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All you need to consider
Taking a stroller to the beach
One of the fondest memories you’ll have with your little one will be going to the beach. However, a trip to the beach with babies or toddlers requires a lot of planning. Even though taking a stroller to the beach isn’t easy, you will need an efficient one to help you through the challenges of getting your baby and all his little stuff from the car to the beach.
As we all know, not every stroller is built the same. The market has a variety of options, but here’s what you need to know. There are logistical concerns with having the right gear for your baby. There are also safety concerns to protect your baby from the sun, wind, and sand. In this article, we’ll share the important things to consider when taking a baby stroller to the beach. We will also provide a very short list of the best beach strollers to expedite your shopping decision-making.
Can you take a baby stroller to the beach?
This is a very common question that we hear from families. The answer is yes. However, we must also note that it won’t be easy. It may be a hassle and prevent you and your family from enjoying time at the beach, especially if you pick up the wrong stroller. In fact, taking a stroller to the beach can be a real headache if you don’t ask yourself these questions:
- Is the beach busy with lots of people?
- Is there a boardwalk?
- Are there lifeguard towers to leave the stroller?
- How strong/wide are your stroller wheels?
- How far is the parking lot from the beach?
Best beach strollers
The best beach strollers are able to handle all types of terrains. This way you won’t have to worry about getting stuck in the sand on a fun family day out. Manufacturers produce beach-friendly baby strollers that are comfortable for both parents and babies. They are usually suitable for daily use as well. Therefore, no matter the reason you’re looking for the best beach strollers, this selection has something for everyone.
A lightweight, all-terrain stroller with a car seat. Metro is perfect for strolling or jogging through the beach. You can bring everything you need with its large cargo basket. This stroller is convenient and ergonomic, and it will provide you with the smooth ride you desire for both parent and child. Get ready to hit the ground rolling with a lightweight aluminum frame that folds compactly for ease of use and storage. Metro offers a dual-position seat that allows your baby to face you or take on the world. The included (no need to buy anything additional) universal car seat adapter allows for use from birth with compatible infant car seats.
See available Metro stroller colors and check for current discounts here.
If a single beach stroller needs to be good, a double beach stroller needs to be excellent. Your little ones will enjoy strolling and exploring the beach comfortably with Hop’s soft and wide seats. The dual canopies are waterproof and have UPF 50+ sun protection. It comes with a large storage basket that can carry up to 15 pounds. This tandem double stroller also meets Disneyland/Disneyworld stroller size requirements. Its dimensions go up to 45″ L x 12″ W x 15.5″ H when folded and 30″ L x 20.5″ W x 42″ H when unfolded. Weighing in at only 21.5 lbs. it is lightweight, narrow, and easily collapsible for parents on the go.
It will make a good and effective investment for your family. You will not regret buying it! Click here for more details.
Picking a beach stroller
Usually, the best strollers for the beach tend to be jogging strollers (such as Jump) that are designed with rough terrains and active families in mind. Jogging strollers are great but there are a few things about them you need to keep in mind. Most of them tend to be heavier than compact strollers in order to ensure better stability and grip when on the move. These strollers might have a sportier look, which is great for outdoor pursuits but may not encounter your taste as the main stroller. Lastly, they tend to have air-filled tires which are great for smooth rides. However, it may require extra pumping after prolonged use.
Did we mention that jump is the same size as a single umbrella stroller? It only weighs 18 lbs and its dimensions go for 45″ L x 11″ W x 15.5″ H when folded and 30″ L x 20.5″ W x 42″ H when unfolded. “Jump” stroller has a lightweight aluminum frame, a compact umbrella fold, and a removable canopy, it also has a removable cup holder. A rear platform seat allows a child 2.5+ years to easily “jump” on and off. The comfy front seat is suitable from 3+ months or birth with a compatible infant car seat. It has eight, medium-sized wheels to glide over rough surfaces (less pushing for you) and a suspension system to decrease the impact of jolts on your baby. This stroller cuts down on your physical efforts and it is convenient when you are traveling. It will help your child in being secure and happy on any journey or trip.
