Toddler beach essentials can make your beach trip smooth and enjoyable. Every expert says that a well-packed beach bag makes all the difference. But which essentials to bring?
Read on to find out how to have a stress-free and fun day at the beach with your toddler!
28 Toddler Beach Essentials: What to Bring for Sun, Sand, and Safety?
Toddler beach essentials include extra swimsuits, rash guards, and a sun hat for sun protection. You should also bring a large beach bag, a blanket or mat, and baby powder to remove sand. Don’t forget a first aid kit, insect repellent, and a portable fan.
Swimsuits
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Quick-drying, comfortable fabric, cute designs |
| Age Suitability | 1-3 years |
| Safety Consideration | Ensure proper fit to avoid chafing or discomfort, non-toxic materials |
| Price Range | $10-$30 |
Imagine being on a lovely beach, and your baby gets wet or sandy. You don’t want them to stay in a damp swimsuit. A dry, clean swimsuit makes your baby happy and keeps them from getting cold.
When flying with a baby, it’s a good idea to bring at least two swimsuits. Babies can get wet and messy quickly, so having a spare keeps them comfortable and clean. I always pack an extra one just in case of accidents or unexpected spills.
Trust me, it’s worth the extra packing.
Rash Guards
| Feature | Description |
| Features | UV protection, long sleeves, quick-drying |
| Age Suitability | 1-3 years |
| Safety Consideration | Protects from sunburn, covers more skin for better protection |
| Price Range | $15-$40 |
Rash guards are essential for protecting your baby’s delicate skin from the sun. These lightweight, long-sleeve shirts block harmful UV rays and keep your baby cool. I love using them because they give me peace of mind knowing my baby is safe from sunburn.
They come in fun colors and designs, which makes it easy to find one your baby will wear without fussing.
Sun Hat
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Wide brim, adjustable strap, lightweight |
| Age Suitability | 1-3 years |
| Safety Consideration | Must cover face, neck, and ears for full protection, ensures secure fit |
| Price Range | $10-$25 |
A wide-brimmed sun hat provides extra shade and protects their face and neck from the sun. I always make sure my baby wears one whenever we’re outside to keep them safe and comfortable.
The wide brim offers more protection than regular hats, ensuring no part of their face gets sunburned. It also helps keep the sun out of their eyes, which can make them cranky.
Sunglasses
| Feature | Description |
| Features | UV protection, flexible frames, adjustable fit |
| Age Suitability | 1-3 years |
| Safety Consideration | Ensure they fit well and are not easily breakable, protects eyes from harmful rays |
| Price Range | $5-$20 |
Baby sunglasses with UV protection are a must when traveling. They shield your baby’s eyes from the harmful rays of the sun. I always make sure my baby wears sunglasses when we’re out. It’s important because their eyes are more sensitive than ours.
Finding a pair with a comfortable strap ensures they stay on and don’t get lost. Plus, baby sunglasses come in adorable styles that make your little one look even cuter.
Water Shoes
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Non-slip soles, quick-drying, protective design |
| Age Suitability | 1-3 years |
| Safety Consideration | Prevents slipping on wet surfaces, shields feet from sharp objects, avoids irritation |
| Price Range | $10-$25 |
Water shoes are essential for keeping your baby’s feet safe at the beach. They protect from hot sand and any sharp objects that might be hidden. I always pack a pair when we travel. They’re easy to put on and take off, which is great when you’re in a hurry.
Plus, they dry quickly, so your baby won’t have to wear wet shoes for long. I love the peace of mind they give me, knowing my baby’s feet are protected.
Cover-Up: For extra sun protection and comfort
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Lightweight, breathable fabric, easy to put on/off |
| Age Suitability | 1-3 years |
| Safety Consideration | Comfortable for wearing over swimsuits, prevents overheating, facilitates quick changes |
| Price Range | $10-$30 |
A cover-up is perfect for extra sun protection and comfort. I always bring one for my baby when we’re traveling. It’s easy to throw on over a swimsuit and provides a quick way to cover up from the sun.
