If you have kids, you know that those supposed lazy days of summer don’t exist. Even a simple day at the beach requires a lot of planning and packing. We’ve got you covered – make your next beach day a success by packing along these essentials for your little bubs.
Toys/Activities
Between sand and swimming, there is a lot of play that happens at the beach without toys, but if you’re planning on a long visit to the lake or ocean, it’s wise to pack items that can help keep kids busy. From shovels and buckets to goggles, snorkels, floaties, balls, and frisbees, there are plenty of outdoor toys designed to enhance your little one’s beach day.
Sunscreen
This one is non-negotiable. If you forget toys, you can improvise with sticks, leaves, rocks, and other found items. Sunscreen, on the other hand, doesn’t really have an equivalent. Keeping a bottle of sunscreen in your diaper bag or car ensures you have it, even if you forget to put it in your beach bag. Make sure to use a sunscreen that’s safe for your little one’s skin (especially babies!), and apply/reapply as directed.
Pop-up Beach Tent or Sun Umbrella
Let’s face it, little ones would play outside all day if you let them, but prolonged sun exposure can lead to sunburns or heat stroke. A pop-up beach tent or sun umbrella is a terrific item to pack along for a beach outing, especially if your local beach doesn’t have too many shady spots.
Towels
If you have a water baby on your hands, you’ll want to have fresh towels ready to dry them off. Little swimmers have a tendency to go in and out of the water quite a bit, and they may need a second towel if the first one is still damp from an earlier swim. Nest Designs hooded bath towels are also wonderful at the beach, and the hood can be used to shade little faces from the sun.
Sun Safe Swimwear
Taking precautions to stay safe in the sun helps ensure the kids have a fun day at the beach. From little heads to little toes, kids should have sunhats, swimsuits/rash guards, and water shoes (for rocky beaches).
You can purchase swimwear that helps shield kids from the sun’s harmful UV rays, giving them an added layer of protection. Even with long sleeve rash guards, you don’t have to sacrifice cuteness. Petite Revery, for example, has a line of swimwear with sweet designs that also offer UV protection.
Swim Diapers
Have you ever put your little one in the water wearing a regular diaper? Regular diapers are meant to absorb water, so they quickly expand and become waterlogged if they’re used at the beach, making them not much good for anything. Make sure to pack along both swim diapers and regular diapers for your day at the beach.
Plenty of Fluids
Keep those kids (and yourself) hydrated! Out in the sun we lose a lot of water through sweating, so pack a generous supply of water, juice boxes, or other drinks. After all, thirsty kids can turn to cranky kids pretty quickly.
Snacks
Little bubs everywhere love snacks. Every super parent knows the importance of snacks, whether for the beach or anywhere else. Longer beach adventures may require a cooler for things like fruit or cheese, but many other snacks fare well in a small lunch tote.
Side note, depending on which snacks you bring along, don’t forget reusable plates and cutlery. No napkins? Use the baby wipes from your diaper bag to clean little hands and faces.
Beach Blanket
There are plenty of ways a blanket can be useful at the beach. It prevents you from sitting on hot sand, it can help your little one stay warm if the weather changes, it can be folded and used as a pillow…they’re fantastic. Who doesn’t love a versatile quilted blanket?
Life Jacket
Water safety is incredibly important for a day at the beach. Little ones who don’t know how to swim should always wear their life jacket near the water. Modern life jackets are made to be both cute and comfortable, so your little bubs may not mind wearing it at all.
A Dry Outfit
At the end of the day, little ones are going to be damp from all their splishing and splashing. Rather than put them into their car seat when they’re still wet, change them into a cute summertime romper or shorts and a t-shirt. As for the wet stuff? Bring along an extra bag to keep it separate from all your other beach supplies.
Wagon
You’ve packed up everything you need for a day at the beach, and let’s be honest, with kids, it makes for a mountain of stuff. Rather than struggle to unload and carry all of these items, do yourself a favour and get a collapsible wagon to easily cart everything in one trip to your spot on the beach. Be warned though, your little bubs will likely want to ride in it too!
What are Your Must-Haves for the Beach?
You’ve read about our beach essentials, now it’s your turn to share. What are the kid-friendly items you bring to the beach? Tell us in the comments!