Taking your baby to the beach for the first time can be exciting, but it also takes a little planning. Between the sun, sand, water, snacks, diapers, and naps, having the right baby beach essentials can make the day feel much easier.
When we took our son to the beach for the first time, I packed as much as I could think of, but I still wished I had used a checklist. A few simple items would have made the day more comfortable for him and less stressful for us.
If you are planning a beach day or vacation with your baby, here are the baby beach essentials I recommend packing before you go.
Key Takeaways
- Shade, sun protection, hydration, and swim diapers are must-haves for a baby beach day.
- Babies need breaks from the sun, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
- Mineral sunscreen, hats, UPF swimwear, and shade can help protect baby’s skin.
- Swim diapers are for water only, so pack regular diapers for before and after swimming.
- Baby beach trips are easier when you bring a wet bag, snacks, towels, toys, and water shoes.
10 Baby Beach Essentials To Pack
Before heading out, think through sun protection, diaper changes, hydration, comfort, and a safe place for baby to rest. These beach essentials can help make the day smoother.
Try to plan your beach visit earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, when temperatures are cooler and the sun isn’t as intense.
1. Beach Tote and Wet Bag
A roomy beach tote is one of the first things you’ll want to pack. This is mainly because it’s big enough to carry everything from towels and toys to snacks and sunscreen. Getting a wipeable or easy-to-clean tote is essential, as it’s bound to get dirty with all that sand and water. I also recommend bringing a separate tote you can designate as the “wet bag.” You can throw in used towels, swimsuits, or shoes you don’t want touching the clean, dry stuff in your wet bag.
2. Baby-Safe Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an important baby beach essential, but your baby’s age matters. For babies younger than 6 months, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping them out of direct sunlight as much as possible, using shade and protective clothing first, and applying a small amount of sunscreen only to exposed areas when shade and clothing are not available.1,2
For older babies, look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Many parents prefer mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for babies’ sensitive skin. Reapply as directed on the label, especially after water play, sweating, or towel drying.1,2
3. Sun Hat and UPF Swimwear
While my son did not like his swim hat, I’m so glad we made him wear one. I did not wear a hat that day, and my ears, forehead, and nose were lobster red after a few hours, even with sunscreen. Keeping your baby’s head and face protected and shaded is very important when they’re out there enjoying the summer sun. I also bought my baby some swim trunks and a swim shirt that covered him well and had SPF within the fabric. That gave me peace of mind that he was extra-protected from those potentially harmful rays.
4. Swim Diapers
Don’t forget to pack swim diapers. They’re one of those beach essentials you’ll be glad you have. I’ve forgotten them before, and it definitely made for a much more stressful beach day. Swim diapers don’t act like regular diapers; they will leak when baby pees. But they’re designed to hold everything in, especially poop, while your baby is playing in the water. Have baby wear a regular diaper on your way to the beach and switch it with a swim diaper (like Pampers Splashers, Huggies Little Swimmers, or a reusable swim diaper) to play in the water. Then, put a new regular diaper back on when you’re ready to leave.
5. Baby Float or Coast Guard-Approved Life Jacket
If your baby will be near the water, safety should always come first. While flotation devices can be fun for supported water play, they do not replace close adult supervision. Stay within arm’s reach of your baby at all times, especially around waves, which can quickly knock little ones off balance.
If your baby enjoys sitting in a baby float while you’re right beside them, choose one that is designed for their age and weight. If you’ll be boating or need a true life jacket, use one that is U.S. Coast Guard-approved and fits your baby’s size properly.
Keeping your baby’s face above the water and protecting their eyes from splashing saltwater will help make the experience safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Related: How to Teach Kids About Beach Safety
6. Water and Snacks
Something about swimming and playing at the beach brings about a whole other level of hunger and thirst. That’s why another baby beach essential is having plenty of snacks, age-appropriate drinks, water, formula, bottles, and sippy cups with you when you go. Having everything within easy reach makes snack breaks and hydration much easier. Plus, keeping them hydrated is essential while out in the heat.
7. Shade, Chairs, and a Portable Fan
This is one thing we didn’t bring on our beach trip, and I kicked myself the entire time. It would have been nice to pitch an umbrella and sit in our lawn chairs for a swim break!
There were moments when our baby wanted to rest for a while and drink his bottle, and it was impossible to get him comfortable with me sitting on the ground under the blazing sun.
If you don’t want to purchase or haul your own umbrella and chairs (or portable play yard for baby), many places on the beach have ones you can rent for the day.
If that is an option, it may be worth it. Also, bring a portable fan!
8. Towels and a Lightweight Blanket
You’ll definitely want to pack a few beach towels. They are great for lying on the sand and preventing your belongings (and baby) from getting sand in every nook and cranny. Beach towels are also necessary to dry off and keep warm from the cool water. On top of that, consider bringing a lightweight blanket with you. Baby might want to nap while on the beach, and having something airy yet protective to cover their little body will be a big lifesaver.
9. Beach Toys
Depending on your baby’s age, they may only spend a short time in the water before they’re ready for something new. And most times, they’re too young to truly enjoy the choppy waves. So, be sure to bring some beach toys, shell-collecting bags, or even this fun surfboard toy to keep them entertained. Toys that help them build little sandcastles, dig holes, or collect seashells are ideal. No matter your baby’s age, bringing a few simple toys can help make the experience even more enjoyable.
10. Water Shoes or Sandals
This is one thing I wish I had packed for my son. We skipped shoes, and I quickly realized how surprisingly hot the sand could get.
Water shoes or waterproof sandals with sturdy soles can help protect your baby’s feet while walking, crawling, or standing in the sand. They’re lightweight, comfortable for splashing and playing in the water, and help protect little feet from hot sand and rough surfaces.
Even if your baby isn’t walking yet, a pair of water shoes or sandals can still help protect their feet while you’re carrying them or letting them explore nearby.
A beach trip with a baby may take extra planning, but the right essentials can make the experience much smoother. Pack for sun protection, shade, hydration, diaper changes, snacks, rest, and safe time near the water.
And remember, baby’s first beach trip does not have to be perfect to be special. Keep your expectations realistic, follow your baby’s cues, and enjoy making those sweet beach memories together.
Before your trip, be sure to check out our beach safety guide for kids for additional tips on staying safe near the water.