I love how versatile the covers are. You can use them at the beach, pool, or even for a quick trip to get snacks.
Sunscreen
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, water-resistant |
| Age Suitability | All ages (choose baby-friendly formulas for younger children) |
| Safety Consideration | Ensure it’s gentle and free from harsh chemicals, apply 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours |
| Price Range | $10-$25 |
Sunscreen is a must when traveling with a baby. I suggest choosing a broad-spectrum SPF 30 (or higher) and make sure it’s water-resistant. I always apply sunscreen on my baby 30 minutes before we go out and reapply it every two hours.
Lip Balm with SPF
| Feature | Description |
| Features | SPF protection, moisturizing, easy application |
| Age Suitability | All ages (choose baby-safe formulas for younger children) |
| Safety Consideration | Ensure it’s gentle, free from harsh chemicals, and easy to apply |
| Price Range | $3-$10 |
Don’t forget to protect your baby’s lips with a lip balm that has SPF. Their lips can get chapped and sunburned easily. I always carry a lip balm with me and apply it to my baby’s lips regularly. It’s simple to use and keeps their lips moisturized and safe from the sun.
Look for a gentle, baby-safe lip balm that’s easy to apply. Keeping their lips protected is just as important as protecting their skin. Plus, a lip balm with SPF is handy for the whole family. It’s a small item, but it makes a big difference.
Beach Umbrella or Tent
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Provides shade, easy to set up, portable |
| Age Suitability | All ages |
| Safety Consideration | Ensure stability to prevent tipping over, UV protection |
| Price Range | $20-$60 |
A beach umbrella or tent provides much-needed shade and a break from the sun. I always bring one when we go to the beach. It gives my baby a cool, shaded place to rest and play. It’s a must-have for keeping your baby happy and safe while enjoying the beach.
Water Bottles: To keep hydrated
| Feature | Description |
| Features | BPA-free, spill-proof, insulated |
| Age Suitability | All ages |
| Safety Consideration | Ensure easy grip and drinking, avoid choking hazards |
| Price Range | $5-$20 |
Staying hydrated is super important when traveling, especially with a baby. I always bring plenty of water bottles for both of us. It’s easy to forget to drink enough water, but having a bottle handy makes it simple. I use spill-proof bottles for my baby to avoid any messes.
Snacks
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Non-perishable, easy-to-eat options |
| Age Suitability | All ages (choose appropriate snacks for toddlers) |
| Safety Consideration | Avoid choking hazards, check for allergies |
| Price Range | $5-$15 |
Snacks are a lifesaver when traveling with a baby. I always pack non-perishable and easy-to-eat options like fruit, crackers, or granola bars. Babies can get hungry at any time, and having snacks ready keeps them happy.
I choose healthy snacks that my baby loves and that are easy to grab and eat. It’s also a great way to keep them entertained during the flight or car ride.
Cooler Bag
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Insulated, multiple compartments, portable size |
| Age Suitability | All ages |
| Safety Consideration | Easy to clean, non-toxic materials |
| Price Range | $20-$50 |
A cooler bag is perfect for keeping drinks and snacks cool. I always bring one when we travel. It keeps everything fresh and tasty, which is great for long trips. I pack it with water, juice, and snacks that need to stay cool. It’s especially handy if you’re traveling to a warm place.
Beach Towels
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Absorbent, quick-drying, large size |
| Age Suitability | All ages |
| Safety Consideration | Hypoallergenic materials, avoid rough textures |
| Price Range | $10-$25 |
Beach towels are a must when you’re at the beach with a baby. I always bring at least two: one for drying off after a swim and one for sitting on. It’s great to have a dry, clean towel to sit on, especially when the sand is hot. It’s a small thing, but having enough towels makes our beach time much more enjoyable.
Beach Blanket or Mat
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Large size, waterproof, easy to clean |
| Age Suitability | All ages |
| Safety Consideration | Non-slip backing, avoid materials that heat up too much in the sun |
| Price Range | $15-$50 |
A beach blanket or mat is perfect for lounging and playing on the sand. I always bring one to create a clean, comfortable space for my baby. It keeps the sand at bay and gives us a nice area to relax.
