Beach Essentials for Toddlers (What You ACTUALLY Need!)
Summer is right around the corner–finally!
If you’re gearing up for a beach getaway with a little one in tow, today’s blog post is for you.
As a family who heads to the beach as often as possible, we know the excitement (and chaos) that comes with packing for a family beach trip.
This guide reveals all the essentials that you actually need for maximum fun and minimum meltdowns. So grab your shades and that adorable sun hat and let’s dive into the must-have beach essentials for toddlers!
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Beach Essentials for Toddlers
Preparation is key when bringing kids to the beach. Having everything you need can truly change your beach experience for the better.
👇 Go ahead and download our complete family beach vacation packing list below!
Beach Gear Checklist at a Glance
Save this quick checklist for easy packing! ✅
🛟 Beach Safety:
- 🦺 Coast Guard-approved life jacket
- 🌊 Water shoes for hot sand & slippery surfaces
☀️ Sun Protection:
- 🧴 Reef-safe, mineral sunscreen
- 👒 Wide-brim sun hat
- 🕶️ Toddler sunglasses
- 👕 Rash guard swimsuit
🏖️ Beach Comfort:
- ⛺ Beach tent or umbrella for shade
- 🏖️ Sand-proof beach blanket
🧸 Beach Fun:
- 🪣 Bucket & shovels for sand play
- 🚜 Small wagon for hauling toys
🍎 Snacks & Hydration:
- 🥜 Low-sugar, high-protein snacks (Lots of snacks are a must on every packing list for toddlers!)
- 💧 Refillable water bottle
🎒 How to Carry It All:
- 🏖️ Beach wagon or large beach bag
🔥 Bonus Tip: Keep a small container of baby powder in your bag—it magically removes sand from hands and feet! ✨
⬇️ KEEP READING for our top picks of these must-have items, including our favorite beach toy that you may have never heard of!
What to Wear
Swimsuit
When spending the day in the sun, we recommend having a swimsuit with long sleeves (also known as a rash guard).
This helps ensure your child won’t get sunburned on the arms. We all know what it’s like to miss a spot with sunscreen, so having their sensitive skin covered as much as possible to begin with is a wise precaution.
Even our big kids wear rash guards to the beach!
Sun Hat
A toddler sun hat should have a wide brim which helps shade both their face and the back of their neck. A string or velcro strap around their chin helps keep the hat on even with the ocean breeze.
Swim Diapers
Swim diapers are a must-have when going to the beach with a toddler! There are both disposable and reusable options available, so you can pick which works best for your family.
We prefer the reusable options when we are close to home, however the disposable swim diapers are great for traveling.
Water Shoes
Water shoes help protect your child’s feet from hot sand or sharp shells and rocks that may be scattered along the sand.
Sunscreen
For safe sun protection, we recommend a reef-safe, all-natural mineral sunscreen like Badger Baby Sunscreen Cream–it’s our personal favorite!
With gentle, skin-friendly ingredients, it’s a much better choice for your little one’s sensitive skin than traditional sunscreens. Plus, it’s been a go-to for our kids, keeping them well-protected during long beach days.
☀️ Reapply often! Sunscreen wears off quickly, so be sure to reapply sun protection every hour.
💡➡️ Tip: Set a phone alarm as a handy reminder–it’s easy to lose track of time when you’re having fun!
Life Jacket
When it comes to water safety, nothing is more important than protecting your little one.
A Coast Guard–approved life jacket is an absolute must for any beach day with a toddler.
Choose one that fits snugly and is comfortable to wear–because a happy toddler makes for a more relaxing beach trip!
💡Before your trip, let your toddler practice wearing their life jacket at home. Getting them used to it ahead of time can make all the difference when you hit the beach!
Beach Must-Haves for Toddlers
Beach Tent or Umbrella
A beach tent is one of the best pieces of toddler beach gear you can bring!
It offers a shady retreat from the sun and wind, creating the perfect spot for your little one to rest or even take a beachside nap.
Most beach tents come with stakes to keep them secure, even on breezy days, so you can relax knowing your setup will stay in place.
Beach Blanket
A large, sand-proof beach blanket is a must-have for a comfortable beach day with kids.
These blankets make it easy to shake off sand, keeping the mess where it belongs–on the beach, not in your bag!
Look for one that’s lightweight, fold sup small, and is easy to carry so you can avoid hauling bulky gear.
