A Short & Sweet Packing List for a Perfect Beach Vacation with a Toddler
Splashing in the shimmering waves, discovering hidden sea treasures along the shore, building epic sandcastles… There’s something magical about embarking on a beach vacation with your toddler.
But these one-of-a-kind memories can quickly fall to pieces if your toddler gets overheated, sunburned, or needs a snack that you forgot to pack.
That’s why after many — many — trips to the beach (and navigating just about every scenario with a toddler you can imagine)… We’ve put together the perfect packing list for a beach vacation with a toddler or baby.
So you can avoid any tantrums or tears…And instead enjoy tons of laughter, basking in the sun, and soaking in the warmth of the sand between your toes.
Ready to make the most of your beach vacation, knowing you’ll have everything you need to keep everyone in your family happy? Let’s start packing!
Must-Have Beach Vacation Packing List with a Toddler or Baby
Don’t leave home without these 15 essential items for a fun beach vacation with your toddler or baby!
- Toddler Sunscreen
- Rash Guard
- Beach Hat
- Sunglasses
- Swim Diapers (with plenty of wipes!)
- Water Shoes / Waterproof Sandals
- Water Bottle / Sippy Cup
- Beach Snacks
- Beach Towels / Blanket
- Toddler Beach Toys
- Life Vest
- Toddler Beach Tent / Umbrella
- Wet Bag (for wet clothes)
- Beach Bag / Wagon
- Our favorite beach hack: Baby Powder! (Trust us!)
Ready to start packing for your beach vacation? Let’s do it!
Toddler Sunscreen
Photo of Thinkbaby’s toddler sunscreen
At the top of our packing list, toddler sunscreen is a must-have for a day at the beach. We’ve searched high and low for the perfect toddler sunscreen that’s free from unpleasant irritants and biologically harmful chemicals and absolutely love Thinkbaby’s toddler sunscreens (our second favorite is VIVAIODAYS Turmeric Sunscreen that’s 100% all-natural and organic).
Not only do they have a high SPF (30 or 50) for those sunny long days at the beach…it comes in a stick or bottle form, making it super easy to apply on your wiggly little one. You can even use it on yourself (and believe me we have!) making it a great option for the whole family.
Pro Tip: Also pack some of Thinkbaby’s Aloe Vera Gel to bring some quick relief. Just in case anyone gets sunburned!
Rash Guard
Countless hours in the sun can be harmful to your little one’s sensitive skin. That’s why a rash guard (aka. swim shirt or sun shirt) can be a real lifesaver. Rash guards are great for protecting your little one’s soft skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, rough waves, sand, and scrapes.
Rash guards come in a variety of styles, from long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirts to one-piece swimsuits. Not only will a rash guard provide the extra protection your little one needs, they also come in so many fun colors, patterns, and styles to match your little one’s personality.
Beach Hat
Photo of Binky Bro Barney Patrol Straw Hats
Even though your little one may object — and pull their hat off 10,000 times! — a sun hat can help keep your little one cool while having a fun day in the sun. By shading your cutie pie’s face from the direct rays of the sun, you’ll protect them from being overheated, not to mention getting a sunburn!
Pick a hat with a wide brim, water repellent fabric, and built in ultraviolet protection for the perfect beach getaway.
Our go-to’s? Jan & Jul’s sunhats — like their cotton bucket hat, dry bucket hat, or adventure hat with extra neck protection. Not only are they lightweight and easy to pack, they come in a variety of fun colors and patterns!
Or for a classic look… You can’t go wrong with a good old fashioned snapback hat like THESE from Binky Bro. Check out all our fun sun hat options HERE in the boutique.
Sunglasses
Photo of Sugar + Maple Mod Sunglasses
Unlike your adult eyes, children’s eyes are still maturing and can’t filter out the sun’s harmful UV rays as effectively. That’s why a pair of protective sunglasses is a must-have for a day at the beach with a toddler — especially if your little one has light colored eyes.
But we know how tricky it can be to get some little ones to wear sunglasses… Try practicing with sunglasses before the big beach trip.
But if the trial runs don’t go so well, don’t worry! Toss them in your beach bag anyways. When their feet hit the sand, your tiny tot may be so distracted by the waves that you can slip them on without them noticing!
Swim Diapers (with plenty of wipes!)
If you’ve ever let your little one play in the water without a swim diaper on hand, you’ve experienced how even the best regular diapers blow up and become a soggy mess.
As you pack for a fun day at the beach, make sure to pack a good swim diaper (or a few!)). Swim diapers will contain any leaks or messes to keep your little one (and the water!) comfortable and clean.
Water Shoes / Waterproof Sandals
Hot sand, sharp seashells, and jagged rocks can be tough on your little one’s feet. To protect your tot’s tiny toes, slip their feet into a toddler swim shoe when you arrive at the beach. That way you won’t have to worry about your child getting unexpected cuts, scrapes, or burns while they’re out exploring!
Water shoes are also perfect for so many summer time activities like heading to the pool, your favorite water park, or running in the sprinkler!
