Beach Essentials | How to Survive the Beach with Kids

Going to the beach used to be so easy.  I could throw a towel, some sunscreen, and the latest issue of People into a small tote bag, and be out the door.

These days it requires a minivan packed to the brim full of stuff, and it has become an endless charade of sunblock reapplications, and repetitions of the phrases: "stop putting sand in your mouth", and "please stop feeding the seagulls"!

Gone are the days of peacefully snoozing, while listening to the soothing sounds of waves crashing nearby.

I used to get really stressed out about bringing my kids to the lake or the beach, actually, if I'm being honest, I dreaded it... but I have found that with a few essential items, my sanity has been restored (somewhat).  I think it will be awhile before a day spent by the water will be 100% stress-free, but I have learned, through experience, some ways to make it enjoyable again... not just for my kids, but for me and my husband too!

First and foremost, the most important items to have on hand when spending a day at the beach with your kids, are the ones that protect them from the sun.  A good sunblock is key, and this one, by Babyganics, has long been a favorite of ours.

My oldest also likes to wear sunglasses.  Partly because he says the sun gets in his eyes, and partly because they make him feel pretty cool.  We love Babiators, because they are nearly impossible to break, and they come with a one year warranty... as in no matter what you do to them, even if you lose them, they will replace them in the first year.

One of the biggest necessities for us has become some form of shade.  This pop up tent has quickly become my favorite place to get out of the sun.  I love it because it's small and easy to pack, but also because it literally just "pops up".  There is no need to make yourself crazy dealing with stakes and whatnot when you have kids in tow.

A good beach blanket is a great thing to have, particularly to lay in your beach tent to provide a soft spot for tiny babes to snooze.

When you have little ones who aren't yet potty trained, swim diapers are a must.  We love these disposable ones because they slide on like underwear, but also open on the sides like diapers.

Naturally, toys are an absolute necessity to keep your kids entertained, but it's a huge bonus if they come in their own easy-to-carry tote.

We've become really big fans of Keen shoes this summer.  My kids wear them almost everywhere, and I'm a huge fan of the fact that they can get wet and be washed easily.

A couple of my favorite beach hacks are bringing a small inflatable pool along to the beach and packing a bottle of baby powder.  The pool serves either as a way to contain a not-yet-walking, but on-the-move baby, or it can be filled with water for your kids to play in close to where you have set up camp!  The baby powder is the best for sprinkling on sandy feet before piling back into the car.  it makes that sticky sand just fall right off.

Lastly, and maybe even most importantly, don't forget to pack a small cooler full of snacks and drinks to stay hydrated.

You might not get the chance to read a magazine in peace, but I promise, these things will make your life easier, and the beach will be enjoyable again.

xoxo,

Beach Life

When Mike requested a weekend at the beach for Father's Day this year, I was all too happy to oblige.

For those of you who might be new around here, I grew up on the coast of Maine, so being near the ocean makes me feel complete.

From where we live in NY, a road trip to many beach locations can be accomplished in just a few quick hours, so this past weekend we opted to check out some beaches in Western Rhode Island, and for an overnight stay in Mystic, Connecticut.

Early Saturday morning, we loaded up the minivan with all three babes, and enough stuff for a month long vacation, and headed East.  The ride went surprisingly well in terms of the kiddos, minus one flat tire debacle on the side of the highway. 

We managed to still make it to the beach in plenty of time to set up shop, slather on some sunblock, and settle in for a day full of sand, waves, and naps.

M&E were in absolute Heaven.  At one point I even glanced over to find Max making sand angels. They frolicked in the waves, and their giggles were infectious.  It warmed my heart and brought me back to my own childhood, where summers were spent by the water.

Theo was amazing and slept strapped to me in the Solly under an umbrella, only waking up to nurse a few times.

{wrap c/o Solly Baby}

In the late afternoon we headed back to our hotel to let the kids get in a quick nap and to freshen up a it.

We made our way back out early in the evening for a casual dinner at a BYOB lobster joint on the water.

The weather was perfect, Mystic was adorable, and all was right in the world.

On Sunday morning we strolled around the town and chose to have brunch at The Engine Room... an amazing restaurant/bar that serves incredible "beermosas" and one of the best Bloody Marys I've ever had!  The hush puppies with spicy jalapeno mayo were delightful as well.

Once our bellies were full, and everyone was strapped back into their car seats, it was time to head home to catch the end of the US Open (Daddy's wishes, of course).

It's always hard to come home from the beach when you're having such a great time, but I am hopeful that since this trip went so well, there will be more like it in our near future.

Wishing you all a great week ahead!

xoxo,