10 Tips For An Effortless Family Trip To The Beach Or Pool
Summer down here in Australia is well and truly hotting up, with some whopping temperatures already recorded – and it’s only mid December!
For those of us that have grown up here, the beach or the local pool is pretty standard on days like this. We all have fond memories of easily slinging a towel over one shoulder and heading out for a refreshing splash – no bags or paraphernalia required.
Then you become a parent – and nothing about the beach or pool seems easy anymore. There are rash vests, 3 types of sunscreen, hats (where are all the hats!?), millions of beach towels, pool-approved swimmers, snacks (so many snacks), beach mats, tents and sunshades, toys, prams, nappy bags… oh the bags, my god, how much stuff do these kids need!? Perhaps staying home with air con is a better idea?
Here are some tips for an effortless family trip to the beach or pool – genuinely simplifying your beach/pool experience so that it doesn’t snowball into a horrendous experience, with everyone being shuffled back into the car.
1. Pack bags the night before
This is where it begins. We generally know when that heat blast is coming, so pack the beach bags the night before. I generally have one ready and packed throughout summer – hanging in the laundry for a quick grab and go. There’s nothing worse than trying to pack a bag with a toddler hanging off your leg. Then said toddler has a tantrum because mum isn’t paying attention, and that trip to the pool/beach seems impossible.
2. Keep all pool/beach gear in one spot
Rather than rummaging in multiple drawers when you’re heading to the beach – store the entire family’s beach/pool gear in one spot (a drawer or box). Chances are you’re heading to the beach/pool together 99% of the time, so it makes sense that all these items are in one spot – swimmers, sunglasses, hats, rash vests, towels, sunscreen etc.
3. Get the kids dressed before you go
Yes, it takes what seems like hours to get that rash vest on, but it will save you chasing them around the pool yard or changeroom once you get there. Kids have no concept of ‘wait’, especially once they’ve spotted that water. This includes applying all sunscreen and putting on hats. Have them ready to jump straight in.
4. Call in reinforcements
If at all possible, don’t do this alone – especially with multiple kids! Try and plan trips when your other half, a grandparent or a friend are available. If not for your sanity, it is much safer to have one set of eyes on one child at all times. Multiple kids makes it tricky.
5. Use food as bait
If you need to reapply sunscreen, you will need snacks to lure the kids back from the water. Use the time wisely whilst they snack, as they’ll be off again in a shot. If you need to buy snacks, have change in a separate purse so you’re not fumbling through the beach bag and whipping out your whole wallet for all to see.
6. Quick nappy changes
If you’re needing to change nappies, here’s how to do the quickest possible turn around. Pack one clean nappy in one plastic bag (pack multiple sets of this if you’re out for the day). Then you just need to take this one bag to the changeroom, whip off the wet nappy, stick on the clean one, stick the wet one in the bag. Done! No need to take the whole beach bag, digging around for a nappy then wandering what to do with the wet one in your hand whilst struggling to hold baby.
7. Use family changerooms
Most pools these days have family changerooms – these are amazing, especially for the myriad of dads taking their kids to the pool these days. Mens change rooms are not pleasant for kids! Make use of this fabulous facility.
8. Leave them in their swimmers
If they’ve already dried off, leave them in their swimmers and change them when you get home. If your car seats are on their way out and you don’t mind them getting a little wet – they’ll dry so quickly in the heat anyway – just get them in and deal with it at home.
9. Forget about getting yourself dressed
You’re dreaming, right!? If you think you’ll be getting changed afterwards, you can forget about it. A day at the pool or beach makes for tired and hungry kids, so you want to get out of there at the first sign of tantrum-ville. Take along a loose dress, sarong or shorts that you can just whip on afterwards and get out of there as quick as possible.
10. Try and see the funny side
What seemed like such a brilliant idea may have turned into a nightmare but remember how precious these moments are with your kids. As ridiculous and frustrating as a trip to the beach/pool may be, try and see the funny side and enjoy the look of pure joy on your child’s face – you are making magical memories for them.
What are your top tips for an effortless family trip to the beach or pool? Leave us a comment below.
