Are you busting out baby’s first swimsuit this 4th of July? You’ll see a look of sheer amazement on her precious face when her tiny feet touch the sand for the first time. Letting your lil’ one splash in the water encourages sensory discovery so your first trip to the beach can be a great chance to stimulate her curiosity and start exploring. Here are a few tips for making your lil one’s first seaside adventure truly nourishing experience.
Exploration from the comfort of your beach blanket:
There are so many opportunities for discovering new things on your baby’s first beach trip. Start out from the comfort of your beach blanket.
First, let your baby touch everything to get acquainted with the different textures and sensations. She’ll probably be both confused by and fascinated with sand. Let her move at her pace. Start by placing sand on her chubby little leg then hold her and let her gently feel the sand as she pretends to walk. The warm feel of the sand will spark her curiosity.
You can also make a patch of wet sand and explore how the sand turns harder. She may not be able to communicate, but the intrigue in her eyes will let you know that she’s completely engaged.
Once she’s comfy with her beach surroundings you can send daddy to collect seashells and together feel the different ridges and shapes. Look at the beauty in their color together and if you happen upon a sand castle definitely stop by and explore with your little one.
OK let’s get her ready for the ocean! Grab 2 small beach pails. Fill 1 with warm ocean water and 1 with cool bottled water. Show her the different water temperatures by dipping her little fingers from a cup of cool water to a cup of warm water. The sensations will intrigue her and get her ready for more water!
Taking the big dip:
Most parents agree that you should wait until your baby is about 6 months old before exposing her to the ocean. Her delicate immune system is still developing and needs to be protected. To be sure, check with your pediatrician before you head to the beach. Once your baby old enough you can start having so much fun exploring the ocean together.
On your first trip you won’t want to go in too deep. Babies are still developing trust so take things slowly. Sit on the edge of the ocean with your little girl on your lap and just watch and feel the waves together. With each incoming one your baby will begin to giggle as she splashes around. While the two of you are playing, try blowing bubbles on the water’s surface to get her giggling even more! She may not be able to imitate you just yet, but she’ll have a ball and be so curious about these new things going on in the water.
Another fun idea is to tickle her senses with fun floatables. You can bring anything that floats and show her as it bops along the water’s surface.
The new wet sensations will spark her curiosity about that place she only sees on Baby Neptune .
Remember 2 safety things moms & dads-keep track of your tot’s temperature. She could get cold quickly if the water is below 85°F so if she starts to shiver, take her out and towel her off right away and always hold your baby, never let her more than an arm’s length!
Chill beach together time:
After all of your playful beach time your little one will need a nap so cuddle up under your cabana grab your Splash and Giggle Bath Book Water, Water Everywhere and read to your lil one.
There’s still one more chance to introduce her to the wonders of the beach. Listen to the ocean sounds together. The lulling sound of waves coming are a great natural soother. You’ll just watch as she drifts off to sleep so happy after an afternoon of beach adventure.
The information contained on this page is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
