Date of publication 26/03/2024
Top tips for beach vacations with a baby
Can you remember the first time you saw the sea? Close your eyes, drift back into the past, and immerse yourself in that feeling once more. Taking a beach vacation with a baby is more than just a visit to the sea—it’s where precious memories are crafted that last a lifetime. With Iberostar’s family-friendly resorts, your baby’s first moments at the sea will be a true joy for the whole family. With so many incredible destinations around the world, where will your baby’s first experience be?
When can I take my baby to the beach?
Most pediatricians agree that the best time to introduce a baby to the beach is when they are between six months to a year old. Taking them earlier is generally discouraged due to their highly sensitive skin, which makes them more vulnerable to things like sun, wind, and sand, potentially causing sunburns, hypersensitivity, or allergic reactions. It’s important to make sure they are always protected by SPF 50+ sunscreen, wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a shirt, and in the shade as much as possible. While being in the sun has many benefits, including boosting your immune system as well as your mood and aiding in vitamin D synthesis, it’s important to teach babies how to enjoy the sun safely from a young age.
When can I bathe my baby in the sea?
Guidelines suggest that babies as young as six months old can safely enjoy the sea. When planning a beach vacation with a baby (or babies), opt for destinations with warmer waters and calm beaches or coves. Gently hold your baby as you approach the water's edge, initially dampening their hands and feet, neck, behind the ears, and head. You can then slowly wade into the water together. Watch closely for their reactions as they experience the new sensations of the sea caressing their skin. With a bit of luck, you might even encounter some gentle marine animals, such as vibrant fish or sea turtles, swimming nearby. Teach your little one to appreciate and respect these creatures from the start.
Tips for a vacation with babies near the beach
Safety comes first
When taking a swim with your baby, make sure to hold them so they feel safe and connected. Avoid inflatables, which not only introduce pollutants into the ocean through their dyes and other harmful substances but can also pose risks to your child’s skin. Even when you're cradling your baby, remain in shallow waters, and never leave them unattended, whether they're at the water's edge or simply playing in the sand. The children's pool at the hotel can be an excellent place for your little one to get accustomed to the water. Iberostar’s family-friendly resorts often feature an Aquafun area and a Star Camp zone, providing a safe environment where your child can be engaged and looked after by skilled professionals, allowing you some well-deserved downtime.
Be careful with the sun and heat
Ensuring a safe beach vacation with babies is straightforward when adhering to essential safety measures. Key among these is protecting them from direct sunlight, especially during peak UV radiation times, typically before noon and after 5:00 p.m. However, these times can vary depending on the season and your location, with increased vigilance recommended during summer. It's crucial for everyone, young and old, to stay well-hydrated to prevent heat-related illnesses. When it comes to feeding, stick to their regular schedule, and for those on solid foods, opt for light and nutritious snacks like fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, including fresh juices, chilled purees, and simple sandwiches. For families with specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free or vegan, make sure to plan ahead, as suitable options might not be readily available at every beach location.
Not all children's sunscreens are made equal
When choosing sunscreen, aim for a minimum SPF of 50+ but also be mindful of potentially harmful ingredients found in some children's sunscreens. These substances can irritate their sensitive skin or, over time, introduce toxic particles into their system and the environment. Mineral-based sunscreens are a more natural, eco-friendly alternative, avoiding the adverse effects of chemical filters. Sunscreens free from nanoplastics are also preferable—better for both humans and the health of our oceans. If you’re unsure about which sunscreen is most suitable for your baby, it’s best to seek advice from a healthcare professional you trust.
Baby-friendly beaches
Choosing beaches and coves with calm waters, gentle waves, and shallow areas ensures that both babies and older children can safely enjoy the sea. Clean beaches, with well-maintained facilities like showers, restrooms, and ample shade are ideal, as well as the convenience of nearby eateries or beach bars for leisurely breaks from the sun. Easy access to the beach is another important factor, making your visit smooth and hassle-free. Picturesque coastal regions like Mallorca in the Mediterranean, Tenerife or the Algarve along the European Atlantic, and the Caribbean's Punta Cana are renowned for offering family-friendly beach destinations where everyone can enjoy a fun and memorable vacation.
