Need Tips for Traveling with Infant/toddler

Hi B.!
How exciting to be going to the Beach! Your little one will enjoy it! A few things to help your trip...
* If you are up to it, leave VERY early in the morning, like 3 am, during part of her sleeping time. My parents used to plop us in our car at bedtime and leave that night, and we'd end up in FLorida before we knew it!
* Make sure you apply sunscreen constantly...
* Other car "activities".take along her favorite music, toys, books, things that make noise, and of course little snacks for the long way.
* Get a hat that will provide shade for her head and neck..
* Buy a little "cabana" for hanging out for her sleepy time on the beach . You can find them at Toys R Us, Craigs List, etc...
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2302249
They have many different kinds, so Google away.
* Bring sand toys to mold sand AND pour water. my little gals LOVED those and spent most of their time playing there.
* To get that nasty sand off after beach time, sprinkle baby powder on all the sandy areas on her, it helps to take it off easily.
* as far as carting everything to the beach..don't bother with the umbrella stroller, as it sinks right into the sand. Just put your baby in a backpack on your back and carry mesh bags to your beach spot.

Hope this helps! Have a great time!
S.

We go to the beach a lot with our 19 month old have since she was about 6 months old. Our baby loves to play in the sand. You probably only need a few sand toys to keep her entertained. Just be sure to bring an umbrella or something to get some shade. The advice of a hat and lots of sunscreen are of course givens. Make sure you bring her lots of water too.

We have also taken a few long trips. When all else fails, we try not to pack the back seat too much so that one of us can ride back there with her and play if she gets super cranky. When our daughter was younger she'd sleep a lot on the trips, but now I find that she does sort of keep to her schedule. She loves books and music. Good luck!!

milkshake cd's, my baby loves to listen to music on long car trips!
good luck! is your baby walking? if not then a blow up pool, small one to use as a playpen on the beach :)

At 11 months she will probably sleep for a while in the car. My children always slept in the car when travelling long distances. I think you may have a hard time keeping her on a schedule, but it is worth a try. I have never taken my kids to a big beach so I can't help you there. Pack lots of sunscreen and have fun!!