Since there’s no shade to be found, bring your own. A pop-up tent is a great answer, as is any kind of canopy.

Jasonwell has a Kiddie Baby Pool with Canopy that does double duty, keeping baby both cool and occupied on long summer afternoons. It offers shade for baby, while still allowing them to have fun splashing in the water (and maybe you can get a break, too).

The Pop ‘N Play Deluxe Ultimate Playard is a play yard with a canopy, and it’s light, compact and easy to fold. It’s a safe place for play or nap, and it protects baby from the sun and wind. Plus the floor is water-resistant, so she’ll stay dry.

The Guava Lotus Everywhere Crib is another easy-fold option; this one can even be carried like a backpack. You can get the optional sunshade for SPF 50 sun protection, too. Like the Pop ‘N Play, the Lotus works well for other types of travel and is also handy at home.

Someplace to Sit

For the toddlers that want their own chair for the beach, Little Manta has a great solution: a beach chair and umbrella for kids. It’s perfect to keep the hot sun off of your child while they relax on the beach. This compact chair and umbrella is durable, washable and folds up easily. It is recommended for ages 2 to 5 and comes in fun designs like pink unicorn, yellow lion, blue shark, and green crocodile, so kids have a few options! 

Wondering how to feed a baby without him ingesting more sand than food? Eating on the beach is a snap with the Baby Delight portable high chair with canopy. This free standing chair requires some quick and easy assembly, and it’s lightweight. It unfolds and folds back up within seconds, for a no-hassle day. It’s got a lap belt that will safely hold children up to 35 pounds. The canopy also offers sun protection as it blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays, keeping your kiddo safe and cool.

A Mode of Transportation

Some strollers are fine for a quick trip across the sand, but if you’re dragging kids and gear very far, you’ll need a wagon. If you’ve got one at home, odds are it will work, but consider a lightweight, folding model like the ones offered by Frontgate and Radio Flyer. If you’re carrying a young baby who can’t sit up, use your mesh carrier and save the wagon for your stuff.

Enjoy the Sand and Sea Worry-Free!

With a little preparation and the right gear, a beach day with your baby doesn’t have to be stressful. From keeping them cool and shaded to making sure feeding and transportation are covered, there are plenty of solutions out there to make the trip enjoyable for the whole family. So don’t be afraid to pack up and head to the shore, a little planning goes a long way. Happy Summer!

Lead photo courtesy of Baby Delight