Are you planning on taking your baby to the beach? Whether you’re planning to go for the day or planning a beach vacation, knowing what to pack in your beach bag is essential to a great trip.
Love for the Beach
One of the most amazing things about living on an island is that the beach is always close by. I’m definitely a beach girl! I absolutely love the beach and have since I was a little girl. I enjoyed going for quick dips while my grandfather stood close by watching from the sand. Once I got older loved spending long days on summer vacation with friends and family enjoying the water and sunshine.
Luckily, St. Lucia, where I currently live, happens to have some of the most beautiful beaches. Sea, sand, sun, fun….what’s not to love.
Sharing my Love for the Beach with My Daughter
Once my daughter was born, one of the things I looked forward to the most was bringing her to the beach. I hoped that she would share my love for the water and the sandy shores.
Luckily, it seems like she’s taken after her mama in that regard.
We brought her for the first time when she was around 3 months old, and have continued to do so regularly. Now that she is over a year old, we go several times a week. We play in the sand, practice her walking and enjoy the water. It’s a great way for us to both keep active and for her to have a fun sensory experience. For other great ideas for sensory play, check out this post.
Preparing for Baby’s Trips to the Beach
I was excited for my baby’s first beach trip, but felt the need to be prepared with all of the supplies she may need while there.
As I mentioned before, she was around 3 months old when we first brought her. She could not yet use sunblock or bug repellant or some of the other items I may have wanted to bring along. This just meant I had to do some extra planning to ensure she would have a safe and comfortable first trip to the beach.
Packing for Baby’s Trips to the Beach
Now that we’ve taken her several times, I have mastered our list of our must haves for baby’s beach days.
In this post I will share my favourite beach essentials for babies, toddlers and even parents too (because mommy and daddy need supplies to help them enjoy the day as well).
Must-pack Essentials for Baby’s Trip to the Beach
Each of these essentials can be used for little ones of all ages to have a fun, safe and comfortable day at the beach. Whether you’re visiting a local beach (or lake) in your area or traveling abroad to a beach internationally, check out this list of essentials for baby at the beach.
This list is great for anyone planning a trip, vacation and even those who live nearby and frequent the beach, like us! These are items I put in my beach bag on each trip to the beach. I am hoping that you find this list helpful for your baby’s first beach adventures.
For more great tips on packing for your Baby’s Firsts…check out these posts on:
What to Pack for your Baby’s First Trip
Packing Your Carry-on for Baby’s First Plane Ride
Essential Packing List for Baby’s Beach Trips!
1. Designated Beach Bag
When preparing for the beach, I bring my baby’s regular diaper bag, but I also pack a separate beach bag with all of her beach essentials.
I find this helpful to have all of her beach necessities in one bag, so they can be easily accessed. It is also a great way not to get sand in her diaper bag, if I don’t have to use it while at the beach. A waterproof beach bag is always a plus!
2. Towels
I typically bring two towels. One to dry off baby once they are out of the water, and a second in case one to lay them on while changing them. It’s always a good idea to have extras with babies. This extra towel can also come in handy if something unexpected occurs. You never know when your towel may fall into the water!
3. Water
If the beach that you’re going to does not have a shower or rinsing station, you are going to want to bring along a bottle of water to rinse your baby off after they get out of the ocean. This helps to reduce skin irritation (itchiness, eczema flare ups, etc.) and can help to reduce the amount of sand that gets into your vehicle when you’re heading home.
Remember to bring along drinking water bottle for both you and baby. Sunny days can make you both extra thirsty, so carrying drinking water is always a good idea.
4. Floating Device(s)
Depending on your baby’s age, you may want to bring along some type of floatation device. Especially if they aren’t keen on being placed directly in the water or feel more comfortable floating, this will be a big help.
This could be a floatie, arm bands, tube, etc., made for babies or infants.
We use this one, which we love to use in both the pool and ocean because of the awning that helps to protect our daughter from the sun.
