How to Pack for the Beach: Toddler Essentials

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Packing for the beach used to be so simple. Some sunscreen, a towel, and I was out the door. Now that I have a toddler, I pack everything including the kitchen sink!

I kid, but there are certainly a lot more items to bring with your family in tow. Today I am sharing my favorite toddler beach essentials to bring to the beach, as well as the most adorable bathing suits for your little one!

What to Pack for the Beach

First things first, you need to protect (yours and) your little one’s skin. That means making sure the sunscreen is the first thing packed in your beach bag. I love using a sunscreen applicator to make sure I’ve covered all the skin. I am also a huge fan of rash guards, because it covers more skin than just trunks or a strappy bathing suit.

Next, having cover is vital on super sunny days. The sun can be brutal, so be sure to give your family with some shade or even a pop up tent for the littles.

Having a beach blanket is great to give them a space to play off of the hot sand. Bring toys for them to dig and play, and some towels for when they want to dry off.

Last, be sure to bring a cooler filled with snacks and water. There is nothing worse than trying to calm a hungry, over-tired, hot toddler when you are also all of those things.

You can check out my favorites below! Be sure to check out my Toddler Summer Bucket List.

Accessories

The beach is so much more fun with a toddler if you come prepared. Be sure to bring cover from the sun, sun screen, and food and water to stay hydrated.

toddler beach essentials

Hawgon Cooler Backpack Hawgon Cooler Backpack

Pop N Go Playard Pop N Go Playard

Blissun Beach Umbrella Blissun Beach Umbrella

Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator

What a great idea! Instead of worrying that you’ve missed a spot on your little one’s precious skin, be sure to keep them covered with this sunscreen applicator!

Wippette Dinosaur Towel Wippette Dinosaur Towel

Wekapo Beach Blanket Wekapo Beach Blanket

This blanket is great, it comes with stakes to keep it in place even when the wind is whipping, and shakes free sand!

Wippette Watermelon Towel Wippette Watermelon Towel

Fun Little Toys Sandbox Toys Fun Little Toys Sandbox Toys

SunBum Sunscreen SunBum Sunscreen

Gotdya Mesh Tote Gotdya Mesh Tote

If you’ve ever had to clean sand out of your bags or car, then you know a mesh bag is the way to go. This one has so many pockets AND it zippers shit so you don’t have to worry about the contents spilling out!

Snackle Box Snack Tray Snackle Box Snack Tray

Girls

Shut the front door! These set are so adorable and affordable! I can’t pick a favorite

toddler swimsuits for girls

Uideazone Aqua Flower Uideazone Aqua Flower

SwimZip Lemons Swimzip Lemons

Dream Bus Orange Flowers Dream Bus Orange Flowers

Ugh, this two piece set looks so grown up! we have a love/hate relationship

RuffleButt Stripes Rufflebutt Stripes

Simple Joys One Piece Simple Joys One Piece

I love how bright and fun this pattern is! You’ll be able to find your little girl in a crowd with this swimsuit.

Caden Lane Surf Board Caden Lane Surf Boards

Simple Joys Rash Guard Simple Joys Rash Guard

I love that this comes with three pieces. Plus, the rash guard is super cute!

Boys

I love rash guards! not only do they protect your child’s skin from the harsh sand, many have UV blocking capabilities! They are definitely toddler beach essentials in my book.

Toddler Swimsuits for boys

1. SwimZip Dinosaurs

How cute is this one piece? My son loves dinosaurs, so this is a win-win in our household!

2. Eddie Bauer Yellow

3. The Children’s Place Aloha

4. Milankerr Bananas

I. Cant. Even. Those banana shorts are to die for! I just ordered some for my son!

5. Aisyee Sunset 2 Piece

6. Durio Shark Trunks

7. Gerber Beach Vibes

8. Cute Cotton Crabs

I love that this set comes with a hat to keep the sun out of your little one’s eyes.

adorable toddler swimsuits + beach gear to make your life easier!
Hassle Free Family Beach Essentials
the secret to packing for the beach with toddlers

Are you ready for summer fun yet? You can also check out my Going Out of Town Checklist for more help with packing for your trip. What are your toddler beach essentials? Let me know in the comments which piece you can’t wait to buy!

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