We are going to be spending some time on the beach this weekend at C's great grandmothers, plus we live walking distance to a tiny beach and hope to make use of it this summer. Wondering what the essentials are for a baby who is crawling, probably walking a little by the end of the summer.

We would be doing short trips, so I'm not worried about her napping in the beach, but do want to try and keep her shades as much as possible. I don't think she will be very content to stay in one place, like under a small umbrella, but possibly we could keep her interested with enough beach toys.

What makes short trips to the beach easier for you with LOs this age? Also, what foods have you found are easy to feed them on the beach? She makes a huge mess with pouches but is good with finger foods like cubed chicken and cheese so we will prob do that and mum mums I guess?

(I'm sure this has been asked before. Feel free to point me to the right thread!)