Taking Baby to Water Park Tips
Children love water parks! They offer a number of slides, rides, relaxing rivers, and pools to play in. Going to the water park with your children is difficult enough. However, taking baby to the water park is even more difficult. Here are some tips to taking baby to a water park that will help keep the baby safe while also allowing everyone to have the best time possible. That is what it’s all about after all!
1. Bring Plenty of Sunscreen
You need to take special care of a baby’s skin when taking baby to a water park. It is still quite sensitive, and they aren’t able to tell you when they’re starting to get burnt. For that reason, you should be careful to bring plenty of sunscreen. Try using sunscreen that is 50 SPF.
Don’t miss anywhere on your baby’s body! Better safe than sorry. Finally, sunscreen wears off with time, despite the level of SPF protection it has. You have to remember to reapply every few hours to ensure its effectiveness.
Sunscreen isn’t the only way to help protect your baby from the sun’s rays. Try using a big umbrella at your chair. You can also give them little hats and sunglasses.
2. Have an Escape Plan
Even the most well-behaved babies act up every now and then. This can be embarrassing, especially at a place where people go for a good time (like the water park). In some cases, you may need to leave when taking baby to the water park. Babies can get to a certain point where they become impossible, ruining the day for you and the rests of your family as well as the people around you.
Have a plan in case the baby gets fussy. Have someone who can stay with the other children if necessary. If not possible, make sure you have a way to call your children when it’s time to go.
3. Prepare Wisely
Every parent knows preparation is key. Taking baby to the water park is no different. Make sure you have everything you need. Then, grab an extra one just in case. You will need to pack the basics, such as diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, extra clothes, shoes, pacifiers, toys, and any comforting items as well as everything needed to shower. It can be a lot, but parents know that everything is important. Double check your bags before you leave to make sure you didn’t forget anything.
4. Establish a Meeting Place
It’s very easy to get lost in a water park. There are a lot of people, it’s a big area, and you’re having too much fun to remember directions. For that reason, it’s best to have a spot to meet in case anyone gets lost throughout the day. Since you will be with the baby, you want to keep it somewhere near the shallow water. A lot of people choose their chair as a meeting place. If you will be far away from it or are worried your children might not be able to find it, choose someplace bigger but nearby that you will be able to visit periodically. Make sure everyone is fully aware of where that location is.
5. Pack Swim Shoes
You want to get swim shows for absolutely everyone. They help increase traction on the ground. If you’re outdoors, they also provide a barrier between your feet and the hot ground. This will prevent the baby from getting uncomfortable and throwing a tantrum. You’ll be grateful you have them, too, when taking baby to the water park. You’ll be walking on the ground, too.
6. Bring Floaties
Most indoor water parks won’t just offer floaties for babies and other young children. When taking a baby to the water park, be sure to bring your own. You keep an eye on your child, but if they do somehow get out from your watch, you want to know that they will be safe if they fall into the pool. If you’re taking the baby into the water, it’s even more important. While an accident is unlikely, you don’t want to leave it up to chance when you don’t have to.
Furthermore, you should be sure to look out for lifeguards. Keep the family in plain view of the lifeguard just in case something does happen.
7. Plan Ahead
Now, all parents know that life with children, especially babies, can be unpredictable. However, you can certainly try your best to make things as planned out as possible. When taking baby to the water park, try to make a plan every single day in advance. This will help you go on the attractions you want to hit in the best amount of time. You’ll be able to visit more attractions this way, maximizing the time and enjoyment.
8. Don’t Plan Too Much
One mistake many people make is trying to fit too much into each day. If you do this, you may find yourself disappointed when you miss certain rides. Leave the end of the day for riding things multiple times and relaxing. This will make it easier to leave when everyone is ready.
9. Go Early
A day at the water park is a lot of fun. However, it also gets pretty crowded. When taking baby to a water park, it’s best to get to the park as soon as it opens to save yourself from the crowds that are sure to swarm in later in the day and possibly scare your new baby.
10. Have Plenty of Snacks and Water
Food at the water park is likely super expensive. However, everyone wants to eat. Getting people out of the water and out to go get food is extremely unlikely. Plus, when taking baby to the water park, you’re going to need to feed multiple times through the day. For that reason, you should bring as much food as you can to keep everyone fed and happy throughout the day. It’s important to pack items that won’t be ruined in the heat or out of the fridge all day.
Even though you are around a lot of water, it’s super important to keep water and other drinks on hand. Your children can get dehydrated, especially if you are outdoors. Pack a cooler with plenty of ice and bottles of water. Encourage everyone to come back for water if they need it.
11. Have a Babysitter
You need to have more adults with you to help you with the baby responsibilities. You will need a break, so plan ahead. You also don’t want your experience to be ruined by someone who isn’t reliable. Have at least two other possible sources of relief with you. You need to enjoy the rides, too!
Conclusion
Water parks are a great place for families, and you should feel free to bring the baby, too! Taking baby to the water park can be stressful, but it can also be a fun way for the family to enjoy themselves and relax. If you follow these rules, you’ll be able to make the most of your mini-vacation. The baby will probably also have a great wade splashing in the water and getting the chance to experience something new in their small world. Taking baby to the water park will give you memories you can take with you for a long time.
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