Summer is around the corner, and it’s a great time to plan a family beach day out with your toddlers!
If it’s going to be your first time going on a beach day out with your toddlers, we will share some must-have items to pack for a beach holiday with toddlers in this post.
If you’ve done it multiple times, you can also double-check your beach packing list for a day with toddlers to make sure you won’t leave anything behind to make your day out more fun for everyone!
What are the necessary items to pack for a beach holiday with toddlers?
To keep your packing list organised, we split the items into seven categories: skincare, swimming, beach activities, food, beach setup, clothes, and emergency kit. Here are the must-have items on your packing list for a beach holiday with your toddlers!
Skincare
#1 Sunscreen
#2 After sun cream
#3 Insect repellent
Swimming
#4 Swimsuits
#5 Swim Diapers
#6 Goggles
#7 Floaties
#8 Towels
Activities
#9 Beach toys
#10 Balls
#11 Frisbee
#12 Kite
Food
#13 Snacks and Water
#14 Ziplock bag
Beach Setup
#15 Umbrella or Beach tent
#16 Beach mat
Clothes
#17 Sun hat and Sunglasses
#18 Cover-up
#19 Change of clothes
Emergency kit
Skincare
Skincare items are important to include on your packing list for a beach day out with toddlers, as exposure to the sun and salt water can easily dry out your children’s skin.
#1 Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a must-have item in your bag to protect your toddler from potential sunburn, which can harm your toddler’s delicate skin. It’s challenging enough to travel with kids in the hot weather, things can go downhill when you have to deal with sunburns as well.
Pick a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 for better protection. In addition, you should be mindful of the formula, as toddlers’ kids can be super sensitive. A mineral sunscreen can be the best option for kids below 5 years old as it absorbs into their skin easily and can prevent skin irritation compared to chemical ones.
#2 After Sun Cream
Even with the best precautions like sunscreen, sunburns can still happen. Packing an after sun cream can be a big help when it happens, as it can help soothe and cool sunburned skin.
Even better when it happens to your toddler, as the after sun cream can also reduce pain and discomfort caused by sunburns. It is also effective to hydrate and moisturise the skin as it could dry out after exposure to the sun, salt water, and wind around the beach.
#3 Insect Repellent
Summer is the time when insects are more prevalent, especially when you decide to spend your time outdoors with your toddlers. From mosquitoes to flies, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when planning a beach day trip with your family!
Add insect repellent to your packing list for a day trip to the beach with your toddlers, as some children may be allergic to insect bites or stings that can cause severe reactions when it happens.
Swimming
A beach getaway is a perfect time for swimming. It can be a fun and memorable experience as a family, although it’s important to always take precautions to ensure safety when you travel with your toddlers.
Before heading to the beach to swim with your toddlers, research in advance to ensure that the beach is safe for young children. Look for the lifeguards on duty as soon as you reach there, and don’t forget to bring these must-have items on your packing list before going to a beach getaway with your toddlers!
#4 Swimsuits
Going to a beach with your toddlers is incomplete without packing swimsuits for you and your family. Prioritise comfort for your young kids, and choose a swimsuit that fits well to avoid any possible irritation in the aftermath.
You can also consider a swimsuit with a rash guard that covers the torso and arms to help your toddler’s skin from the sun and irritation around these areas caused by the sand or other particles in the salt water.
#5 Swim Diapers
Swim diapers are a must-have item on your packing list for a day trip to the beach with toddlers, especially if your kid is not potty trained. These diapers are specially designed to wear in the water, as regular diapers can quickly leak and become heavy when used for swimming.
When taking your toddlers to a beach, the most important thing to consider is to keep them comfortable and clean. The last thing you want to happen as a parent is to get side eyes from other beach visitors as your kid has to deal with natural bowel movements. So, pack swim diapers for your toddler, enjoy your day out, and have fun!
#6 Goggles
Goggles can be extremely helpful for toddlers swimming in the pool or on a beach. Wearing goggles can protect them from both saltwater and chlorine, as the water can be harsh on the eyes, which can lead to discomfort and irritation.
Packing goggles can bring more advantages, especially if you go to a beach with rich marine life. You can take your toddlers swimming and encourage them to wear goggles so they can explore the underwater experience!
#7 Floaties
When travelling with young children, especially toddlers, you should prioritise safety before anything else. Floaties are essential to pack for a beach getaway with your kids, as they provide an extra layer of support to prevent them from drowning when they go swimming.
Pack floaties like swim vests or arm floats to keep your toddlers comfortable and secure while playing in the water. The added support can help boost your toddler’s confidence in the water, so they can enjoy swimming and playing around the beach even more!
#8 Towels
Toddlers can easily get cold when they get wet for way too long, so having towels on hand can help them dry off quickly. Using their own stuff like a towel can also encourage your kids to clean up when it’s time to go home.
Kids can be reluctant to do things when they have too much fun, so lure them with their own towel to make sure they understand when the time is up and it’s time to clean up!
Activities
There are so many activities you can do around the beach with your toddlers. If your kid isn’t comfortable playing with the water, you can always pack some other items to do some other beach activities for toddlers!
#9 Beach Toys
Nothing beats the classic beach toys that help you build a sand castle on the beach. In fact, it can be a great activity for the whole family that requires teamwork not only for the toddlers, but also for mommy and daddy!
You can find a set of beach toys that include a bucket, a shovel, a sifter, and moulds to create something from the sand with your toddlers. Once it’s all set, you can start building a sand castle with your kids.
Building sand castles is a fun and engaging experience for the kids, and it can help them exercise their creativity and imagination. Meanwhile, working together to build sand castles can be a great quality time for both parents and toddlers!
