There is no denying that the Algarve has some of Europe’s best beaches, with stretches of white sand and glorious blue sea to enjoy. When you are holidaying in the area, you are bound to spend a lot of time at the beach. If you are travelling with a baby, the idea of taking a baby to the beach for the day could cause you to feel stressed and worried. After all, there’s a lot more that goes into it than just popping down for a sunbathing session on your own. Thankfully, taking a baby to the beach can be an enjoyable experience for everyone. As long as you have a selection of toys to entertain them, and a bag of baby essentials, your little one is sure to enjoy their time playing in the sand and splashing in the sea.
‘Must Have’ Baby Items For a Day a Portuguese Beach
There is a lot of mixed information out there about what you should take to the beach when you have a baby. Whilst some people will argue that toys and play mats are vital, others will say that keeping it simple with sun cream and a beach blanket is better. Though there is no right or wrong answer, we have listed some of the most key ‘must have’ items for a beach day with a baby. As long as you have the below items packed for a beach day in the Algarve, you are off to a good start.
- Sun Cream – There is no doubt that sun cream is the most important thing to take with you to the beach, especially if you are visiting the Algarve in the summer when temperatures can reach the high twenties. Without the correct sun protection, babies can burn extremely easily. If you forget your sun cream or run out during your trip, you won’t struggle to find a replacement in the Algarve.
- Beach Blanket – We can all agree that sand gets everywhere (especially places we don’t want it to be!) and it can get very hot around midday, which is why having a beach blanket is a good idea. You can place your baby on the blanket, knowing that they can safely explore without the worry of hot sand burning them. If you don’t have a specific beach blanket, you can use a large towel, a picnic rug or a sheet.
- Shade – As beaches in the Algarve can be extremely hot and sunny, you should think about what you will use to shade your baby. In fact, you are likely to want shade for yourself too. With an adequate amount of shade – which can be created with a simple beach umbrella or pop up beach tent – you don’t have to worry about your baby spending too much time in direct sunlight. Plus, it creates a cool place for them to nap.
- Baby Toys – Though you probably won’t want to take an expensive or breakable toy to the beach, taking a handful of baby toys is a good way to ensure that your child stays engaged and entertained throughout the day. After all, you don’t want to cut your beach day short just because your baby is bored. Cloth books are good, as they are lightweight and easy to pack, as are play mats and rattles. Plus, they are unlikely to be damaged by sand or a small amount of splashing. Building blocks are another good beach toy, as they encourage open ended play and can be used in a number of ways. They won’t be broken or affected by the sand, and they are hard to lose.
Of course, these are not the only items that you will need for a baby at the beach. It’s vital to take everything your baby is likely to need during the day. This includes nappies, wipes, spare clothes, bottles and snacks. However, a lot of what you take will depend on your personal preferences. For example, some parents will need bottles and food, whereas others will rely on breastfeeding. Some parents will take a tonne of baby toys and books, whereas others may prefer to pack less and hope the beach itself will keep a young child entertained. After a day or two at a beautiful beach in the Algarve, you will soon know what your ‘must have’ products are.
Planning For an Algarve Beach Day
You don’t want to have to set up camp at the beach, only to find you’re missing an important baby item. Not only is this a huge annoyance, but rectifying the problem could be time consuming, especially if you need to head back to your accommodation. To ensure you don’t leave anything behind, consider writing a list and using it as a reference for every beach outing. This means you will always have exactly what you need. If you think of something else that could be handy to have, add it to the list for next time. You will be glad of the list when you can enjoy a beach day with your baby without a second thought.
One of the good things about going to the beach in the Algarve, is that there are always amenities around should you need them. A lot of the Algarve beaches have bathrooms, shops and restaurants close by. Even those that are more remote are rarely more than a few minutes away from a supermarket or hotel. This means you can rely on the local facilities, should you forget to pack something important.
With so many beaches to choose from in the Algarve, you might find yourself spoiled for choice. Luckily, you can’t go wrong with any of them. There are a number of beaches that are ideal for families, children and babies.