Our team of specialists and parents review everything we recommend and only endorse products and services we genuinely believe in. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
We packed the kids in the car this past weekend and headed to the beach. It was my son’s first time experiencing the sun, sand, and waves — and quite honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. I packed as many baby beach essentials as I could think of to make the trip easy, fun, and enjoyable. But I knew there were some things I wasn’t thinking of.
While my car full of baby beach items was sufficient for a fun day on the shoreline, I wish I had used a checklist to ensure I wasn’t missing anything. Now that our beach vacation has come and gone, and even though our baby had an absolute blast during his first beach trip, here is a list of baby beach essentials I highly recommend taking with you.
Especially if you have a baby younger than 18 months old, these are must-haves for your tropical outings this summer:
1. Beach Tote and Separate “Wet Bag”
A beach tote is an obvious must! This is mainly because it’s big enough to carry everything from towels and toys to snacks and sunscreen. Getting a tote that is wipeable or easy to clean is essential, as it’s bound to get dirty with all that sand and water. I also recommend bringing a separate tote you can designate as the “wet bag.” You can throw in used towels, swimsuits, or shoes you don’t want touching the clean, dry stuff in your wet bag.
2. Good Sunscreen
Sunscreen with a high SPF is a baby beach essential, especially one that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Even more important, pick a sunscreen that contains baby-safe ingredients. Recent studies have shown many potential dangers of chemical sunscreens, including skin irritations and health risks that can jeopardize your baby’s wellness.1 Consider purchasing an organic sunscreen brand or a mineral sunscreen for your baby’s sensitive skin to prevent these hazards. You can find many good organic brands at your local Target or Walmart in the baby section or even on Amazon. And check out our list of the best baby sunscreens.
3.Hats and SPF Swimsuits
While my son did not like his swim hat, I’m so glad we made him wear one. I did not wear a hat that day, and my ears, forehead, and nose were lobster red after a few hours, even with sunscreen. Keeping your baby’s head and face protected and shaded is very important when they’re out there enjoying the summer sun. I also bought my baby some swim trunks and a swim shirt that covered him well and had SPF within the fabric. That gave me peace of mind that he was extra-protected from those potentially harmful rays.
4.Swim Diapers
Moms — NEVER go to the pool or beach without bringing swim diapers! I’ve made that mistake too many times with my kids and always regretted it. Swim diapers don’t act like regular diapers; they will leak when baby pees. But they’re designed to hold everything in, especially poop, while your baby is playing in the water. Have baby wear a regular diaper on your way to the beach and switch it with a swim diaper (like Pampers Splashers, Huggies Little Swimmers, or a reusable swim diaper) to play in the water. Then, put a new regular diaper back on when you’re ready to leave.
5.Floaties
Beach safety is important, so have some sort of flotation device for your baby. This makes your time more enjoyable and carefree. If your baby is not walking yet, get a blow-up flotation device with leg holes for them to sit in. If they’re walking and running, bring a puddle jumper or arm floaties. Keeping their faces above water is crucial, especially with waves that can knock them over and salty water that can sting their eyes and nose.
6.Water and Snacks
Something about swimming and playing at the beach brings about a whole other level of hunger and thirst. That’s why another baby beach essential is having plenty of snacks, juice boxes, water, formula, bottles, and sippy cups with you when you go. Having those readily available on command is necessary for our little swimming babes! Plus, keeping them hydrated is essential while out in the heat.
7.Umbrella and Chairs
This is one thing we didn’t bring on our beach trip, and I kicked myself the entire time. It would have been nice to pitch an umbrella and sit in our lawn chairs for a swim break! There were moments when our baby wanted to rest for a while and drink his bottle, and it was impossible to get him comfortable with me sitting on the ground under the blazing sun. If you don’t want to purchase or haul your own umbrella and chairs, many places on the beach have ones you can rent for the day. If that’s an option — DO IT. You won’t regret it. Also, bring a portable fan!
8.Towels and a Blanket
Obviously, towels are crucial. They are great for lying on the sand and preventing your belongings (and baby) from getting sand in every nook and cranny. Beach towels are also necessary to dry off and keep warm from the cool water. On top of that, consider bringing a lightweight blanket with you. Baby might want to nap while on the beach, and having something airy yet protective to cover their little body will be a big lifesaver.
9.Beach Toys
There’s only so much your baby can do at the beach. And most times, they’re too young to truly enjoy the choppy waves. So, be sure to bring some beach toys to keep them entertained. Toys that help them build little sandcastles, dig holes, or collect seashells are ideal. But for any age, giving them cool toy options that make the experience fun is a must!
10. Water Shoes or Sandals
This is also one thing I wish I had done for my son. We failed to put shoes on him, and that sand can be HOT! Find some water shoes or waterproof sandals with good soles that will protect baby’s feet while walking and running. The cool thing about water shoes is that they are lightweight and make it easy to play in the water. Plus, they protect the skin on the top of their feet from getting burned. Water shoes or sandals are still important even if your baby isn’t in the walking stage yet!
With these baby beach essentials, you will have a fantastic beach experience with your baby this summer. As for you, mama — bring your energy. Because you’re going to need it! 😉
