30 Beach Essentials for Baby

Your baby will be exposed to all the elements at the beach. Keep them warm and dry from wind and water with a hooded beach towel. Playful colors and patterns will help you keep an eye out for them on the beach, and any added personalization will ensure that you always know which one belongs to your baby. Plus, our towels are rated UPF 50+ for the best UV protection.

Encourage playtime in the sunshine with comfy beach accessories. Put your little one in the cutest matching hat and diaper cover combination. A wide-brim hat will shield your baby’s neck and face from harmful UV rays while they discover the beach, and the nylon cover protects their diaper from getting wet.

When packing for baby’s outdoor adventure, make sure you have space for everything your family needs. Rely on a roomy beach tote to carry your essentials to and from the beach. Look for something in a beach-friendly fabric that’s water resistant and easily shakes off sand.

When your little one isn’t napping on the beach, use outdoor toys to keep them occupied and engaged. Playing around with a beach ball is a go-to for an active baby and is sure to make them smile. 

Settle in for a full day at the beach with a packable sunshade. No matter where you decide to set up camp, a sunshade will provide welcome relief from the heat and strong UV rays even when there’s no shade in sight. 

Building sand castles is the perfect activity to do at the beach with your baby. Help them create a castle that wows with a sand play set, and watch their eyes sparkle with delight at their creation.

Let your little one engage in fun activities in the sand with a portable play mat.  Pick out a soft mat, so that when your baby is tired from the day, they can also lay down for a seaside snooze.

Whether you’re at the beach for the whole day or just an afternoon, a foldable beach chair will always come in handy. Sit and keep watch over your baby as they adventure in the sand, and when they’re tired they can come rest on your lap. 

Everyone knows that soggy clothes or sandy diapers aren’t comfortable to stay in all day. Pack a wet/dry bag to separate dry diapers from soaked swimsuits in your beach bag.

A beach day is best enjoyed in a swimsuit. Put your little one in a fun but functional suit that will let them explore and play to their heart’s content. Don’t forget to bring them a change of clothes for when the water activities are done for the day.  

It’s recommended to always consult a doctor before putting sunscreen on a baby younger than six months. No matter the age of your baby, protect their delicate skin with a beach cover up.

A cool sip of water can be refreshing for everyone at the beach. Keep a water bottle on hand to easily keep your baby hydrated. Remember that you should only give your baby water if they’re old enough, and it’s best to ask your pediatrician how much water is necessary based on their age.  

Beach towels are the ultimate seaside essential. They work well as a soft barrier between your baby and scorching hot sand, and it’ll dry them off in no time after playing in the ocean. Pick out a vibrant design to match your baby’s sunny disposition.

Hot days at the beach require refreshments for everyone. Bring a cooler to keep drinks and baby bottles chilled throughout the day. Feel free to store cold fruit as well for a healthy beach snack.

Not all beach days are scorching hot. Wind by the seaside can be especially chilly, so make sure you’re prepared for all temperatures with plenty of beach blankets. Blankets are handy for sitting on and will be perfect for bundling baby up if it’s a blustery day. 

Snacks are a must at the beach to keep you and your baby’s energy up. Keep your food in sealed snack containers to prevent sand from getting in. Unseal the containers when your little one is hungry, and hand them the containers to promote self-feeding.

A beach day is the perfect way to socialize your baby. Coordinate a play date with another family, and set up your children in a safe playpen. Watch over them as they make friends or even just play with siblings.

Saltwater in the eyes is a surefire way to ruin your toddler’s first time in the ocean. Use a swim mask or goggles to protect their eyes from the sting of saltwater. You’ll both enjoy the day better when there are no tears involved.

If you’re planning on being at the beach all day, it’s good to pack lunch in advance. Store your baby’s food in a separate lunch box so you don’t have to go digging around for it in your beach bag.

Frozen fruit is an excellent way to cool off on a hot summer day and it’s healthy too. Chop it up into small bite-sized pieces, and freeze it ahead of time. Pop it into your cooler or your baby’s lunch box for a frozen treat later.

Taking your family to the beach can involve a lot of packing. Whether it’s just you and your baby or you have multiple kids in tow, packing cubes can help organize everyone’s essentials. Use a different colored cube to coordinate your items by person or by use. Everything will be easy to find and you can focus on family time.

Keep your hands free going to and from the beach by using a baby carrier. Find one that straps to your back and provides comfortable support for you and your baby. With your child securely on your back, you’ll be able to carry your other beach essentials and cut down on trips to the car.

Your little one is bound to work up an appetite at the beach. Keep their favorite food warm or chilled in an insulated food container so that lunch doesn’t have to be lackluster.

Make getting to and from your beach spot quicker with a wagon. Pile every beach essential for your baby in a wagon for easy transportation. The wagon will help you get to your destination all in one trip and leave more time for fun with your family.

When figuring out what to bring to the beach with your baby, diapers are a must. Dirty, sandy or soggy diapers are irritating for their skin, so pack extras into a diaper bag so your baby can comfortably enjoy the day.

In addition to a diaper bag, don’t forget to bring a portable changing mat. Whether you’re in the car or on the beach, you can change dirty diapers just about anywhere with a convenient mat.  

Baby’s first time in the ocean is an exciting one. If you’re wading into calm waters with them or even just dipping their toes in the waves, their safety is always of paramount importance. Put them in baby floaties or another approved flotation device as an extra precaution in the water. Reminder: Never leave your baby alone in or around the water, regardless of using a flotation device!

Bug bites are the last thing you want to ruin your beach day with your baby. Chemical bug sprays shouldn’t be used on young babies, so keep any insects at bay with a bug shield.

On the hot summer days when shade isn’t enough, a fan is a smart way to bring your own breeze to the beach. Use it to cool off you and your baby, and you get bonus points if the fan doubles as a mister.

Safe transportation is necessary for any beach trip. A versatile car seat will keep your baby secure on the journey to the beach, and one that doubles as a child carrier means less equipment to bring.