Beach Essentials for Toddlers for Stress-Free Family Fun
Take a look at the top beach essentials for toddlers to see what your kids will need for your next trip along the coast!
Bringing toddlers to the beach isn’t always an easy feat. The first time I brought my twins, one of them cried for 20 minutes straight while the other had to poop in the public restroom. Snacks fell straight into the sand, beach towels never seemed to stay clean, and naps were unpredictable.
You might imagine your toddler darting off the one second you look away, or dread coming home with sand in every crevice of his body. And let’s not forget figuring out how to lug all your beach gear with him in tow.
Still, having lived near the beach for several years, I’ve learned that a trip to the beach—even with a toddler—is a fantastic way to spend the day. You hardly hear kids whining to leave the beach, especially when they find so many fun things to do.
A big part of the success? Bringing the right essentials.
Having taken three kids all by myself, I learned what’s truly necessary for a fun day at the beach. Take a look at these items to make sure you’ve got everything covered for your toddler:
Table of Contents
1. Sunscreen
Sun protection is key at the beach, so bring sunscreen for the kids and yourself. I like applying sunscreen lotion before we get too sandy, then following it up with sunscreen spray for easier application.
Then, to remind yourself to reapply throughout the day, use your phone as a timer. Don’t assume you and the kids are okay just because you’re in the shade. Having a timer set can also prevent you from forgetting when you last applied sunscreen.
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2. Beach towels
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Beach towels allow you to sit and relax, protecting you from the hot sand. They’re also easy to lift and shake sand off. You can also bring a waterproof beach blanket for easy clean-up.
3. Beach tent or umbrella
After years of not having a beach tent, I don’t know how I ever lived without one. This can give you much-needed shade as well as a place for your toddler to eat and nap.
Invest in a “quick install” beach tent, one that simply pops up with a quick tug. The first one I got needed us to assemble sticks and loop them through, which isn’t exactly easy with kids in tow (and took foreeeeever to figure out). For additional shade and extra space, we also bring a beach umbrella.
4. Beach chair
There’s only so much sitting and lying on the ground I can take before I start to feel uncomfortable. A beach chair can give you another way to relax when sitting on the ground just isn’t cutting it.
5. Wagon
Unless you’re only going for a short while to the beach, forget trying to carry everything on your shoulders. Instead, pack your gear into an all-terrain beach wagon. Avoid regular wagons, since those don’t roll over sand. Get one specifically for the beach because otherwise, you’ll end up dragging it through the sand (not easy, trust me!).
You can also bring a kid-sized backpack your child can wear to carry his toddler beach toys and other light items. Enlisting his help can lighten your load.
6. Swim diapers
Your toddler might need swim diapers, especially if he’ll be in the water. Many swim diapers come as a pull-up, which makes changing diapers easier. If you decide not to use swim diapers, then bring pull-ups so he won’t have to lie down to get his diaper changed.
Disposable swim diapers work for quick clean up and once-in-a-while trips. But consider reusable swim diapers if you plan to swim or go to the beach often, too.
7. Changing pad
Even if you use a pull-up, have a portable changing pad ready in case he has poop and needs a good clean.
8. Cleaning supplies
Beaches aren’t always known for pristine restrooms. Come prepared with:
- plenty of baby wipes
- hand sanitizer
- soap pump (because I’m pretty sure the restroom won’t have one)
- roll of paper towels (these can serve as napkins, to wipe hands, or to clean messes)
9. Rash guard
A rash guard can keep your toddler covered in case the weather is windy or the water is cold. One with SPF protection can also keep you from having to apply sunscreen to his upper body.
10. Sunglasses or goggles
The sun, especially reflecting off the sand, can be too bright for your toddler. Offer a pair of sunglasses to keep his eyes protected. On one particularly long beach day, my eldest came home with red eyes from playing in the sand, even though the weather was cloudy.
Sunglasses that come with a strap prevent him from pulling them off. Or, bring goggles with UV protection.
11. Flip flops or water shoes
The sand will likely feel hot, especially the farther you are from the water. Protect your toddler’s feet with flip flops he can wear when he isn’t on the wet sand. Afraid he might lose his shoes in the water? Get water shoes that his feet can strap into.
12. Sun hat
Whether a sun hat or even a baseball hat, have your toddler wear one to keep his face and eyes protected even more.
13. Life jacket or floating device
Worried your toddler might run off into the water? A life jacket, swim vest, or floaties can put your mind at ease. But the best safety tip is to make sure he’s always within arm’s reach when he’s near the water.
14. Towels to dry off
Besides the beach towels you’ll be lying down on, don’t forget to bring some to dry yourselves with. A hooded toddler towel works well, since he can use it to wrap himself in and keep warm.
15. Clean clothes
You might want to change your toddler out of his swim clothes and into clean ones. Pack a set of clean clothes, including a jacket (if you’re staying late) and undies or diapers.
And if you’re really staying late, you might just want to pack his pajamas. That way, he’s already dressed for sleep in case you have a long drive home.
16. Mesh beach bag
All those sandy swim clothes and towels need to get packed somewhere. One simple way to get as much sand off as possible is to pack them into a mesh beach bag. Give the bag a shake, and most of the sand passes through.
17. Cooler with plenty of food and drinks
Pack your cooler with food and drinks for the day. The beach might work your toddler’s appetite, so come prepared with plenty of meals, snacks, and water. Don’t forget ice packs to keep food cool.
Don’t want to bring individual bottles of water? Pack your toddler’s sippy cup as well as a reusable cup for yourself. Then, bring a gallon-size water jug to pour into your serving cups.
18. Utensils
Bring forks and spoons should you have any food that are easier eaten with utensils. For instance, you can poke cut fruit and vegetables with a fork to avoid using sandy hands to eat with.
19. Beach toys
And of course, beach toys. While kids can find just about any way to entertain themselves at the beach, bringing toys can make it that much more fun. A few ideas include:
- Sand bucket and shovel
- Beach ball
- Digging trucks
- Bubbles or bubble machine
- Kite
Conclusion
Going to the beach can make for a wonderful summer activity, whether a quick one-hour outing or an all-day family affair. The trick is to bring the right beach essentials to feel better prepared and enjoy yourselves.
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