How to Pack for the Beach: Toddler Essentials
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.
PS: If you want some fun summer ideas for your little one, 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.
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
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.
How cute is this one piece? My son loves dinosaurs, so this is a win-win in our household!
I. Cant. Even. Those banana shorts are to die for! I just ordered some for my son!
I love that this set comes with a hat to keep the sun out of your little one’s eyes.
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!