The best beach destinations to go with your baby
Mallorca
In Mallorca, the award-winning Playa de Muro stands out for its ecological balance and the quality of its waters. It is also one of the most family-friendly beaches on the island, consistently recognized with the Blue Flag distinction. Its shallow turquoise waters and expansive stretch of sand, divided into three sections and equipped with all essential services for a beach vacation with a baby, offer a warm welcome. Iberostar Selection Albufera Park is located here, a hotel designed for the comfort and enjoyment of the whole family. From this base, you can explore other family-friendly beaches and coves across Mallorca, as well as discover the island’s many cultural facets, including its deep connection to art. A visit to Mallorca’s museums and galleries can spark children’s imagination.
For those looking for the best baby-friendly hotels in Mallorca, the island offers exceptional options where the well-being of young guests comes first. Right by one of its most iconic beaches is Iberostar Waves Playa de Muro, one of the most well-known family hotels in Mallorca, ideal for watching your child take their first steps on soft white sand. If you prefer quieter coves, Iberostar Waves Cala Domingos offers a collection of small houses surrounded by nature, while Iberostar Waves Cristina stands out for its focus on active, healthy stays for both parents and children. These three destinations are ideal for a family getaway, with exclusive benefits designed for kids.
Tenerife
Tenerife’s beaches are volcanic landscapes shaped by striking natural beauty. Some are part of protected natural parks, where endangered species such as the blue chaffinch, native to Tenerife and Gran Canaria, find refuge. Take the opportunity to help children interact with nature in a respectful way. In the southern part of the island, calm waters and a lively yet relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for families. At Iberostar Selection Anthelia, located in Costa Adeje with direct beach access, your baby can enjoy both the ocean and children’s pools with slides and a pirate ship. Meanwhile, adults can relax with a fresh fruit cocktail and explore traditional Canarian cuisine.
Known as the island of eternal spring, Tenerife is perfect for staying in hotels that understand a baby’s rhythm. Iberostar Selection Anthelia is often ranked among the best baby-friendly hotels in Tenerife for its high-end services and safe environment. If you are looking for accommodations that adapt to a slower pace, Iberostar Waves Bouganville Playa offers bright spaces and close proximity to the ocean, creating the perfect setting for early seaside play. Iberostar Waves Las Dalias provides the reassurance that everything is thoughtfully taken care of. Staying at family hotels in Tenerife of this caliber turns any trip into a lasting memory.
The Algarve
The Algarve is often referred to as Portugal’s Caribbean. Its beaches offer both peaceful escapes and active experiences. If you enjoy cycling and traveling with your baby, Portugal features scenic cycling routes that pass through this beautiful region and beyond. Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve is located on Meia Praia, a long stretch of beach ideal for families. The hotel includes its own cycling station for renting, storing, and repairing bikes, and is designed as a viewpoint over the Atlantic, inviting you to unwind to the rhythm of the ocean.
If you are planning to gift a stay in southern Portugal, the Iberostar hotel in the Algarve offers the perfect balance of elegance and practicality. Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve stands out as one of the top family hotels in the region, thanks to its open design and spacious rooms, making it easy to move around with strollers and ensuring restful stays for younger guests. Luxury is experienced in a natural, comfortable way, making it a reliable choice for those traveling with a baby.
Punta Cana
In Punta Cana, the warmth of Dominican hospitality is rooted in a culture where traditions revolve around family gatherings, such as sharing a table filled with typical Dominican dishes that bring generations together. It welcomes you from the moment you arrive at your hotel. Iberostar Waves Punta Cana is a five-star resort designed for guests of all ages, located on Bávaro Beach and surrounded by tropical gardens. This setting can become the backdrop for your first beach vacation with a baby. Its thoughtfully adapted rooms allow you to relax in a luxurious environment connected to nature. Older children can visit the resort’s coral nursery alongside adults. Looking for another Caribbean destination to explore coral reefs? Mexico’s coastline is an excellent option. Take note of these ideas for visiting the Riviera Maya with children if you need more inspiration.
Traveling to Punta Cana opens up a world of new sensory experiences for your baby. Among the best baby-friendly hotels in Punta Cana, Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites stands out for its layout, ideal for families seeking privacy and space near the shore. Iberostar Waves Dominicana and Iberostar Waves Punta Cana are also leading references among family hotels in the area. These resorts are designed for a seamless, worry-free stay, offering specialized services and thoughtful details, where soft white sand becomes the perfect setting for your baby’s first seaside moments.