5. Sunblock
If your baby is over 6 months and can use sunblock, be sure to put some on 30 minutes before they are exposed to the sun. Re-apply as directed. Aim for at least 50 SPF. Check out two of our favourite brands above.
6. Sunshade
If your little one is under 6 months, consider purchasing a sunshade, beach tent or floating device with a built in sun shade to help protect their very delicate skin.
This one is awesome because all of us can fit in it comfortably. It is easy to set up (just pops up in seconds) and comes with a convenient carrying case.
7. Sun Hat
Even with these items, we still bring along a sun hat (the kind that extends down the back of baby’s neck and shades their eyes from the sun) to help give some additional protection. This one holds up well in the water and dries quickly.
8. Insect Repellent
It’s not uncommon for mosquitoes, sandflies and other annoying bugs to be around at the beach. If your baby is old enough to use repellent, bring some along and reapply as needed.
If they aren’t, consider other products like a net or light long sleeve clothing to help keep insects away when your little one is hanging out on the sand.
9. Chair or Device to Put Baby In
If you plan to spend the day or at least a few hours at the beach, consider bringing along a beach chair or shelter of some kind for your little one, especially if they are under one year old or aren’t walking.
It will be convenient for them to have a spot to rest and relax when not being carried or held by you, and will free up your hands for other things as well. Providing a spot for them not directly on or close to the sand can also help reduce skin and eye irritation.
10. Wet Bag
You won’t want to put your baby’s wet swimsuit or towel back into your diaper bag or beach bag, so bring along a waterproof wet bag or a few ziploc bags to help keep these items separate.
11. Swim Suit
A swimsuit that offers sun protection (long sleeves, short sleeves or wetsuit style) is considered the best options for baby’s first trips to the beach, under 6 months. After this period, they are still very helpful to protect their skin and reduce sunburns.
These types of suits offer added protection against the sun and can keep the baby warmer than other swimsuit styles, especially after a long day in the cool water.
12. Diapers
Bring extra! Regular ones are typically fine, especially if you’re changing them often. If you prefer, you can bring along swim diapers, which can be less heavy and cumbersome after absorbing water.
13. Snacks
Have a breastfed baby? Be prepared to feed them at some point (this might mean bringing along a swaddle blanket or cover up). Some babies like a bit of comfort after coming out of the water. If you’re bringing milk, a small cooler bag can help keep it safe from the sun.
If your baby is eating solids, bring along some healthy snacks that can help soothe them. I like bringing some cut fruit, which is easy to prepare and serve, and doesn’t require too much fuss. Ready made snacks that are quick and store easily are great options too. Here are some of our favourites.
Don’t forget to pack snacks for you too! This will help to keep your energy up and give you the endurance for your day in the sun.
14. Change of Clothes (or two)
I have gotten into the habit of bringing along a couple changes of clothes for my daughter, for once she is out of the water.
Something warm and long, which can help to warm baby up if they are cold, and also offer protection against bugs and the sun.
My second outfit is typically a lighter outfit to put on if its hot. Something like a vest or light dress that I can just put on with a diaper.
Final Thoughts on Packing for Baby’s Beach Trips
Bringing your baby to the beach for the first time can be an overwhelming experience. As the two of you get more comfortable, I hope that it becomes a fun experience that you will cherish for years to come.
Being prepared and packing the essentials for baby’s beach day is so vital to having a good experience. I hope that this post and list has helped you to formulate your list of must have essentials for your baby’s beach excursions.
Remember to be safe, have fun and take pictures. Your baby’s early days at the beach will be great memories that you will cherish for a lifestyle.
For more great tips on packing for your Baby’s Firsts…check out these posts on:
Packing for your Baby’s First Trip
Packing Your Carry-on for Baby’s First Plane Ride
I Would Love to Hear From You!
Reach out to me with any comments or questions using my contact form! or send a message in the comments below. I would love to hear from you about beach essentials that you packed for your baby’s days at the beach.
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