Must Have Baby Beach Essentials for Your Little One

From sun safety to entertainment, this comprehensive list of baby beach essentials will make your seaside adventure enjoyable for the whole family. [*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for items purchased at no additional cost to you. Read the full disclosre here.]

Summer will be here before we know it, and soon you’ll be planning a day at the beach with your precious bundle of joy. Sunshine, sandcastles, and the sound of crashing waves – a beach day with your baby sounds amazing, right? But for new parents, the thought of tackling the beach with all the baby gear can be overwhelming and stressful. It’s important to ensure you have all the baby beach essentials to keep your baby safe, comfortable, and happy in the summer sun. This post will guide you through the essential items you need to ensure a stress-free and fun-filled beach trip with your little sunshine. I’ve even included a free, printable Baby Beach Essentials Checklist to make things easier, so don’t forget to grab that at the end of this post!

SHOP MY RECOMMENDATIONS:

SEE MY LIST OF AMAZON BABY BEACH ESSENTIALS HERE.

Baby Beach Essentials:

Sun Safety:

1.  Sunblock: Protect your baby’s delicate skin from harmful UV rays with a baby-safe sunscreen. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and specifically formulated for infants. This is the sunblock I love for my little one. Remember to apply it generously and reapply 80 minutes and after swimming.

2. Sun Hat:  A wide-brimmed hat (think chin strap!) Shield your baby’s eyes and face from the sun’s glare with a wide-brimmed sun hat. Check out this adorable gender neutral sun hat! Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics that provide ample coverage.

3. Swimsuit: A UPF 50+ swimsuit is non-negotiable. Opt for swimsuits with rashguards like this one that cover the arms. Rash guards provide an extra layer of sun protection and help prevent irritation from saltwater or sand. Check out these super cute swimsuits for boys and these adorable baby girl swimsuits. Remember, sunscreen is still crucial for exposed areas. Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ or higher sunscreen specifically formulated for babies like this one.

4. Baby Sunglasses: Protect your baby’s eyes from the sun with an adorable pair of baby sunglasses. Ensure the sunglasses have UV protection. I love these sunglasses for my baby because they have a stretchy strap that keeps them on your baby’s face. Also check out these adorable shades!

5. Beach Tent or Umbrella: Create a shady retreat for your baby to escape the sun’s heat by bringing along a beach tent or umbrella. These portable shelters provide a cool, shaded spot for naps, feeding, or playtime. A pop-up tent like this one is perfect! We also love this little tent because you can create a personalized mini swimming pool with it! A beach umbrella is your baby’s sun sanctuary. Look for one with good ventilation and easy assembly like this one

Beachside Must Haves:

1. Swim Diapers: Skip the regular diapers as they get soggy and uncomfortable in the water. Swim Diapers like these keep your little one comfortable and protected in the water. Swim diapers are designed to prevent leaks and are a must-have for babies who aren’t potty trained yet. Beware though, they aren’t really great at keeping in poop. For more poop protection check out this reusable swim diaper.  Pack plenty of swim diapers and remember to change them frequently, especially after potty breaks.

2. Beach Blanket and Beach Towel: A waterproof beach blanket provides a comfy spot for your baby to play, rest, or have a diaper change. Consider a sand-resistant option for easier cleanup like this one. Also pack a soft, lightweight blanket for your baby to sit or lie on during beach outings. It’s useful for keeping them comfortable and dry, whether they’re lounging on the sand or taking a break from splashing in the water. Hooded beach towels are also must have baby beach essentials! Check out this adorable baby hooded beach towel.

3. Portable Changing Pad: A waterproof and portable changing pad is essential for quick and hygienic diaper changes on the go. Look for one that folds up compactly and fits easily into your beach bag. We also pack these disposable diapers garbage bags to keep dirty diapers in, as well as this wet/dry bag to keep wet and dry clothes separate. 

4. Baby Powder: Sand can be tricky to remove from your baby’s skin, but baby powder can make the task easier. Sprinkle some baby powder on sandy areas of your baby’s body, and the sand will magically brush off, leaving them clean and sand-free.

Snacks and Drinks: 

Keep your baby hydrated and satisfied with plenty of snacks and drinks. Pack easy-to-eat finger foods, formula or breast milk, and water in insulated containers to keep them cool and fresh throughout the day.

