Maui beach with an enfant
 

We are going to Hawaii with our 6 months daughter. We were wondering if there are any special things we should take with us that will make our beach-time with her a little easier?

We will be staying at the Sheraton in Ka'anapali and plan on driving around the island and visiting other beaches as well. Do you think it is a good idea to buy a beach umbrella so that we could put our daughter in the shade?

You can buy great baby beach items in Hawaii, and have souvenirs to take home with you.

There are some really cute inexpensive baby clothes, which are thin, cotton, Hawaiian print, sleeveless snap shirts. They are so practical for casual, hot weather.

You can buy cute Hawaiian sippy cups, bath toys, beach towels. Also, thin t-shirts, bibs, stuffed animals, Hawaiian children's books & puzzles.

Your hotel will have umbrellas, I imagine. A lightweight one from an ABC store, or Long's might be a good idea for traveling around the island. To help manage sand, I like the big grass mats that roll up and cost a couple of dollars, with a towel on top.

Most stores by a beach have inexpensive beach supplies.

The grass mat is a great idea. Unfortunately, umbrellas aren't the best answer to keep her from getting sunburned -- since the sand and concrete reflect the sun right back up. Something more tent-like would work better (assuming actual shade is not available).

Keep her out of the sun (and glare) unless you want a BBQ baby. Check to see that she's not become exposed after a while due to earth's movement. Especially check if driving around in a car - take a roll-up window shade with you perhaps. Keep lots of water handy, the sun there is brutal.

Just sensible stuff for us haoles !

Have a great trip :)

we took this tent with us to Antigua, when our daughter was an infant. Remember, most sunscreens are recommended for young babies.

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/sto...ch&feat=sr

Also, a very small inflatable pool is great to fill with water, so baby can be in the shade AND still have some water fun.

Be aware that babies adjust to heat differently than you do; if you are coming from a cool weather climate and baby has never felt heat and sun, she may be be uncomfortable.

Get a sun hat that protects the back of baby's neck, as well as having a big brim. I'd get her used to wearing it before you leave home.

Oops: most sunscreens are NOT recommended for young babies.

The "sun protection" tents recommended by other forum members are quite popular. They offer sun protection on the top and sides and a floor to keep your baby off the sand. Beach umbrellas are not necessarily a bad idea but they can be unwieldy and do not offer the same degree of sun protection.

In terms of sunscreens or sunblocks we like a product called "Baby Magic Sunblock" by Banana Boat. It goes on thick but it works great and is approved for children six months or older.

Another idea is a spandex or lycra top similar to the rashguards that surfers wear. These are stretchy, light and quick drying. They are available in a variety of sizes and sun protection ratings. As an example see:

http://www.alexandme.com/UV_Skinz_UV...ls-b-skinz.htm

As the other members said, a brimmed hat helps to shade your baby's face and neck. Also, don't forget about yourself when it comes to the sun. A bad sunburn is one of the easiest ways to ruin a vacation!

Wishing you a joyful vacation,
www.easyhawaiitravel.com

...and don't forget how much sun get reflected off the sand - even under an umbrella.