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As any parent knows, taking your baby to the beach can be both a joy and a challenge.
On the one hand, watching them play in the sand and see the waves for the first time is unforgettable.
On the other hand, trying to keep track of them while also carrying all your beach gear is no small feat.
That's where a beach baby carrier comes in.
Not only can you carry your baby hands-free, but there are plenty of other benefits too.
In this blog post, we'll tell you everything you need to know about beach baby carriers – from why you need one to what features to look for when choosing one.
So grab your sunscreen and let's get started!
What is a Beach Baby Carrier and Why You Need One
A beach baby carrier is simply a type of infant carrier, sling, or wrap that is specifically designed for use at the beach or around water.
They come in a variety of styles, but all have one thing in common: they allow you to keep your hands free while still keeping your baby close.
That way, you can carry all your beach gear without having to worry about carrying your little one or pushing a stroller.
A beach baby carrier is essential as it keeps your baby safe at the beach, while also providing a comfortable place for them to sleep or nap.
Benefits of Using a Beach Baby Carrier
Keeps Your Baby Close
As we mentioned before, one of the biggest benefits of using a carrier at the beach is that it allows you to keep your baby close while still being able to carry all your gear.
That way, you don't have to worry about them wandering off into the water.
Protects Their Skin
Another great benefit of using a carrier at the beach is that it helps protect your baby's skin from the sun's harmful rays.
After all, their skin is much more sensitive than ours so it's important to take extra care to make sure they don't get sunburned – especially if they can't wear sunscreen.
Some carriers even come with hoods to keep baby's head shaded while they rest.
Gives Them A Front-Row Seat
By using a carrier, you'll be able to give your little one a front-row seat to all the action at the beach – whether it's people-watching or seeing the waves crash against the shore.
If your baby is old enough, face them outwards and let them enjoy the view!
The Different Types of Beach Baby Carriers and How They Work
A beach baby carrier is a great way to keep your little one safe and comfortable while you enjoy some time at the beach.
But what kind of carrier should you get?
Here are a few different types of baby carriers that are great for the beach:
Soft-Structured Carriers (Buckle Carriers)
These carriers are made from soft materials, like fabric or mesh.
They typically offer many positions for baby to sit and can last from infant through toddler years.
These are the most user-friendly carriers and are great for new parents.
Baby Wraps
Baby wraps are long pieces of fabric that you can tie or wrap around your body to create a custom-fit carrier.
They typically do not have any built-in features but can give your baby a very safe place to rest.
Wrapping safely is a skill that must be learned as well.
Ring Slings
Infant ring slings are a more structured baby wrap.
The material is similar to a wrap but it has rings attached at one end to loop fabric through creating a pocket for the baby to sit in.
Rings slings are easy to pack and moderately easy to figure out how to use.
How to Choose the Right Beach Baby Carrier for Your Needs
Age and Size of Baby
Baby carriers have age limits as far as the smallest and largest babies they are capable of carrying.
Be sure to check that your carrier works for your baby's age and can grow with them if that's what you want.
How and Where you Will Use Your Carrier?
Consider where you will use your carrier.
Will it only be at the beach or will you babywear at home as well?
Who Will be Babywearing?
Will your partner also be using the baby carrier?
Look for something easily adjustable to ease switching between different users.
Also, consider that some carriers can come in different sizes.
Price
Some baby carriers are more expensive than others. How much do you want to spend?
Will you be using it often enough to warrant a more expensive, better quality baby carrier, or do you just need one for occasional use?
Baby carriers can be something you enjoy collecting and exploring different options.
The Best Beach Baby Carriers
Here are our top picks for baby carriers at the beach. While you can't wear them all in the water, you will have to weigh the benefits of each fabric and your use.
Best Overall: Beachfront Baby Lux Ring Sling
- Holds babies 8-35 pounds
- Lightweight, Moisture-Wicking Fabric
- UPF 20 protecting baby from 96% of UVA & UVB rays
- Machine Washable
The Beachfront Baby Lux Ring Sling is our top recommendation for a beach baby carrier.
Ring Slings are great for all ages and this carrier can be worn in and out of the water.
Additionally, the fabric itself protects baby from the sun, so one less thing for you to worry about!
Best Soft-Structured Carrier: Lillebaby Airflow
- Holds babies 7-45 pounds
- Single-layer mesh fabric keeps baby cool
- Back Support for the wearer
- Machine Washable
Although Lillebaby isn't a waterproof carrier, this is an excellent carrier for carrying your baby for any length of time.
The back support piece makes this carrier totally unique and great for anyone not used to carrying the weight of a baby on their chest.
Features include pockets and a full hood to cover baby's head.
Best for Beginners: Baby K'tan Breeze
- Holds babies 8-35 pounds
- Half mesh – half jersey cloth cotton
- Sized by wearer's t-shirt
- Machine Washable
The Baby K'tan Breeze is a cross between waterproof and cotton carriers.
The fabric is very cottony with breathable holes like mesh – perfect for staying cool at the beach.
The K'tan gives you the benefits of a wrap without learning how to wrap.
Slip it over your head, slip baby in the loops and tie the sash around your baby's back.
Best for Going in the Water: Beachfront Baby Wrap
- Holds babies 8-30 pounds
- Performance athletic mesh fabric
- Comes in 3 sizes to fit every body
- Machine Washable
If you're up to the task of learning to wrap your baby, the Beachfront Baby Wrap is the perfect beach baby carrier.
The incredibly lightweight mesh, with just enough stretch will securely hold your baby to you.
The wrap dries quickly and is small enough to always keep in the diaper bag.
Tips for Using a Beach Baby Carrier Safely and Comfortably
Before the first time wearing your baby, look into babywearing safety tips. Here are a few quick pointers to get you started:
Shop Smart
Make sure you are buying a reputable carrier.
These are required to pass safety tests and a super cheap one off of Amazon may not be up to par.
These are holding your baby for you, so you want to make sure it is very well made.
Read the Directions
Be sure to read the manual that comes with your carrier.
Explore the weight limits as well as the different positions and age limits on each.
Baby Carrier Safety
Make sure your baby's head is up high up on your chest, under your chin.
You should be able to kiss them. You don't want your baby slumped down by your stomach.
Be sure your baby's chin is off of their chest to maintain an open airway.
Babywearing Your Baby at the Beach
No matter what type of beach baby carrier you're looking for, there's sure to be an option on our list that will fit your needs.
From carriers to keep your baby cool in the heat to ones that can get completely submerged, we've got you covered.
So pack your bags and hit the beach with confidence knowing that you've got the perfect carrier to get your little one ready for their first beach trip!
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