1. Cool Hydration: Pack plenty of formula, breast milk, or water in a cooler bag like this one to keep your baby hydrated. Consider freezing bottles beforehand to keep them cool longer and packing the bag with icepacks.

2. Feeding Essentials: If your baby is eating solids, pack their usual snacks and sippy cups. We love this sippy cup with handles and a weighted straw. Pack extra bibs, burp cloths, paper towels, and wipes for inevitable spills.

3. Snack ideas: Pack a bento box like this leak proof one with ice pack, full of yummy snacks for your baby. Snacks we love include cheese sticks, cut up fruits, these Beechnut Oaty Bars, homemade bluberry mini muffins, Stonyfield Baby yogurt pouches, Beechnut probiotic melties, these Gerber cheese crunchies, Veggie straws, That’s It Fruit Bars, and homemade pumpkin mini muffins.

Beach Fun:

1. Sandcastles and Sand Play: Buckets, shovels, watering cans, and molds are classic beach toys that never go out of style. Consider silicone or soft plastic options for tiny hands like these silicone shovels and sandcastle molds. Also check put this neutral toned silicone beach toy set and this beach toy tote that has adjustable shoulder straps and includes beach balls!

2. Water Play: Bring along inflatable water toys like beach balls.  My baby loves these adorable water squirters. A small wading pool pop up tent like this is perfect for your little one. This water float is also amazing for babies and toddlers! We love it because it can’t accidentally pop like other kinds. Watering cans like this provide so much entertainment for your little one as well as stacking cups with water holes like these. We also love this little splash mat pool float with canopy and seat! It’s perfect for babies who are just learning to sit up. It also has built in toys and water play!

3. Beach Books: Keep your little one entertained with beach-friendly books. Waterproof bath books like these are perfect for some beach reading time.

Beach Bag and Bonus Essentials:

1. Baby Carrier: Navigating sandy beaches with a stroller can be challenging, so consider using a baby carrier for hands-free convenience like this baby wearing wrap. Opt for a carrier that provides adequate support and allows for proper airflow to keep your baby cool and comfortable like this mesh, structured baby carrier. For more baby essentials like this, check out my First Time Mom Baby Registry Checklist!

2. Diaper Bag Essentials:   Pack the usual suspects- diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, and extra clothes. Also pack extra swim diapers, a wet/dry bag like this one, these disposable diaper bags, sunblock, baby lotion, a hooded baby beach towel like this one, and an extra wide brimmed sun hat like this.

3. First-Aid Kit: Be prepared for minor scrapes and stings with a travel-sized first-aid kit like this one. Make sure to include infant tylenol, children’s Benadryl, ice packs like these instant cold packs, bandages, tweezers, and gauze. 

4. Beach Stroller or Wagon: This Jeep Stroller is a lifesaver! It transports all your gear and doubles as a resting spot for your little one. It comes with a cooler and zippered mesh sides, and holds more than 1 child! We absolutely love our Jeep Stroller wagon.

5. Beach Bag: A spacious beach bag is a must have for storing all your baby beach essentials as well as Mommy’s beach essentials. Check out this beach bag!

Baby Beach Essentials- Things to Remember:

1. Plan your trip: Choose a time of day with milder sun, like early morning or late afternoon. Consider the tide schedule – low tide provides more shallow play areas for your little one. Also keep naptime in mind. Will your baby nap in the car, on the beach, or before you go? Check the weather for rain, temperature, and  air quality alerts.

2. Stay Hydrated: Don’t forget about yourself! Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat for you too. A Stanley Cup is a great way to keep your water icy cold. Or check out this more affordable option that I love! It keeps my drinks super cold and also withstood my baby throwing it on the ground over and over.

3. Take Breaks: Schedule regular breaks in the shade for feeding, diaper changes, and rest. Your first beach trip may only be 45 minutes and that’s ok! Go at whatever pace works for you and your family.

4. Relax and Have Fun: Enjoy the precious moments building sandcastles, splashing in the waves, and making memories with your little beach bum.

With these baby beach essentials in tow, you and your baby are ready to embrace the beach and create unforgettable memories under the sun! Use these baby beach essentials to ensure a fun and stress-free day at the beach. Remember that sun protection and safety are super important, and hydration for your little one and for yourself is key! Cherish the precious moments spent making memories by the shore with your little one, hand in sandy hand.

Happy Mommying!