How to prepare for a fun summer beach day with our loved ones with special needs.

When we prepare for a fun day at the beach, it is not as easy as grabbing a beach towel, bathing suit, or sunscreen. For families like ours, it takes a little more preparation.

We recently took Nathan to Clearwater beach, FL and we had a wonderful day! I wanted to share my tips with you and make a little checklist of items to help you as you plan for a day at the beach this summer. It can be a challenge. I always worry about Nathan near water. If the idea of getting out and going to the beach may sound daunting and make you feel overwhelmed, I promise you, this list will help you be fully prepared. Your day will be safe and enjoyable.

What to wear? Isn’t this always the question?

I am loving these relatively new UPF 50+ Sun-protective shirts/rash guards instead of slathering sunscreen on the whole body. I’m sure you’ve seen recent articles about the toxic ingredients. I first saw these shirts on people that were fishing. Some people may refer to them as fishing shirts, it is even a keyword search you can enter on Amazon. Here are some options: HUK Kids , Kanu Surf short sleeve, Youth Sun Shirts.

☑️ Adaptive clothing swim shorts, incontinence shorts, swim containment briefs, adult swim containment briefs, and disposable swim briefs, larger size disposable swim briefs, rash guard swimsuit.

☑️ A safety swim vest for kids or adults that goes on the second we get to the beach and unload from the car (safety first).

☑️ Water shoes are also a great idea for our kids that may have sensory issues, and may not like the sensation of sand. Water shoes also protect the feet from stepping on hot sand, rocks, or broken shells.

☑️ Play toys for the sand. Chew necklaces like cute donuts or a shark tooth.

☑️ A day in the sun and swimmer can make you really hungry so make sure you pack a cooler full of healthy snacks. Suggestions would be fresh or freeze-dried fruit, veggie sticks like carrots, zucchini, and hummus, popcorn, pretzels, nuts, and sandwiches. Avoid food items that can get messy when they melt like chocolate.

☑️ Stay hydrated with water, electrolyte drinks, or coconut water.

☑️ Beach Umbrella, Sport-brella, Beach tent , or Beach Canopy for privacy when changing or napping.

☑️ Beach Chair

☑️ Waterproof Bluetooth speaker for your own little dance party.

☑️ Haul it all in a Beach cart or outdoor wagon with wheels.

☑️ Baby powder makes it easy to remove sand before you get back in the car.

Overall, it may seem like a little work to prep for your day but it is worth it. Get out in the sun, get that vitamin D! Hydrate all day with water, and jump in that mineral-filled ocean. Your family might even sleep better from the minerals like magnesium. Your skin will soak it up even better than a supplement. After a fun and safe day, you will be so happy you did!