Anonymous wrote:We aren't afraid of sun and sand - its just a pain to deal with (which is not something you necessarily want to add on a vacation).

Beaches were more fun as toddlers/preschoolers. Before that, it was difficult.

also something the op would have to deal with on a solo vacation.

Go to a city with museums you want to visit. Put kid in an ergo or other carrier and go. Under 9 months is the easiest time to travel -- and super easy for those who bf. sun hat, rash guard, and sunscreen (doc will say it is fine) is you are at the beach. Babies love pools.

Go to Chicago. Or Boston. Or Europe. I did with mine and it was so much easier than I had feared.

We aren't afraid of sun and sand - its just a pain to deal with (which is not something you necessarily want to add on a vacation).

Beaches were more fun as toddlers/preschoolers. Before that, it was difficult.

PP here who urged chemical-free block and sfp wear. this is a good site for ordering sun-gear. We had a GREAT time at the beach with baby and toddler--

http://www.onestepahead.com/search/_/N-?Ntt=sun+smarties&Ntk=Def&Ntx=mode+matchpartialmax&Ns=SEQ_SCORE%7C1&Nty=1

i dont get why you all are afraid of sand and sun. We have taken ours to the beach since they were infants. We used coverings IE: beach umbrellas, small tented things specifically for the beach, and our kids were never worse for the wear. As an infant, I find it is far more relaxing considering you arent actually running after an infant as you would be a 2yo. As mine got older, they were happy playing right there in the sand next to us and knew not to run off or we'd put our chairs right at the waters edge where they would be playing. You all arent doing something right.

to OP: the mountains is a nice idea as are state parks (va is full of them, I am sure Md has some nice ones too). What about Assateague/Chincoteague? We go to a beach just outside of Wilmington NC (Southport/Oak Island). Takes us 7-8 hours depending on traffic but so relaxing and lots of little antique stores, a ferry boat and a small zoo and aquarium not far from the ferry boat landing.

OP, talk to your pediatrician about sunscreen. I got a non-toxic, chemical free sunscreen, lots of sungear (spf clothing, hats, etc) and went to beach with baby at 4 months. It was GREAT. Between rashguard suit, hat, little of the body was in full sun and ped. said some sunscreen was fine. Also, bring a beach umbrella.

as for where to go, why not florida? cheap, direct flights, stay in a hotel on the beach.

DO IT!!!

We lived by beach when my son was that little but never went because of sand & sun issues. Lake/river with trees a great idea.

What about colonial williamsburg? We were there recently and it was a lot of just walking around and looking at stuff. It was very loosely structured, which would be perfect with a baby that age, as you can just check out what you are interested in, then sit in the shade and nurse as needed and pick the self-guided tour up again when you are ready. And the on-site hotels have some really great options.

OP I was wondering the same thing! It has been a long winter...

i agree with the pp that the beach will be easier after 6 months.
what about nyc? you can take the train up, so much to see and do and amazing delivery options for your hotel room if you want dinner after the baby goes to bed.

The beach is tough with young infants because of the sun and sand.

I would suggest a lake (less likely to be really sandy and have more shade) or mountain area.

When DD was that age I took a plane and went to my home country out of desperation. It was an awesome trip. Do you have any relatives living in a cool place?

I would avoid the beach until 6 months when you can safely use sunscreen. Do you have other mommy friends that have babies that age that you can go hiking with? I love day trips to Shenandoah.

I remember those days of desperation to get out! Have you tried Alexandria? I used to take my babies there to walk through the Torpedo Factory (art gallery) and enjoy the shops, dining and waterfront areas.

Bethany Beach is extremely family friendly, but I remember feeling depressed at the beach with little tiny ones because it wasn't at all relaxing for me. We began fun beach trips when the kids were closer to 2 (still not relaxing but the kids could have fun!).

So my husband is busy at work these days, even working weekends, and I'm tired of staying home or going to familiar places in Nova. I'm itching to go somewhere, anywhere! I'd like a change of scenery for 1-3 days.

What kind of destination is feasible/ideal with a 4 month old EBF baby if I want to be by a beach or see some new sights? I've already visited Wilmington, Philly, Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Virginia Beach, Richmond, Baltimore, Atlantic City, Harpers Ferry, Fredericksburg. Any other cities worth visiting that I can just walk around or do something with a baby?

Maybe 3 hours away driving distance Rehoboth Beach? But DD is too young to have sunscreen so should I avoid beaches even with hats and shades? Would a state park be any meaningfully different protection from the sun wise??
Maybe a cruise from Baltimore? I just looked at some and right now there's a 7 day cruise to Bermuda. But it's a smaller ship and I'm thinking 7 days is too long to be stuck on a ship just baby and I, since there's no babysitting and I can't do much.