The Fun Toddler Beach Trip. Beach Essentials and Tips for Parents.
Going for a beach vacation with your toddler. Yes, it’s the perfect place for a day of family fun and making lasting memories.
As a parent, I’ve learned that a successful beach day is all about having the right toddler beach essentials and a few handy tips.
From packing the perfect beach bag filled with must-have items to knowing how to keep your toddler safe and happy, we’ve gone through it all.
Whether you’re a seasoned beachgoer or planning your first seaside adventure with your child, this guide has got you covered.
Toddler beach packing list PDF download
Easy to use PDF downloadable beach packing list for your toddler. Just click the button below to download and start using it instantly.
Key takeaways
1. Beach Essentials for Toddlers
a. Walk to the beach
- Wagon
This is an ultimate hack for going to the beach with your toddler. It does not only help you with carrying toddler beach essentials, but doubles as a fun ride for your toddler across the beach off the hot ground.
- Stroller
Strollers generally are not recommended to be brought the beach. Unless if you have an all-terrain stroller with compatible wheels. They usually come with bigger wheels and sturdy frame. It is an alternative option to wagon for seating baby and toddler, but be prepared for sand in the stroller.
- Bag pack
Your usual diaper bag is more than enough to carry toddler beach essentials. We do use extra heavy duty waterproof bags to store certain items and valuables. It is easier to remove sand from them as well.
b. For the sun
- Sunscreen
Keep away with those sunburns. Always bring sunscreen for your toddlers. Choose a kid-friendly, mineral based, broad spectrum type. Most importantly, one that is easy to apply on.
- Hats
Other than being a good shade from the sun, definitely a fashionable item. As usual, not all kids love wearing hat, it might end up on the sand or the sea. Think of other alternatives then such as umbrella.
- Sunglasses
More often than not, who doesn’t love to see the little ones rocking that cool looking sunglasses on the beach.
- Portable fan
Get those with USB charging fans and bring extra power banks too. Can bring it with you on a walk or place them about anywhere from the wagon to the tents.
c. Beach gear for setting up
- Beach mat
Always try to get a big one. You are going to sit there. Your family is going to be there. Kids are going to come on an off. Food, bag and many other items are going to be there. Make sure it is waterproof and easy to wash the beach sand off.
- Pop up toddler beach tent
Definitely a game changer beach essential for toddlers. One, it can be an amazing shade from the sun. Nap or break time for toddlers is more comfortable. Two, it a private space to change clothes for the toddler.
- Umbrella
Pop out the umbrella open, it’s an easy and effective shade from the sun for the whole family.
- Table
Foldable and portable beach tables are good if you want to put some snacks away from the sand on the mat.
- Basket
If you’d like the picnic aesthetic and vibe this is a good choice to bring.
- Food containers
Pre-pack food and snacks in easy to store containers such as bento boxes.
- Portable toddler beach chair
Easy foldable beach chair can be a great place for your toddler to relax. Maybe even have their snacks while at it.
- Floor chair
This is an alternative to beach chair, if they are not suitable to sit on a tall chair.
d. Beach gear for the water
- Toddler Swim floaties and swim vest
Get these tiny colorful superhero arm bands or vests for your child to be safe in the sea.
- Inflatable baby pool
Bring this with you, place it nearer to you and fill it up with ocean water. Your toddler can play safely away from the ocean and the waves with you next to them.
- Waterproof baby/toddler carrier
If your toddler is still younger and small, you may want to play in the water with them. This will be a good choice to bring.
e. Toddler beach toys
- Shovel and bucket set
Keep the play at the beach simple with the shovel and bucket beach set. The kids can go on digging and building sandcastles for a long time.
- To make shapes in sand
Make building sandcastles by the sea more fun by having many different shaped items or animals.
- Mini figurines for the sand play
Our toddler loves to include the toys during play at the beach. You can dig up dinosaurs as well!
- Others
Beach ball, water gun, and bubble wands.
f. Hygiene
- Potty time
Bring a portable potty with you if your kid is in his potty training stage.
- Diaper change
Bring adequate supplies and use the pop up tent to change privately and comfortably.
- Changing
Pop up tents are great for this purpose. Gives you a safe and private space for changing.
- Beach Towel
Have a few extra ones in case. Even separate for use to clean sand away and some to use after shower.
g. Toddler beach clothes
- Swimsuit for toddler boys, swimsuit for toddler girls
Choose something that is easy to get into, fits well and as aesthetically and functionally as possible.
- Swim diaper
Good for non-potty trained toddlers and babies as it helps to keep out certain wastes to pass through. You may get reusable ones or disposable ones as well.
- Sandals for beach
Being barefoot on the beach is definitely a yes but have some backup sandals in case the sand gets too hot to step on.
- Rash guard
For toddlers, rash guard helps with UV protection and comfortable play near the sea, protecting them from abrasions and irritation.
- Aesthetic
Beach activities aside, we know some of us would love a beautiful photoshoot by the sea. You may want to pack extra accessories or dress for your toddler just to have that one beautiful photo.
h. Snacks and hydration
- Water and juice boxes
As beach and sun goes hand in hand, hydration is the word. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Whatever that’s your toddler’s favorite drink bring loads of them.
- Cooler bag
Bring enough ice packs to last the entire beach trip.
2. Tips for Going to the Beach with Toddlers
a. Research
Read up on the beach you are planning to bring the toddler. Look out for shallow waters, gentle waves, lifeguards on duty and added amenities such as restrooms and food options. It will further help you to plan out beach essentials for toddlers.
Read reviews from other parents on family-friendly spots. Check on the weather and sea conditions too on your travel day!
b. Beach activities and games
Fun family day at the beach requires fun activities! Here are some toddler beach activities you can add to your itinerary:
- Beach ball fun: Kicking, tossing, rolling, beach soccer, beach volleyball
- Obstacle course: create fun obstacles such as jumping, crawling, flag points
- Treasure hunt: dig up hidden treasures!
- Collect shells: Everyone’s favorite beach activity
c. Safety
Always keep an eye on your toddler when they are near the water. Don’t leave them unattended. Use beach gear like floatation devices in water. Prior to getting down at the beach, we remind our kids on rules to follow at the beach and near water.
Be careful of any possible wildlife at the beach such as jellyfish or crabs. The sand may get too hot so have some beach sandals for your toddler. Stay hydrated regularly.
d. Food and snacks
You don’t want to spend time preparing meals on the beach. Keep them in organized resealable bags or snack boxes.
e. Sun shade
Apply sunscreen prior getting down to the sunny beach. It is recommended to re-apply sunscreen if your toddler is spending hours at the beach. Get breaks away from direct sun time to time and drink more liquids while having break time.
f. Photography
Since it is a fun beach vacation for the whole family, take loads of cute photos of toddlers by the beach. Throw in some aesthetic photoshoot with beautiful beach dress. Take memorable photos of your little girl or little boy in the warm sunny beach.
Sandy toes and happy giggles! Have fun at the beach!
