This is really a guide on what to bring to the beach with a baby or infant. What to bring to the beach with toddlers is a whole other ball game than with your small little newborns. These essentials are for baby’s between the ages of 0 to about 8-12 months that are fairly immobile and content sticking with mom or dad.
We live in Florida and I’ve been going to the beach with Roman almost once a week since he was about 2 months old. These are our tried and true beach essentials for babies that will make sure they (and you) stay comfortable and happy at the beach.
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What to Bring to the Beach with a Baby
1. Carrying It All
The first thing you are going to need is a way to bring all these baby beach essentials down to the beach in as few trips as possible. My first tip is to travel as light as possible. I know that may seem hard after reading this list but try your best. Don’t pack duplicates of everything plus many items are small.
I pack everything into a large beach tote that fits a ton! Having a designated bag means that I don’t mind if it gets sandy, dirty or wet. I recommend leaving your diaper bag at home or in the car to avoid sand contamination. Once something gets sandy I don’t think it’s ever not sandy again! Move all the items you need from the diaper bag into a reusable pouch or a plastic bag.
The plastic bag can be helpful to hold wet clothes or poopy diapers till you get home. Make sure you have extra diapers and wipes along with a pacifier or two if you use them.
If you are bringing bigger items to the beach like a tent or chairs then a beach wagon or even your stroller is very helpful. A wagon will guarantee that no matter what you bring to the beach for your baby you’ll be able to get it to the shoreline. Make sure you get a wagon with large wheels that will glide over the sand easier. It is easier to pull a wagon or stroller through the sand than it is to push them.
2. Carrying Your Baby to the Beach
In order to leave your hands free to carry everything else to the beach wear a baby carrier. I think baby carriers are the best for traveling with your baby no matter where you are going but they are especially helpful at the beach.
If your baby will sleep in his carrier you can help him nap on the beach by putting them in the carrier and going for a walk. Plus now you won’t have to push a stroller through the sand!
3. Bring Your Own Shade
With babies it is especially important to protect their delicate skin from the harsh sun. Make sure you pack or rent something that will provide shade to help keep the sun’s rays away. The shade will also help keep your baby cool and give you a comfortable place to feed them or allow them to nap.
The three best solutions I have used while at the beach are
- An umbrella: this only provides a small window of shade but if you are a small group then an umbrella works well and is easy to transport.
- A half dome beach tent: these small half tents provide a shady spot for napping or nursing as well as a comfortable shaded place for babies to sit and play while keeping the sand off.
- A pop-up canopy: these canopies provide a large amount of shade great for groups and provide lots of room for kids to play away from the sun. These are easier to set up if there is more than one person and are the heaviest option.
4. Baby Beach Clothes
When going to the beach with a baby, clothes are one item you will want multiple of. Things get wet, clothes get dirty, and there is always the chance of a poop-splosion occurring and needing a back up outfit.
I recommend bringing your baby to the beach in a regular diaper and clothes, then, once you’re done setting up, change them into a swim diaper and their swimsuit. Then once you’re done swimming and playing you can change them back into a regular diaper and clothes. This assures that they are comfortable, dry and sand free during the trip to and from the beach.
Swim diapers are a must because they are less absorbent than regular diapers so they don’t fill up with sea water. Just remember that because of this they will leak pee so they are not good for wearing any other time. Not even the ride home.
Your infant’s swimwear is also important. I like the one piece rashguard swimsuits for my baby because it covers so much of his body. Some swimsuits are made of SPF fabrics for an extra layer of protection. Old Navy has a good selection!
Read More: Ultimate Guide to Swim Diapers for Babies and Toddlers
5. Infant Sun Protection
Babies have sensitive skin that needs protecting. Along with a rashguard and plenty of shade, a bucket hat will protect a baby’s head, face and neck from getting sunburnt. They may not love it at first but using a hat early on and continuing to use it consistently can help them get used to it.
Infant’s eyes also need protection from the sun and the light reflecting off of the water and sand. These infant and toddler sunglasses are adorable, trendy and provide real protection from the sun. Make sure to grab the sunglass straps as well to help keep them in place. If your baby does happen to grab them you don’t have to worry because the sunglasses can be twisted without breaking and are not made of real glass even if they do happen to break.