42 Comments
Thanks for reading Sarah 🙂
Thanks Tina 🙂
Great tips! Thanks for sharing on Toddler Fun Friday 🙂
Thanks Christia! 🙂
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[…] like we all are ready to hit the beach because the most clicked link this week was from Maja at Mumma Hack. She shared her 10 Tips for an Effortless Family Trip to the Beach or Pool. These are great tips […]
Thanks for reading 🙂 Happy New Year!
Some great tips for a stress free day at the beach. Preparation is key, thanks for sharing. Happy new year X #justanotherlinky
This post is making me drool for a summer holiday and the beach, Fab tips. I think having everything in one place and getting organised the night before is s fab idea. You can just get up and go!! Enjoy! Thanks for sharing with #bestandworst xx
Thanks for reading Christia 🙂 A beach home sounds lovely.
We LOVE the beach and now have a beach home to go to each year. These tips are spot on. Being prepared is absolutely key. And going with the flow. Thank you for sharing. Pinning for others. #faithfilledparentinglinkup
Thanks for reading! 🙂 Nappies on the beach are hard, aren’t they!?
Yes doing it on your own is hard, so I love going with hubby or friends. My kids are getting older now which makes it so much easier, no more nappies full of sand and other surprises lol. I agree that as soon as they see the water they want to go straight in so sunscreening before is a great tip! Linked up after you #justanotherlinky
The baby powder is a great tip! Thanks Melissa 🙂
Thanks Laura 🙂 I grew up in Europe so I know what you mean. It’s lovely though, having a summery Xmas. Have a great holiday in June!
We head to the beach ALOT and these are all great tips! We pack baby powder to get rid of all the sand too. 🙂 Found your blog through the Newbie News Linky party! 🙂
As a Brit the idea of Christmas time at the beach is so alien! But one day I would love to do it. Meanwhile, I’ll be saving this post to re-read just before our holiday in June! 😉 Thanks for sharing #coolmumclub
Great tip! Thanks Vanessa 🙂
Thanks 🙂
Great tips. We love the beach in the summer but it’s just that more stressful with children. Thanks for linking up to #justanotherlinky xx
It is, isn’t it 🙂 We’ll be on the beach Christmas day too!
Thanks Sammie! 🙂 It’s going to be a hot one.
Top tips and the way the mercury is rising this summer, I think we’ll be needing them sooner rather than later!
It is all worth it for a splash in the waves, I love the beach at any time of year, in fact I hope to go on Christmas Day #justanotherlinky
Thanks Simone 🙂 Food helps so much. Hungry kids are a nightmare!
Thanks Mark 🙂
I know! It’s not just the kids that sleep really well after a trip to the beach!
I think I am always more exhausted than the kids are!!! Ah well…making memories I suppose. Thanks. #coolmumclub
Great tips. Definitely keeping food handy and packed with some thought beforehand is a great tip.
great common sense tips here have a great summer
I keep a beach bag in my car so I can go swimming at the drop of a hat any time or place. Well not any place, water is pretty handy for it. But you know what I mean.
Thanks Talya 🙂
This is making me green with envy! Could so do with a bit of sun and sand action right now being a Brit. Thank so much for linking up to #coolmumclub! x
Thanks Leslie 🙂 Reinforcements help so much.
Thanks Kat 🙂 It’s going to be a hot one!
Haha. I’ve lived in the UK too. Funnily enough, never visited a beach 🙂
Thanks Catie 🙂 Great tip on the towel! I do that too.
Completely agree with reinforcements! I haven’t been to the pool in so long just because its so much easier with someone else as back up!
I’m currently in Australia and looking at the weather predictions over the weekend we are definitely going to have to find somewhere to cool off. Than you for these tips, they will be coming in handy x #coolmumclub
Ah yes, I thought this had to be written by an Aussie. I’m a Brit and trips to the beach happen about twice a year! Not doing it alone is the bets bit advice I think. #coolmumclub
Such great tips. I too try and get mine dressed before it is way easier. I’m all for a bit of food bribery too. I like to keep an emergency towel separate as they always end up sandy. The emergent towel is good for faces or hands when eating #coolmuclub
Great tips.