Prepping for the beach

Blog

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• For sand in the eyes I keep a clean washcloth in a ziploc bag or a pocket in my chair to wipe faces. A clean make up brush works well too. If sand gets in the eyes you can simply open your eyes under water to wash it out or pour a water bottle on the bridge of your nose while blinking.
• Speaking of which, Ziploc bags are so underrated. I keep some in the car for just in case! You can keep a cell phone in a bag and still use it, keys, snacks, shells, glasses. 
• If you are dry, avoid using the water shower when coming off the beach. I found that especially with little ones they just get wet sand and then the car seat gets wet, diaper will get wet. We like to use baby powder and a soft cloth, it gets it all off without scraping your skin off with it. 
• Yes, kids want toys. But all they really need is a bucket and shovel. Save yourself the backache.
• Skip the beach wagons. They have yet to make one that actually works. Your better off throwing it on a towel or blanket and sliding it.
• SHADE. If you are not renting an umbrella/chair set make sure to have some sort of shade available. Sunscreen takes 15-30 minutes to work, sweat and water lower the protection no matter how high SPF or waterproof it is. Remember, you can still get sunburn on a cloudy day. 
• Saltwater can trick you into thinking your staying hydrated in the water so be sure to bring water or a sports drink.  
• Cooling cloths! These things completely saved us on our Disney trip. These neck fans are pretty cool too. (get it? get it? Cool. Heehee) 
• Did you know anyone can have a bonfire on the beach? You do need a permit which you can get from the fire department. We love using Captain Zac's ! Tell them we sent you! 
• When it rains everyone comes off the beach and shops. Be prepared for traffic on rainy days! Try to avoid driving if you can, stock up on rainy day activities and food.  

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OUR TOP TIPS

1. Don't buy it just to toss it later. RENT IT. You know about chairs, umbrellas, SUP boards, kayaks, golf carts. But did you know you can rent kid toys? Beach blankets? Small folding chairs? Coolers, lifejackets, floaties, wagons. This one has it all: Baby's Away     
2. Place valuables (wallet, keys, phone, etc) inside a wrapped clean diaper. No one is going to swipe a wrapped diaper!​​​

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SAFETY FIRST!

• RESEARCH WATER SAFETY. Rip tides do not have to be a death sentence. Ride it out, I promise you will not end up in Cuba even if it feels like it. Swim around it and head to shore. Double red flags mean do not go above knee deep. Red flags mean do not go out unless you are a proficient swimmer and have a floatation device. 
• Also, keep in mind that electricity travels through water. Yes, you can swim in the rain, your wet already right? However if you see lightening or thunder, get out. 
• Check out current water conditions, flag and lifeguards: Fire Department