Beach days are a blast for the whole family, but they takes a little extra planning when you have young ones in tow.
In addition to packing snacks and sunscreen, you’ll also need to bring along some essential items to keep your toddler safe and comfortable.
A beach umbrella or tent can provide a shady spot for naps and snacks, while a beach wagon can help you transport all your gear to and from the car.
And don’t forget the swim diapers! These disposable diapers are designed to contain any accidents in the water, so you can relax and enjoy the beach worry-free.
With a little advance preparation, you can make sure that your toddler has everything they need for a fun-filled day at the beach.
Beach With Toddler – Items Checklist:
- swim suit with rash guard
- swim diapers
- floaty or kids life jacket
- sunscreen
- hat
- water shoes
- snacks
- water bottle
- sunglasses
- kids beach towels
- large beach blanket
- mesh tote/bag
- sand and water toys
- collapsable wagon with cover
- beach chairs and umbrella
- bluetooth speaker
- portable potty
1. Toddler Swim Gear
When packing for the beach, be sure to pack your toddler’s swim gear.
This includes a swim diaper, swim suit, floaty or vest, water shoes.
Toddler swim gear is essential for a fun and safe day at the beach.
Swim diapers help to keep solid waste contained, and having an adjustable one makes it so that you can keep using it as they grow!
We love this adjustable, reusable swim diaper and have been using it for our toddler since she was 6 months old!
Floaties and vests provide extra buoyancy and support and help keep them safe while they’re swimming and playing.
Vests are also a great option for toddlers who are just starting to learn how to swim.
They provide added buoyancy and support, and they’ll help your toddler feel more confident in the water.
When choosing floaties or a vest for your toddler, be sure to pick one that’s comfortable and fits well.
And always supervise your toddler when they’re in the water, even if they’re wearing a floatation device.
With a little preparation, you and your toddler will have a blast at the beach this summer!
We used the Swimways spring floaty until our little girl was ready to move and swim in the water.
Once she was around two years old, we got the chest and arm combo vest floaty so that she had more freedom to move.
Sandy toes, salty water, and a sun-kissed nose. These are the things that come to mind when we think of a toddler at the beach.
But while a trip to the beach can be a lot of fun for kids, it’s important to take steps to protect their delicate skin and feet.
Water shoes are one important toddler beach item. They help to protect tiny feet from hot sand and sharp shells or rocks.
These are durable and made from quick-drying materials, they’re also stylish and comfortable.
So next time you’re heading to the beach with your toddler, be sure to pack a pair of water shoes. It’ll help make the experience even more enjoyable for everyone involved.
We particularly appreciated having these on our family trip to Croatia because most of the beaches there were pebble instead of sand!
With the right swim gear, your toddler can enjoy a day of fun in the sun.
2. Beach Toys
Beach toys are an essential for any trip to the beach with toddlers. They help keep little ones entertained with sand and water play.
Beach toys for toddlers can include buckets and shovels, balls, and toys that squirt water.
A great beach toy for toddlers is a collapsible beach bucket. The beach bucket can be used to build sandcastles or carry shells found on the Beach.
Beach buckets are easy to pack in a beach bag and don’t take up a lot of space.
While you can certainly purchase buckets and shovels at the stores near the beach, they are usually pricey and then you are left with having to leave them behind or packing them to bring home.
For our vacation to the Yucatan Peninsula each year, we made sure to have these packed in our bags and ready for our toddler as soon as we got there!
Beach balls are great for throwing, kicking, or rolling in the sand. They can also be used in water to splash around or play tag.
One final essential beach toy for toddlers are water squirting toys. These toys are great for playing in the water or in the sand.
Some water squirting toys even have attached beach buckets that can be used to fill up with water and then squirt at someone.
This is a great way to cool off on a hot day at the beach.
You’ll need a place to put all this stuff so having a mesh bag is absolutely a life-saver!
3. Sun Protection
There’s nothing like a day at the beach, but it’s important to be sun safe. That means bringing along sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, and using an umbrella for extra protection.
Rash guards are a must-have toddler beach item and our favorites have always been from Rufflebutts and Ruggetbutts!
Not only do they protect your little one’s delicate skin from the sun, but they also help to prevent rashes and sunburns.
Rash guards come in a variety of styles and colors, so you’re sure to find one that your toddler will love.
Plus, they’re easy to put on and take off, which is perfect for active toddlers who want to be on the move.
With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that rash guards are a top choice for parents when it comes to toddler beachwear.
A wide brim sun hat will protect your toddler’s face, neck and ears from the harmful rays of the sun.
Be sure to look for a hat that is comfortable and breathable, so your toddler can wear it all day long. If you’re planning a beach vacation, don’t forget to pack a sun hat for your little one.
