Beach Trip Packing List For Babies And Toddlers

Beach trips are one of the easiest holidays to do with young babies and toddlers. Here’s a beach trip packing list I hope you will find helpful.

Beach Packing List With Babies And Toddlers

Bodysuits for babies

Body suits are the easiest for young babies. It offers good sun protection and keeps baby warm from the sun as well as kept him a bit warm, in case it’s windy or cold in the pool.

Swim shirt and shorts for toddlers

Both of these styles are available at Carters.

Swim diapers

Do not forget swim diapers! They aren’t easy to find at stores in local beach towns, so be sure to stock up. Popular brands include: Huggies, Jaco, and Beffys.

Float with a sun canopy

This SwimWays Baby Spring Float With Sun Canopy works from 7 months until 18-19 months. I highly recommend it. My son sat very comfortably in it and floated around the pool happily. The large sun canopy is adjustable and provides good protection from direct sunlight. There is also an infant version of the float available on Amazon from Swimways for smaller babies. The float requires filling air with by blowing air into it. The float also folds down and comes with a carrying case, making it compact and easy to pack.

Puddle jumper arm band float

I switched over to this Speedo arm-band style float, once my son was about 20 months. During the first few times just keep a very close watch to make sure your toddler doesn’t tumble forwards or backwards face first into the water because they are not used to staying afloat. After a few times, toddlers get used to it.

Related:

How To Manage Breastmilk And Meals When Traveling With A Baby Or Toddler

Tips For Traveling With A Baby On A Flight

Waterproof shoes 

I bought these green waterproof shoes on a whim and I’m so glad I did. These shoes have a really good non-slip grip sole, so my son can wear them to walk and run without slipping. On the beach, I’m not worried about any debris or sharp objects hurting his feet. My son also wears them by the poolside and to swim in the pool.

Sunscreen for babies older than 6 months

Please note that using sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months is not advised and they should always be kept out of direct sunlight. Once my son crossed the 6-month mark, I did a bit of research and discovered the Baby Sebamed Sun Cream with SPF 50 and I have no complaints so far. I chose it because it is waterproof and designed for delicate skin. My son doesn’t seem bothered by it in any way and will happily let me apply and re-apply every 2-3 hours, as needed. It’s available at all local pharmacies.

Hooded poncho towel 

I bought this dragon hooded poncho towel on a whim because I thought it was so cute (similar styles linked here). It’s a great towel to use at the pool or on the beach. After getting wet, I dry off my son with the towel and then he wears it over his wet swim suit with the hood on. He stays pretty warm and cozy.

Beach and pool-friendly toys 

Bath toys can double up as beach and pool toys. Look for toys that are waterproof. Shovels, sieves, buckets, dump trucks, cups, and sand shapes are great for this age.

Lightweight stroller with a mosquito net

A stroller is a beach trip essential for me. Some hotels and resorts have long walks to and from the beach / pool / restaurants and the room, so having a stroller is key.

I also use the stroller for naps (it reclines almost flat), if we’re out and about. It also functions as a high chair. I have had a great experience with the Maclaren Quest stroller. It’s traveled with us on local road trips to the beach as well as international flights and the Maclaren Quest has served us very well.