What to look for when choosing the best beach stroller for beach days / beach vacations
When choosing a stroller for the beach, we looked at a few specs that we wanted the stroller to have.
Sun protection
Of course, you have to pick a stroller that offers sun protection when choosing one for the beach. You need a large canopy and UV-safe material. This will help you shade your baby from the sun. Combined with rash guards and sunscreen, can make your days at the beach longer and safer. You can also drape a lightweight blanket over your stroller to block the sun while you’re out for a walk. Remember, in this case, it is very important to make sure your little one is staying cool and getting plenty of fresh air. Another easy way to avoid the sun’s harmful rays is by using an umbrella. It won’t restrict air circulation. Lastly, it is also helpful to buy a stroller with light fabric.
Stroller Ventilation
As we all know, the beach can get very hot. Therefore it is important for a beach stroller to have materials that are not too plasticky and allow a good flow of air.
For this, I find our all-terrain umbrella strollers to be the best as they are built to perform in different conditions, including outdoor varying temperatures. Ventilation, via either mesh panels or the fabric used in the canopy, is very important too. It keeps your child comfortable and not too warm. Some strollers come with canopies that have a clear plastic or mesh window on top, so you can keep an eye on your baby.
Age range
One of the most important considerations when picking a stroller for the beach is the age range a stroller is suitable for. Are you thinking of getting a beach stroller as your main or only stroller? Then you need to make sure it is suitable for newborns and kids under 6 months. This usually means the stroller seat can lie fully flat. The choice is smaller for a good beach terrain stroller from birth than for a beach stroller for older kids. However, it is important to follow manufacturer instructions and not skip to the size ahead. Keep in mind that the wrong seat can be dangerous and really harm your baby.
Maneuverability
Remember, a good beach stroller has to be very easy to maneuver. Of course, no matter how good it may be, the sand will make it harder to push.
If your beach has a boardwalk you’re in luck
Some beaches are perfect for strollers. You can find beach boardwalks that stretch for miles. They offer hours of walking or running with your baby. However, as we all know, using the boardwalk won’t get you on the sand. It won’t provide time to sleep on the beach. On the other hand, the boardwalk is the perfect place to go if you want to get outside and exercise. Baby strollers are allowed even in the areas marked for walkers and runners. Even though most boardwalks are paved, keep in mind that a baby stroller (runner) with large rubber tires will make it much easier to push.
Can you push a stroller on sand?
This is the reason why finding a good stroller for the beach is not easy. We all know how hard it is to push a stroller on the sand. However, wheels are a great help when lugging all the gear you need for a day at the beach with a toddler. A stroller is something we highly recommend you don’t go without! Of course, if you are spending a weekend at the beach then expect to walk on the sand. Once you leave the boardwalk pushing the stroller will be laborious and maybe even impossible. Remember, every beach has a different type of sand. There are beaches that have thick powdering sand while others have coarse compacted sand. Anyway, most tourist beaches have the former.
The stroller will get you from the car to the sand
You are going to need the stroller to get from the car to the sand. It will probably be packed with diapers, food, and other necessities for the day. Sometimes, you might have to pick up the stroller and carry it to your spot on the beach. Hopefully, if you’re strong this won’t be a problem. Otherwise, we recommend you park it in a convenient location, close to your spot on the beach. Try to get to the beach early before all the other beachgoers arrive. For sure, if you arrive before 10 am in the summer tourist season you should have your choice of parking spots. Remember, a good parking spot means you can leave the stroller in the car.
Wheel size matters
When it comes to strollers everyone agrees about this – wheel size matters. Usually, thin tires don’t do well on sand (including bike tires). If you want a stroller that does well on sand go for wide wheels. They will provide more surface area on an uneven beach. Don’t expect to run or walk with your stroller on the sand if it is not wet. Wet sand near the water is usually best for running. However, we don’t think it’s firm enough for a stroller.