Last, but DEFINITELY not least, is kids sunscreen. There is research and literature that suggests you do not use sunscreen on a baby under six months old without consulting a doctor. After that point you should apply sunscreen each time, every two hours. Consider getting a chemical free sunscreen because kids are bound to get some in their mouth somehow. The baby safe sunscreens are potentially less irritating to the skin as well.
6. Hydration and Snacks
Kids get dehydrated just like we do. So just like it’s important that you remember to drink lots of water Mom, make sure you bring what you need for your baby too. I am still breastfeeding my five month old so as long as I’m at the beach he’s good. If you are bottlefeeding formula or breast milk make sure you bring enough to last the whole time you’re there. A small cooler is all you’ll need to keep it fresh.
If your kiddo has started eating solids then it’s always a good idea to bring snacks along too!
Traveling with a Baby
- Traveling with a Baby: Everything You Need to Know
- 7 Tips for Road Tripping with a Baby
- 11 Best Baby Carriers for Travel
7. Something to Sit On
It is always nice to have something to sit on at the beach. Towels are classic but there are better options, although I still bring towels the most because they are easy to carry and lightweight. A blanket or mat is nice because the sand can be shaken off easily. A set of foldable chairs is a great way to get off the hot sand or even sit in the water.
The Only Packing List You’ll Ever Need
8. Beach Towels
Beach towels are a must for any beach visit and a beach day with a baby is no exception. Bring one towel per person, including the baby and I like to bring one extra to use as a changing station for clothing and diaper changes. I try to keep this towel as sand-free as possible. I have been loving these microfiber towels because they are SO SOFT, super absorbent and pack up smaller than normal terry cloth towels.
You can even leave another extra towel that you leave in your bag or car to use after rinsing off the sand or as an extra way to remove sand before getting into the car.
9. Light Blanket
A light blanket is so versatile that it goes almost everywhere with me. On the beach it can be used as a lightweight nursing cover. It can cover the baby up while they nap without making them too hot. Or if they’re a little chilly then it can help warm them up.
10. Cornstarch or Baby Powder
I learned this trick from other moms when I moved to Florida. If you rub your kiddo down with cornstarch or baby powder after they are done playing the sand just falls off!
Babies are covered in wet and dry sand within minutes of getting to the beach. This means so much less sand makes it into your car or your home. Plus they will be much more comfortable without the sand rubbing against their skin. Such a helpful trick.
11. Extras
If you have access to these items on vacation or perhaps the beach is close to home then consider these a playpen and bouncer chair to make life even easier.
A Pop N’ Go playpen is a great place to let the baby play or nap while keeping them off the sand. Many playpens come with a cover over the top that will provide shade plus it will help keep them contained and prevent your kids from wandering off. Similarly, these peapods provide great napping stations or even your stroller if your kid is willing.
A bouncer chair is great to be able to put your baby down while you set up or when you just want to relax. If you have multiple kids it is also great for keeping your hands free and if you’re lucky, baby may even nap in the chair. I loved using the chair and letting Roman enjoy the breeze from the shade where he could still watch what was going on around him.
Beach toys are less important the younger your baby is but around the time they start becoming mobile they will enjoy some age appropriate toys to play and explore with while at the beach.
Must Have Beach Items for Mom and Dad
- Snacks and water
- Nursing friendly swimsuit
- Swimsuit cover
- Bag of your essentials: keys, wallet, cash, little first aid kit, hairbrush and hair supplies, phone, sunglasses, SPF chapstick, etc.
What Age Can I Take my Baby to the Beach?
You can take your baby to the beach as early as you would like and feel comfortable with. The most important thing to remember is to keep them as protected from the sun as possible. Babies under 6 months should not use sunscreen without consulting a doctor first. So bringing a source of shade is very important when bringing a baby under six months to the beach.
If you keep babies shaded and thoroughly hydrated and they can safely enjoy the beach just as much as you or I.
Family Friendly Beach Destinations
- A Day Trip to Anna Maria Island, Florida
- Three Day Charleston, South Carolina Itinerary
- Tampa Beaches: Ultimate Guide to Beaches In and Around Tampa Bay
Beach Vacation with a Baby
So this is what to bring to the beach with a baby, these are all the things I consider my baby beach essentials. It can feel intimidating the first time but I promise you got this and you can still enjoy a beach vacation with a baby. A beach day with a baby requires all the same items! Tell me, what are your beach essentials with kids and what are your best baby beach hacks?