I prefer a large, lightweight blanket that’s easy to carry and spread out. It’s great for picnics, naptime, or just playing with toys.
Beach Bag
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Large capacity, multiple compartments, durable material |
| Age Suitability | All ages |
| Safety Consideration | Lightweight to avoid strain, easy to carry |
| Price Range | $20-$40 |
A large, durable beach bag is essential for carrying all our beach gear. I choose one with plenty of pockets to keep things organized. It needs to be big enough to hold towels, sunscreen, snacks, and toys. I like a sturdy bag that can handle the weight and the sand.
Sand Toys
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Buckets, shovels, molds, and other fun toys |
| Age Suitability | 1-3 years |
| Safety Consideration | Non-toxic materials, no sharp edges |
| Price Range | $10-$30 |
Sand toys are a must for keeping my baby entertained at the beach. I always pack a variety, like buckets, shovels, and molds. These toys provide endless fun and help my baby explore and play.
I love watching them dig in the sand and create their little masterpieces. It’s also a great way for them to develop motor skills and enjoy the outdoors.
Floaties or Life Jacket
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Adjustable, buoyant, comfortable fit |
| Age Suitability | 1-3 years |
| Safety Consideration | Certified safety standards, proper fit to prevent slipping off |
| Price Range | $15-$40 |
Water safety is a top priority when at the beach. I always bring floaties or a life jacket for my baby. These keep them safe while they splash around in the water. A good life jacket fits snugly and is comfortable, allowing your baby to move freely.
Wet/Dry Bag
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Waterproof, odor-resistant, multiple compartments |
| Age Suitability | All ages |
| Safety Consideration | Ensure it seals properly to contain wet items |
| Price Range | $10-$25 |
A wet/dry bag is perfect for storing wet swimsuits and towels. I always bring one to keep the rest of our items dry and clean. These bags are waterproof and seal tightly, making them ideal for containing damp clothes.
After a fun day at the beach, I just toss all the wet stuff in the bag. It keeps our beach bag organized and makes cleaning up so much easier. A wet/dry bag is a small but essential item for any beach trip.
Baby Powder
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Talc-free, gentle on skin, helps remove sand |
| Age Suitability | 1-3 years |
| Safety Consideration | Ensure it is talc-free and hypoallergenic to prevent skin irritation |
| Price Range | $5-$15 |
Baby powder is a beach essential I will never forget. It’s a fantastic trick for removing sand from my baby’s skin. After a fun day playing in the sand, I sprinkle some powder on the sandy areas and gently brush it off. The sand comes off easily, leaving my baby’s skin smooth and clean. It’s a lifesaver for avoiding that gritty feeling.
Plus, baby powder is gentle and smells nice, making it perfect for delicate skin. I always keep a small bottle in my beach bag. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never want to go to the beach without it.
Portable Beach Chair
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Toddler-sized, foldable, lightweight |
| Age Suitability | 1-3 years |
| Safety Consideration | Stable design to prevent tipping, comfortable and secure seating |
| Price Range | $15-$40 |
A portable beach chair, sized just for toddlers, is a great addition to our beach gear. I love having a comfortable spot for my baby to sit and relax.
These chairs are lightweight, which means they are easy to carry (making them perfect for travel). They provide a cozy place for my baby to sit while eating snacks or taking a break fro
First Aid Kit
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, basic medications |
| Age Suitability | All ages |
| Safety Consideration | Include age-appropriate items, check for allergies |
| Price Range | $10-$30 |
A first aid kit is a must-have for any trip, especially with a baby. I always pack a small kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any medications we might need. Kids can get little scrapes and cuts while playing, and having supplies on hand means I can handle minor injuries quickly.
Extra Clothes
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Lightweight, comfortable, easy to change into |
| Age Suitability | 1-3 years |
| Safety Consideration | Ensure the clothes are dry and comfortable to prevent the baby from getting cold |
| Price Range | $10-$30 |
Packing extra clothes is essential when traveling with a baby. I always bring a complete change of clothes after swimming. Babies can get cold quickly in wet clothes, so having dry ones ready is a must.