The sand might stay in the stroller for sometime
Strangely, the mere act of taking a stroller to the beach will involve sand getting everywhere. Even when you work hard to make sure the wheels aren’t in contact with the sand, it doesn’t matter. Sand has a way of getting everywhere. Randomly, it appears for months afterward. If your baby stroller is high quality try not taking it near the sand. Sand can get in bearings and cause problems in wheels.
We don't recommend you to leave the baby strollers unwatched
Have you used the stroller to arrive at the beach? Then your first thought might have been: “where can I leave the stroller while walking on the beach”. We recommend you do a mental checklist:
- Is the beach too busy?
- Can you keep an eye on the stroller?
- Is there a place where you can “hide” it?
- Do you have a bike lock so you can lock the stroller in a secure place?
- Is there a lifeguard tower nearby where you can park it?
Crowded beaches?
A crowded beach will have plenty of foot traffic walking by your unattended stroller. Of course, this isn’t a good thing especially if your stroller is nice. If you can keep an eye on the stroller while you’re resting or walking on the beach it might be possible to leave your stroller. In this case, you have to find a spot on the beach that’s only 50-100 feet from the stroller.
As a result, you’ll have less walking and you don’t have to worry about your stroller going missing.
Do you have an extra bike lock?
It is perfect for this situation. Using a bike lock gives you the option of leaving the stroller next to a pole or bike rack and forgetting about it until you come back. Few people would cut a bike lock to take a stroller! Your last option is to look for a lifeguard tower and leave your stroller next to it. Lifeguards are the authority on a beach. Therefore leaving items there will be better protected than out in the open. You can also ask the lifeguard if it’s permitted to leave your stroller there.
Baby beach essentials you will need for a great trip at the beach
Are you taking your baby to the beach? You’ll love watching him/her play in the sand and water. Here is a list of essentials for a baby at the beach.
Beach clothes
Their beachwear is one of the most important beach necessities for babies. Rather than trying to make sure you cover every spot with sunscreen, we recommend you keep your baby’s skin protected from the sun with your baby’s beach clothes. Be diligent with covering other areas with sunscreen and reapply as needed. It is very important to consult your doctor about using sunscreen on babies less than 6 months old.
Baby sunscreen
Sunscreen is an absolute must for babies who might be crawling around in the sand or water. Make sure to get a water-resistant one with less harmful chemicals. You need a reef-safe sunscreen with organic ingredients for babies. Cream sunscreens typically offer better coverage. Always apply before you get to the beach for a less fussy child and when needed!
Swim diaper and essentials
Pack just enough for the day. You have to always change your baby into a clean fresh diaper and shorts so he doesn’t get the car seat wet. If he falls asleep in the car you don’t need to worry about changing the baby and waking him up. Happy Toddler, Happy Parents.
Baby Beach Tent
Are you planning a full day in the sun? Then you really have to keep your baby protected from the elements. You can’t go wrong with a baby sun tent. There are a few options to consider when looking for the best baby beach tent and it will depend on how you want to use it.
Baby swimming toys
Help your baby keep cool in the calm ocean water with baby swimming toys. If the water at the beach is just too rough for your baby, then add an inflatable baby pool to your beach essentials for the baby. You can position it in or near your baby sun tent. This way your little one has some shade while they splash around in this pool. Grab yourself a set of sandy beach toys that includes a bucket, shovels, and a watering can. Your baby will love dumping out the water and digging in the sand.
To conclude
Taking a stroller to the beach is a good idea. However, try to make sure there’s a place to put it and if it’s worth carrying on the sand. As mentioned before, at most beaches there are lifeguard towers and bike racks where you can lock up the stroller while you walk on the beach. It is also very important to understand that if it’s a busy beach you might be better off leaving the stroller in the car. On the other hand, if the beach you’re visiting has a boardwalk, it’s perfect for running or walking (sometimes many miles). Lastly, try to make sure to arrive early and find a parking spot close to the shore. Remember, the closer you can park the less need you’ll have for taking your stroller to the beach.
