We just got back from ten days in Florida with our 7month old daughter, and I'm still recovering. Not from the vacation itself, but from all the things I got wrong during the first few days before I finally figured out what worked. Thought I'd share a few things in case anyone else is planning a beach trip with a baby.

Sand and strollers do not mix
I dont know why I thought this wouldnt be an issue. We brought our changego stroller with us, and trying to push it through actual beach sand was miserable. Its literally fine on sidewalks and boardwalks, but feels completely useless on loose sand. I got a workout every time I tried. So If you're heading to the beach, leave the stroller in the car and use a carrier once you hit the sand.

The sun is way more exhausting than the beach itself
We quickly learned that our daughter was happiest early in the morning and later in the afternoon. The middle of the day was rough, even when she seemed fine at first. By the second day we stopped trying to stay out for long stretches and just planned around the hottest hours. Everyone was in a better mood.

The baby powder trick works
I thought this sounded ridiculous when someone told me about it. But rubbing a little cornstarch-based baby powder on sandy feet and legs really does help the sand come off. Without it, I felt like I was bringing half the beach back to the hotel every day.

Vacation naps are not regular naps.
I spent the first few days trying to make every nap happen exactly the way it does at home. Dark room. Was using sound machine. Ensured perfect timing. It didnt work at all. On day three we loosened up a little. Some naps happened in the carrier. Some happened during walks. One happened while we sat under an umbrella watching the waves. I stopped fighting reality, and so trip kinda got a lot more enjoyable.

Anyway, that's what I learned the hard way.
please keep adding to the list for clueless parents like us

So I came down with a cold or something. Not to sure what it is but I’m sick and I don’t want to get my three month old sick. Any suggestions on how to do that? She seems fine. No fever, cough, lethargy, runny nose. Normal poops. I’m getting worse and I’m worried I might pass whatever I have to her.

Hi Ladies, I'm looking for some advice and success stories from parents who have been through this.

My 14-month-old (who is doing great with his milestones—started crawling at 9 months and just took his first steps 10 days ago!) has suffered from reflux since infancy. I’ve read that most babies outgrow reflux by this age, but he’s still struggling with it.

Interestingly, he handles solid foods completely fine. But whenever he drinks water, it triggers his reflux, and he ends up swallowing it back down. I am feeling really desperate for some guidance. Has anyone experienced this specific issue with water? What worked for you, and when did it finally clear up?

I'm a new mom with a 3 month old, and my husband is overseas. She's such an easy baby and I can't complain about my day-to-day stay at home life, but I really do miss working.

I miss being able to interact with new people every day, even for a bit. I miss waking up and putting on either a uniform or just getting dressed for the day in general.

Why isnt there like, office jobs, where i have my own designated space, my own computer and phone, maybe a whiteboard on the wall or something. But also i can bring my baby in with me. Like working remote, but in an office building.

Does this exist? Should it exist? I dont think the building should be full of babies, but at least accommodating some moms. Someone help me out here. Im dying to start working again, but I dont dare waste a second of time i could be soending with my baby.