Wearing sun-protective clothing is also a good idea. You might not feel like you’re getting sun if you’re in the shade, but UV rays can still penetrate clouds and reflected off surfaces like sand and water.
So make sure you’re prepared before you head out into the sun.
4. Snacks And Drinks
Any parent knows that a trip to the beach with a toddler can be a challenge.
Not only do you have to keep an eye on them at all times, but you also have to make sure they stay hydrated and don’t get too hungry.
One way to make your day at the beach a little easier is to pack some snacks and drinks for your toddler. This will help keep them hydrated and prevent them from getting too hungry.
Some good toddler beach snacks include fruits and vegetables, crackers, and yogurt. And don’t forget to pack plenty of water or juice for them to drink.
With a little planning, you can make sure your toddler has a fun and safe day at the beach.
Water bottles are essential beach gear, especially for active little ones. They help keep your toddler hydrated and cool, and they’re great for rinsing off sand and salt water.
Durable water bottles are also perfect for beach days because they can take a beating – they won’t break if dropped, and they won’t get ruined by sand or water.
Plus, most durable water bottles come with a clip or strap, so you can easily attach it to your beach bag or beach chair.
When choosing a water bottle for your toddler, consider this one from Yeti and you won’t regret it!
5. Beach Blanket Or Towel
Make sure to pack a beach blanket or towel for your toddler before heading to the beach. This will help them stay comfortable while sitting or lying on the sand.
The blanket will also protect their skin from the hot sun. If you don’t have a beach blanket, an old towel will do the trick. Just make sure it’s big enough to cover your toddler’s body.
Sometimes, lugging all your beach gear can be a bit of a pain. That’s why a hooded beach towel for toddlers is the perfect solution!
These beach towels are big enough to wrap around your little one, and they come with a built-in hood to keep their head and hair dry.
Plus, they’re super absorbent, so you can rest assured that your toddler will stay nice and dry.
And when it’s time to pack up, these beach towels fold up small, so you can fit them easily into your beach bag.
6. Items To Make Beach Time Comfortable
Avoid a sandy catastrophe by packing these toddler beach essentials:
- a bluetooth speaker to keep the little ones entertained
- a wagon to haul all your gear
- comfortable beach chairs for everyone
With these items in tow, you’re guaranteed to have a fun-filled day in the sun.
One of the best things about going to the beach is getting to relax in the sand. However, toddler’s don’t always see it that way.
When they’re done playing in the sand, they often end up with more sand on them then when they started.
If you’re looking for a way to remove the sand from your toddler at the beach, baby powder or bentonite clay can be a great option.
Baby powder will help to absorb the excess oil and sweat that can make sand stick to skin. Bentonite clay, on the other hand, can be used to create a barrier between the sand and skin.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to apply it before your toddler gets too fussy. Otherwise, you’ll just end up with a sandy toddler (and maybe a sandy floor).
Toddler, beach, item, potty. These are all words that you never thought you would see together in a sentence, but here we are.
If you are planning a trip to the beach with your toddler, one essential item to bring is a portable potty. Trust us, you do not want to be stuck searching for a public restroom when your toddler has to go urgently.
A portable potty can be easily set up on the beach, and then taken down when you’re finished.
Plus, it’s a lot more sanitary than using a public restroom. So if you’re looking for a toddler-friendly beach trip, don’t forget the portable potty!
This wagon is perfect for hauling beach essentials like towels, chairs, toys, and snacks. They’re also great for carrying smaller children who might get tired during a long day at the beach.
Best of all, the wagons fold up easily for storage and transportation, so you can take them wherever your adventures take you.
We have taken this wagon to parks for picnics as well as on road trips like South Padre Island with our daughter and it has always proved to be a life (and back) saver!
If you are beach-bound this summer and want to keep your phone safe from the elements, consider investing in a water proof phone case.
This will allow you to take pictures and videos without worry of your phone getting wet or sandy.
Plus, it will protect your phone from curious toddlers who may splash in the water or play in the sand.
There are many different styles of water proof phone cases available, so you can choose one that fits your needs and personal style.
Whether you want a simple case that clips onto your belt or a more elaborate one with compartments for beach items, there is sure to be a water proof phone case that is perfect for you.
So don’t let the beach destroy your phone – make sure it is safe with a water proof case.
All Ready For The Beach With A Toddler
With this list of essential items, you’re sure to have a day at the beach that is both fun and relaxing.
Be sure to check off each item on the list as you pack your bag, so you don’t forget anything important. And most importantly, have fun!
The beach is a great place to spend time with family and friends, especially when armed with the right supplies. What are some of your favorite things to do at the beach?
Other helpful resources for your trip:
- Book hotels for your travels
- The Best Tours and Experiences to book before you get there
- Our Travel Insurance Recommendation
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