Whether you’re holidaying in the UK or abroad, a day at the beach with your baby or toddler can be the highlight of your trip. For a newborn baby, there are so many sights, smells and sounds for them to enjoy during their time at the seaside. As a parent, you’ll naturally want to keep your little one safe and protected from the sun and sea and there are some great baby/toddler safety products to do just that.

What age can I take my baby to the beach?

While you can take a baby to the beach at any age, it is advisable to keep a baby under six months of age completely out of the sun. A baby’s skin is delicate and can burn within 10 minutes, even if it’s a cloudy day.

If you’re taking your baby to the beach, try to avoid the hottest hours of the day - usually between 11am and 4pm. If you can, try to spend time at the beach earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon when the sun is lower and the temperatures are a bit cooler.

What should I use to protect my baby/toddler from the sun?

There are some essential products you’ll want with you for keeping the sun’s harmful rays from damaging your baby/toddler’s skin. Firstly, keep your baby and toddler out of direct sunlight whenever possible. A UV monitor can provide you with information about how long to be in the sun. By entering information about your baby’s skin type and the level of SPF sun cream they’re wearing you can determine how long you should spend in the sun.

UV Monitor

If you have your pram or stroller, on the walk down to the beach (and for times when you want to take baby for a stroll) use a suitable UV sun visor. These mesh covers offer SPF50+ protection from UV rays as well as fending off insects.

Outlook Single Shade-a-Babe

When arriving at the beach, find a suitable place to sit. If there’s some natural shade from nearby trees make your plot there. An ideal product for complete shade cover is a UV tent. Many of these tents provide sun protection up to Sun Protection Factor 25+ and are easy to assemble and carry.

UV Travel Tents

At some point you’ll want to take your baby or toddler out to explore the sand, sea and rock pools. This will involve them being in direct sunlight so you must ensure they are thoroughly protected from the sun’s rays. Sun Suits are suitable for infants aged 6 months to 3 years old and are lightweight, comfortable and quick drying - perfect for in or out of the water.

UV Sun Suits (ages 6 months - 3 years)

NScessity Bubble Fish Sunsuit (age 2)

While the sun suit will protect your baby/toddler around their upper body, shoulders, arms and thighs, you’ll need to cover their head with a suitable sun hat.

Sun Hat (ages 1-3)

Sun Hats (age 0-3)

An area of the body that parents often forget is the feet. The skin here is very delicate and can burn very quickly. Also remember the sand can be very hot too so pack some protector socks for your baby. These socks are lightweight, comfortable and provide essential UV protection.

Sun Protector Socks

Finally, stop those harmful UV rays from damaging your baby/toddler’s eyes with a pair of UV sunglasses. Suitable for children aged 0-5, the special UV400/category 3 polycarbonate lenses will shield their eyes from UV radiation and give your baby a cool comfortable look. Wait until you’re outside before putting them on your baby as they may not like them on indoors.

Sunglasses (ages 0-2)

Sunglasses (ages 2-5)

Even with all this coverage, you should ensure your baby’s skin (visible areas and non-visible areas) is still covered with a suitable sun cream. Adult sun cream contains ingredients that can irritate a baby’s skin so use a specially formulated children’s sun cream with a SPF of 50+.

Baby/toddler sun cream

Swimming with your baby/toddler at the beach

Your baby/toddler should be supervised closely at all times when swimming in the sea. Ensure you don’t go out into the water too far and avoid swimming when the sea is choppy or the current strong.

Supervised splashing around at the water’s edge is great fun for young infants but you don’t want them wandering off into the sea without your knowledge. A water alarm system attaches to the waist and activates a floating alarm as soon as it comes into contact with salt or fresh water. You’ll instantly know if your baby has entered the water.

Dolphin Aquasonic Water Alarm System

Older infants will want to have a bit of swim so make sure you’ve got the right equipment to keep them safe. Float bands are a must and are suitable for babies and toddlers up to the age of three years-old. For children aged 1-6 years, roll-up float bands can be put on with ease whilst inflated.

Zoggs Float Bands

As your baby gets used to the water, one thing they may not like is water getting into their ears (but then who does?). Ear bands are a great product to prevent water going into the ear as well as giving a level of protection against ear infections.

Konfidence AquaBands Ear Bands

Most beaches are clean and safe, but you can never be sure what you’re walking on when in the sea or what may be lurking under that sand. Neoprene beach boots are great for toddlers who want to mess around on the beach.

Beach Boots

Quick Safety Tips for Beach Safety

- Cover your baby/toddler from the sun at all times
- Ensure they drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration
- Sit your baby/toddler in the shade and make sure they’re not too hot
- Only let your baby/toddler near the water supervised. A baby can drown in just two inches of water
- Don’t let your baby put any pebbles, shells or sand in their mouth
- If you’re with other adults, take turns looking after the baby/toddler so you don’t get tired
- Keep a close eye on your toddler, especially if the beach is crowded

Related articles:

Baby and Toddler Care in the Sun

Sun safety - products for baby sun protection

Taking your baby/toddler on a plane