Water Bottle / Sippy Cup
All the beach fun under a bright, hot sun is sure to make your little one thirsty! Make sure to keep a full water bottle or sippy cup on hand and offer it periodically throughout the day to your child. You can even keep it cool in a travel cooler or use an insulated cup with some ice you bring from home.
Because the last thing you want is for your little one to get dehydrated while enjoying a fun day at the beach. If your child starts to look light-headed, unusually sleepy, or tired, they could be getting dehydrated and need a water break in the cool shade.
Beach Snacks
Photo of GoBe Snack Spinner
Building sand castles, flying kites, and jumping in the waves will definitely work up your little one’s appetite! Bring lots of snacks to keep you and your whole family full — and maybe a few extra in case you decide to extend your time in the sun!
Granola bars, frozen fruit, crackers, trail mix, sandwich wraps, pretzels, and whole grain cookies are some of our favorite beach snacks. Store your snacks in easy-to-access reusable snack bags, an on-the-go sandwich box, or the toddler favorite GoBe Snack Spinner!
Beach Towels / Blanket
Photo of Luv Bug UPF 50+ Sunscreen Towels
Once you’ve picked out your perfect beach spot, create a comfy lounge area for your whole family to enjoy with some beach towels or an outdoor blanket. Beach towels with colorful patterns are great for helping little ones identify where you’re sitting, especially if you go for a walk along the shore.
Beach towels are also great for drying your kiddos off as they get out of the water, wrapping around your waist as a cover-up, providing a comfy place to lounge on the hot sand, and even giving your beach chair a spa-like feel.
Toddler Beach Toys
Photo of Haba 5 Piece Basic Sand Toys Set
Ready to help your child build an epic sand castle? Or surprise dad by turning him into a sand mermaid?
Be sure to pack some fun toddler beach toys for endless hours of beach-time play! THIS is a great essentials set with all the basic gear you’ll need for your sand enthusiasts.
Our other beach favorites are the spilling funnel, Dimpl Splash and Pail Pals from Fat Brain, and a refillable bubble bottle for lots of laughs and creative play!
And if you’re short on space — check out Scrunch’s beach-time toys. Their beach set, sand molds, and sand sifter are perfect for squishing into small spaces for easy packing.
Life Vest
If your toddler is fascinated by the water, packing a life vest will help to keep your little one safe while exploring the ocean. A life vest can help young children learn how to float, swim and give them a bit more freedom to practice their swimming skills.
Even if you’re holding them the whole time, a life vest is a great way to protect your toddler just in case you accidentally lose your footing or an unexpected big wave comes your way!
Toddler Beach Tent / Umbrella
We love a good beach tent or old fashioned beach umbrella to provide some much-needed shade on a hot sunny day. That’s why even if they take up a bit more packing space, a beach tent/umbrella ranks high on our summer beach day packing list!
Not only are they great for blocking the wind and sun’s harmful rays, a beach tent also provides a private space for your family. Perfect for providing a safe place for your toddler to nap, change, or have a few minutes of down time during a long day at the beach.
Wet Bag (for wet clothes)
After a fun day playing in the water, there’s nothing like putting on some clean, dry clothes so that you can comfortably head to a restaurant for dinner or hop in the car to drive home. Instead of getting your beach bag all soaked, toss your wet clothes and towels in a reusable wet bag.
These wet bags are great for keeping wet clothes, muddy towels, dirty diapers, and soggy shoes all contained so that the rest of your items stay nice and clean! That way it’s super easy to toss your wet items in the laundry when you get home.
Beach Bag / Wagon
Photo of Wonderfold Volkswagen Special Edition VW4
Once you’ve gathered all your beach items, toss them in a beach bag or two that will be easy to carry. And if you have the space — a travel wagon can also be a great addition to your beach day! These are great for toting around your little one and all your beach gear.
Plus a travel wagon is perfect for taking your toddler on longer walks on the beach as strollers can be really challenging to maneuver in soft sand.
Best Beach Hack for Toddlers: Baby Powder!
Baby power is a must-have item for a smooth beach day with a toddler. Say goodbye to getting your towels all wet and muddy while trying to dry off your little one. Baby powder helps to absorb the moisture on your child’s skin, so that the sand dries and easily falls off!
This beach hack is a simple, yet brilliant trick that will make your beach day with your toddler so much more enjoyable!
Need Help Checking off the Items on Your Packing List for a Fun Toddler Vacation at the Beach?
Photo of Babies in Bloom Boutique Summer Collection
This packing list for a beach vacation with a toddler has everything you’ll need for a fun, memorable time with your family.
But if you’re struggling to know exactly what to pack (or leave behind!) — you’re not alone.
Our experienced staff at the Babies in Bloom Boutique have navigated just about every scenario you can imagine for a beach vacation with a toddler. We’ll help you find the perfect items you’ll need for a fun trip and help you avoid tantrums, tears, or overpacking unnecessary items you’ll regret lugging around.
Come by the shop, give us a call, or browse the boutique online today!
Boutique Website: https://babies-in-bloom.myshopify.com/
Boutique Address: 127 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084
Boutique Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm (We are closed on Sunday!)
Boutique Phone Number: 760-940-BABY (2229)