I pack lightweight, comfortable clothes that are easy to change into. It’s also handy to have extras in case of spills or accidents. Changing into dry clothes keeps my baby happy and comfortable, which means a better day for everyone.
Insect Repellent
| Feature | Description |
| Features | DEET-free, gentle formula, easy application |
| Age Suitability | 1-3 years |
| Safety Consideration | Ensure it is safe for toddlers, avoid eyes and mouth |
| Price Range | $5-$15 |
Insect repellent is crucial, especially if we plan to stay at the beach later in the evening. I always choose a baby-safe formula to protect my little one from mosquito bites and other insects. A few sprays keep bugs away, allowing us to enjoy our time without constant swatting.
I apply it to exposed skin and clothing to ensure full coverage. It’s also a good idea to bring a citronella candle for extra protection.
Hand Sanitizer and Wipes
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Alcohol-free, gentle on skin, portable size |
| Age Suitability | All ages |
| Safety Consideration | Avoid contact with eyes, ensure it is non-toxic |
| Price Range | $5-$15 |
Hand sanitizer and wipes are essential for quick clean-ups. I always carry these in my beach bag. They’re perfect for cleaning hands before eating or after diaper changes. Wipes are also great for freshening up sticky faces and hands.
Stroller or Wagon
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Durable, easy to maneuver, storage compartments |
| Age Suitability | 1-3 years |
| Safety Consideration | Ensure it is stable, has safety harnesses |
| Price Range | $50-$150 |
A stroller or wagon is essential for easy transport to and from the beach. I always bring one to carry my baby and all our gear. A stroller is perfect for paved paths, while a wagon handles sand better. It makes moving everything so much easier and keeps my baby comfortable during the trip.
Having a stroller or wagon means I don’t have to carry heavy bags and a wiggly baby all at once. It’s a lifesaver, especially when you’re tired after a fun day.
Portable Fan
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Battery-operated, lightweight, adjustable speed |
| Age Suitability | All ages |
| Safety Consideration | Ensure blades are protected to prevent accidents |
| Price Range | $10-$30 |
A portable, battery-operated fan is a must for keeping my baby cool on hot days. I always pack one in our beach bag. It provides a gentle breeze that helps prevent overheating. I love how easy it is to clip onto the stroller or set up on our beach blanket.
Travel Potty
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Compact, easy to clean, disposable liners |
| Age Suitability | 1-3 years |
| Safety Consideration | Stable and secure, ensure it is easy to use for toddlers |
| Price Range | $15-$40 |
A travel potty is essential for emergencies, especially with young children. I always bring one when we go to the beach. It’s convenient and easy to use, providing a clean and private option when bathrooms aren’t nearby.
The travel potty is compact and fits easily in our beach bag. I feel much more relaxed knowing we have it if we need it. It’s especially handy for potty training toddlers. Having a travel potty means fewer worries and more fun at the beach.
Entertainment
| Feature | Description |
| Features | Interactive books, waterproof toys, portable music player |
| Age Suitability | 1-3 years |
| Safety Consideration | Non-toxic materials, avoid small parts that could be a choking hazard |
| Price Range | $5-$30 |
Entertainment is key for keeping my baby happy at the beach. I always bring a variety of items like books, waterproof toys, and music. These keep my baby engaged and entertained, giving me a chance to relax.
Waterproof toys are great for playing in the sand and water. Books provide a calm activity for quieter moments. A small portable speaker lets us enjoy some fun music.
Having different entertainment options ensures a baby doesn’t get bored.
Conclusion
Traveling with toddlers on a beach doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are the key takeaways:
- Pack extra swimsuits, rash guards, and a sun hat for sun protection.
- Bring essential items like baby powder, a first aid kit, and insect repellent.
- Use a stroller or wagon for easy transport and a portable fan to keep cool.
- Entertain your baby with books, waterproof toys, and music.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a fun and stress-free travel experience with your baby. Safe travels and happy flying!