Tips Traveling with Babies to the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is a beautiful and family-friendly destination, making it a great place to travel with babies. With its soft sand beaches, calm waters, and mild climate, the OBX is a perfect place for babies to explore and play. Here are tips for traveling with babies when visiting the OBX:
- Plan your trip for the right time of year. The best time to travel with babies to the Outer Banks is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild. The summer months can be hot and humid, and the winter months can be cold and windy.
- Choose a baby-friendly vacation rental. There are many baby-friendly vacation rentals available in the Outer Banks. Look for a rental that has room for a crib, a high chair, and a changing table. You may also want to consider a rental with a screened-in porch or patio, so your baby can enjoy the fresh air without being exposed to the sun.
- Bring the essentials. In addition to the usual baby gear, plan to pack the following items for your trip to the Outer Banks:
- Sunscreen
- Baby rash cream
- Insect repellent
- Swim diapers
- Beach towels
- Portable shade
- First-aid kit
- Bucket and/or kiddie pool
- Take breaks. It's important to take breaks throughout the day, especially when it's hot outside. Bring your baby to a shady spot to cool down and rest.
- Be flexible. Things don't always go according to plan when you're traveling with a baby. Be prepared to change your schedule or activities if needed.
- Bring baby powder. This is a great trick to easily remove sand from your baby & children.
Here are some baby-friendly things to do in the Outer Banks:
- Visit the beach. The beach is a great place for babies to play in the sand and splash in the water. Be sure to apply sunscreen and reapply often.
- Go for a walk or hike. There are many trails in the Outer Banks that are stroller-friendly.
- Visit a park. There are several parks in the Outer Banks that have playgrounds, picnic areas, and other amenities for families.
- Go fishing. There are many fishing charters available in the Outer Banks. This is a great way to spend a day with your baby and catch some fresh fish for dinner.
- Visit a museum. There are several museums in the Outer Banks that are child-friendly.
- Take a boat tour. There are many boat tours available in the Outer Banks. This is a great way to see the sights and learn about the history of the area.
Here are some tips for keeping babies cool on the beach:
- Bring a portable shade. This will help to protect your baby from the sun.
- Apply sunscreen to your baby's exposed skin. Be sure to reapply often, especially after swimming.
- Dress your baby in light, loose-fitting clothing.
- Give your baby plenty of fluids to drink.
- Take breaks in the shade.
- Bring a spray bottle filled with cool water and consider keeping it in an insulated cooler. This is something you and the older kids can also use to keep cool!
Here are some tips for preventing sunburn in babies:
- Apply sunscreen to your baby's exposed skin. Be sure to reapply often, especially after swimming.
- Keep your baby in the shade as much as possible.
- Dress your baby in light, loose-fitting clothing.
- Put a hat on your baby's head.
- Use sunglasses for your baby.
Here is a comparison of oceanfront vs soundfront vacation rentals for babies:
- Oceanfront rentals are located right on the beach, so your baby can play in the sand and swim in the ocean. However, oceanfront rentals can be more expensive and may be noisy due to the waves.
- Soundfront rentals are located on the sound, which is a calm body of water that is ideal for babies. Soundfront rentals are typically less expensive than oceanfront rentals and are quieter.
- Semi-oceanfront rentals are located across the street from the ocean, which means you'll have to cross the street with your baby every time you go to or from the ocean.
- Ocean view rentals are located 2 or more rows back from the ocean. In addition to crossing the street, you'll have a longer walk to & from the ocean.
The best type of vacation rental for traveling with babies depends on your personal preferences and budget. If you want your baby to have the ultimate beach experience, then an oceanfront rental or soundfront rental is the way to go. However, if you're looking for a quieter option, then a soundfront rental is a great choice. The ocean can serve as great white noise, although some people prefer the less crowded, calmer, quieter & warmer waters in the sound.
No matter what type of vacation rental you choose, be sure to book it well in advance, especially if you're traveling during the peak season. Vacation weeks often book over 1 year in advance.
Also - make your life easier and rent baby gear for your vacation. It's often much more convenient than trying to bring a pack-n-play and other necessary larger items.
I hope this blog post has helped you plan your trip to the Outer Banks with your baby. Have a great time!