Beach Trips with Toddlers: What to bring

To all my beach loving mamas that don’t mind a little sand and salty water, our favorite season is almost here! As the spring breakers make their way to the beaches in the next few weeks, we are just getting started here on the gulf coast. Living close enough to the beach to enjoy it every day is a luxury that I do not take for granted. Now that the kids are somewhat self-sufficient, I have a feeling that day trips will likely be a regular occurrence for my family once again.

While I know it’s a task with toddlers, I would say it is totally worth the work. It takes a lot more effort and a whole lot more stuff when you throw kids into the beach planning. We recently went for the first time this year with my four and this is my must have list of what to bring if you have toddlers. Keep it simple, don’t overthink or overpack anything, the necessities are key! There are just a few more on the list when the kids are involved. Happy beach going mamas!

Beach Must Haves with Toddlers

1. Tent/umbrella– Bringing shade for the little ones is very important. They can and will get overheated if they don’t have enough protection. If you plan on staying for more than a couple of hours, shade is a must. If it’s a short trip, umbrellas are easier and smaller. For an all-day trip we have really liked the Sun Ninja. It is lightweight, easy to set up, and comes with a small carrying bag.

2. Sunscreen– More protection from the sun! Lather up thoroughly before actually getting to the beach, but bring plenty for reapplications. Also bring: hats, sunglasses, and chapstick for protection against the sun.

3. Wagon– One, maybe two, depending on what all you need to haul. When the triplets were little this is how we transported them to and from the room. For all the gear, load it with the heaviest things on bottom for stability.

4. Cooler– I personally like a good backpack cooler for the convenience of not having to pull or drag a heavy one through the sand. For these, you should use ice packs instead of straight ice to minimize any leaking. (Because they all leak.) Pour out the excess liquid when you get ready to leave.

5. Extra Large beach bag– The more you can consolidate to one bag, the less you have to worry about carrying and/or remembering where you put something. The mesh bags seem to be a favorite among beachgoers, but I prefer something I can wipe down before putting back in the car.

6. Beach blanket/sheet/towels– Bring something large to accommodate several at a time. I prefer a beach blanket that I got from Walmart a very long time ago, but Amazon has a few that comes with stakes to keep it in place, which seems like a really good idea. I usually bring one towel per person plus hooded beach towels for the kiddos. The smaller size towels are great for toddlers.

7. Chairs– For a quick trip, a chair is not a necessity. However, you will want one for several hours. We only bring chairs for the adults, because we have so many kids. However, if you only have one or two littles, bring the kids one too so they don’t steal yours.

8. Snacks– Plenty of water is first on this list. Premade sandwiches, fruit, crackers, granola bars, applesauce packs, beef jerky, and Pringles are some of our favorite choices.

9. Wipes/spray bottle– Wipes are a must when you take toddlers anywhere. I keep a pack in my purse and they always come in handy. Spray bottles are fun for kids and they will help clean hands/faces before having any snacks.

10. Life jacket/floaties– Even if your kid(s) can swim, use personal flotation devices if they plan on getting in the water. The ocean is so strong, even the smallest wave could knock them underwater.

11. Toys– Sand toys, water toys, beach games, and kites would all be great, but don’t overdo it in this department. Bring a few and change it up each time so it doesn’t get boring. I highly recommend a bucket and shovel every single time though. Toddlers like to dig, dump, and bury all the things.

12. Cooling towel/fan– These are small, compact, and worth the space. You can attach the fan to a tent pole and use it when the kids rest in the shade. I also have some very cheap handheld fans that I found at a Dollar General and the boys love them.

13. Baby powder– Most people who frequent the beach can tell you that baby powder will get the sand off. I mostly use this trick before getting back in the car or if their faces get covered. Dry sand is easier to get off than wet, so try to let the sun dry them before rubbing them down. You can use a dry towel, but I usually just use my hands.

14. Portable potty/Swim Diapers– Even kids that are potty trained may not be able to hold it if the walk is too far to the restroom. Just be sure the walk to the trash can isn’t too far either. I’ve held a towel up to shield them while they do their business. If this is a definite no for you, be sure to bring the swim diapers! At least if they don’t make it to a restroom it won’t fall out of their pants.

15. Plastic bags– I bring plastic grocery bags to use for trash and wet, sandy laundry. Actual trash bags are great for wet towels and clothes if you are getting back in the car. I also bring ziploc baggies for snack holders.

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