Beach Towels
Pack at least one beach towel per person to ensure everyone can dry off before heading back to the car. These oversized beach towels are our favorite–they’re incredibly soft!
Fan
A battery-powered fan can be an important addition to your toddler beach packing list. Keeping your little one cool helps them stay happier…and when the toddler is happy, everyone is happy!
Beach Toys
Playing in the sand can be just as exciting as splashing in the waves! Pack a bucket, a few shovels, and even a small wagon to spark your little one’s imagination and keep them entertained for hours.
This is the exact sand toy set we bring on every beach trip–it’s durable, well-designed, and has everything you toddler needs for endless sandy exploration!
On our recent trip to 30A in Florida, we discovered these Surfer Dudes–and they were a huge hit!
Just toss a Surfer Dude into the waves and watch it ride back to shore–no batteries needed! They use the power of the ocean, just like real surfers.
This is our #1 favorite beach toy!
When someone asks for the best beach gear for families, I always recommend shell bags!
These are perfect for collecting shells as your stroll along the beach (without collecting the sand as well!).
Baby Powder
Did you know baby powder is a game-changer for sandy hands and feet?
Just sprinkle a little on your child’s skin, then gently brush it off–the sand comes right off like magic. No more messy, sticky sand sticking to everything!
Snacks and Drinks
When it comes to tips for traveling with toddlers, snacks are everything!
We always pack more than we think we’ll need because well-fed kids are happy kids. Opt for low-sugar, high-protein snacks to keep their energy levels steady and avoid those dreaded sugar crashes.
For extra fun, try packing snacks in a snackle box! It keeps everything organized and makes snack time even more exciting.
And don’t forget to hydrate with water! Hours in the sun can lead to dehydration quickly, so be sure to take frequent water breaks to keep everyone happy and healthy.
Beach Snack Ideas
- Applesauce pouches
- Crackers
- Cheese sticks (bring a cooler!)
- Fruit
- Pretzels and hummus
- Granola bars
Diaper Bag
Don’t forget your diaper bag! These are the items we recommend stocking in your diaper bag for the beach:
- Swim diapers
- Wipes
- Changing pad
- Diaper cream
- Change of clothes
- Pacifier
- Disposable bags
- Hand sanitizer
- Blanket
- First Aid Kit
- Small toys or books
- Dry bag
Beach Wagon
I know packing all this toddler beach gear might feel overwhelming–how are you supposed to carry it all?! A beach wagon or a large beach bag is the way to go.
We personally love the Simple Modern tote because it’s easy to clean, won’t tip over, and even has a detachable waterproof zipper pocket for beach bag necessities like your phone and cash.
Both options make it effortless to haul all your toddler beach essentials without the struggle.
Need a new beach bag? Check out our roundup of the best beach bags for families to find the perfect one for your next trip!
Printable Beach Checklist for Toddlers and Families
We have created a free, printable beach checklist to help take the stress out of your next beach trip!
👇 Grab your printable checklist for the whole family here!👇
Tips for Going to the Beach with a Toddler
- Make sure your toddler is well-rested before heading to the beach. A well-rested child is more likely to stay happy and enjoy the day.
- Keep snacks and water handy. It’s easy to lose track of mealtime on a beach day, but regular snack and hydration breaks will help prevent meltdowns.
- Stay flexible and follow your toddler’s lead. If they’re getting tired or overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to take breaks or even call it a day early. This will improve the experience for the whole family!
- Prioritize water safety. Stay within arm’s reach of your child at all times and have them wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when near the water.
Still planning your trip and not sure where to go? We’ve got an incredible list of the best Florida beaches for kids that you need to check out!
Whether you’re flying with a toddler or taking a road trip with your little one, a beach trip is an excellent choice for a family-friendly vacation.
There’s nothing sweeter than watching tiny hands dig in the sand or hearing joyful giggles as little feet splash in the waves. Beach days with family are truly magical–soak up every moment and take lots of photos!
Read More Beach Trip Planning Resources:
- Top 10 Family-Friendly Beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast
- The Only Beach Vacation Packing List You’ll Ever Need
- Top Picks for the Best Family Beach Bags
- 13 Best Things to Do on 30A for an Unforgettable Trip
- Best Time to Visit Anna Maria Island for Perfect Weather and Less Crowds
- Martha’s Vineyard vs. Nantucket: Which Island Should You Visit?
- Beach Essentials for Toddlers {What You Actually Need}