#10 Balls
There are endless beach activities suitable for toddlers if you pack balls for your family beach getaway. Whether you want to play football with your young kids around the sand, or use it to play handball around the water, the activity will keep your kid engaged to burn off their energy!
On top of that, playing with balls is also a great way to socialise with other families with young kids. It can be a learning experience for your toddler to share their toy with other children, and they can have a great time together on their beach trip!
#11 Frisbee
Frisbee is another beach activity that is loved by people of all ages. Playing catch with a frisbee can be a great way for toddlers to get moving and stay active on the beach. It can also bring some advantages for the kids, as it can help them develop their motoric skills to balance their hand-eye coordination and movement.
Not only is it fun for the kids, but the energy they spend on throwing and catching a frisbee can also get them tired to rest properly as soon as they get home!
#12 Kite
Flying a kite together on a beach is a great bonding experience for both parents and kids, as you can work together to get the kite up in the air and your toddler will most likely find the kite soaring high in the sky such an exciting experience!
It’s a great opportunity for your toddlers to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, while spending quality time together as a family and enjoying the beautiful scenery around the beach.
Food
Keeping your toddlers hydrated is essential, especially during a hot day on the beach. Packing healthy food and water can enhance their experience of enjoying their beach activities, while also minimising the possibility of them throwing tantrums as they get hungry.
#13 Snacks and Water
Food and beverages sold around the beach can be overpriced, so packing your snacks and water for a beach trip with your toddlers can save you a lot of money. In addition, you can also ensure to give your kids healthy snacks that give them the nutrition and benefits they need.
Pack some healthy snacks like fruits, crackers, mixed nuts and granola bars to keep them energised, and enjoy your day out on the beach as a family!
#14 Ziplock bag
Ziplock bags can do wonders to organise your food in your bag, making it accessible when your toddler wants some snacks. You can pack different snacks and meals in separate bags, making it easier to quickly get them when needed.
Using ziplock bags for snacks on a beach trip with your toddlers can also protect your meals from elements that may damage your food, like sand or water. On top of that, you can also control portion sizes for your toddlers so you can pack enough snacks for your child without worrying about leftovers.
Beach Setup
Typically, you can rent chairs on a beach with the full equipment for your comfort, including an umbrella and a small table for your belongings. However, packing your stuff for the beach setup can also ensure you have the necessary items and supplies for a comfortable beach getaway with your toddlers.
After all, the possibility of all chairs being occupied is never zero, especially during busy times on beaches like holidays or weekends.
#15 Umbrella or Beach Tent
Packing your own umbrella or beach tent for your day trip to the beach with kids is convenient, as it provides a comfortable area where your child can play and rest while taking a break from the sun and crowd around the beach. It’s also a great way to save money while travelling since you don’t have to spend money to rent a beach chair that can be overpriced!
If you’re breastfeeding your toddler, a beach tent can also provide privacy so you can feed your child without worrying about other visitors. On top of that, it can be a shelter for your kids to do various activities, from playing games, napping, or eating their snacks after exposure to direct sunlight on the beach for a while.
#16 Beach Mat
Don’t forget to pack your beach mat to add extra comfort during a trip to the beach with your toddlers. Beach mats can provide a soft and clean surface for your kid to sit or lie down on, which is especially essential if the beach is hot or you have to sit on uncomfortable surfaces around the beach.
Packing your own beach mat is practical, as it’s lightweight and easy to carry, making it a convenient way to travel for families with young children like toddlers.
Clothes
After swimming and playing in the water with your toddlers, clothes should be at the top of your packing list for a beach holiday with toddlers. They may need more than one change of clothes after the swimsuits, and even more!
So, here are some must-have items to add to your packing list for the beach getaway with your kids!
#17 Sun Hat and Sunglasses
Packing a sun hat and sunglasses for a trip to the beach with toddlers is essential as it can provide protection for your child from direct sunlight. Sun hat helps reduce the risk of sunburn and heatstroke around their face and neck area, while sunglasses also protect your toddler’s eyes from sand and other debris on the beach that can cause irritation or injury.
If that’s not enough reason to pack a sun hat and sunglasses for a beach trip with your toddlers, wearing a sun hat and sunglasses also makes your child look more stylish, which makes it a great way to get those Instagram-worth beach family photos!
#18 Cover-up
There are some benefits on why you should pack cover-up for a trip to the beach with your toddlers. Cover-ups can provide an extra layer of protection against UV rays during the hottest part of the day. In addition, they can also provide a modest option for your toddlers, especially if they’re not comfortable running around in just their swimsuits!
Another hack is also to wear a cover-up as your kid’s casual outfit on your way to the beach, so not only will it prepare them for a beach getaway from home, but you also won’t have to add extra clothes to your laundry piles for the aftermath!
#19 Change of clothes
Packing extra changes for the clothes is also important to add on your list to bring for a beach holiday with toddlers. If your kid is not potty-trained, don’t forget to bring extra diapers on top of the change of clothes.
You can pack shirts and shorts during the hot day or bring a summer dress for your kid to wear after cleaning up. Even on hot days, the weather can get chilly on the beach especially when it’s close to the sunset, so don’t forget to bring a jacket to keep your toddler comfortable during your family getaway on a beach!
Emergency Kit
An emergency kit must be added to your packing list for a beach trip with your toddlers, since you want to ensure that you’ll have an emergency kit on hand in case of any incidents during your beach holiday with the family.
#20 First Aid Kit
Make sure to pack at least a basic first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, gauze, and scissors in your bag. It will be tremendously helpful in case someone gets wounded during your trip to the beach with your family.
In addition, you can also pack a digital thermometer that can be useful in case your toddler develops a fever during the trip. Pain relievers for minor aches and pains can also be a great addition to your first-aid kit for the beach trip with toddlers.
Even if your kid is potty trained, it’s always a good idea to also pack extra diapers and wipes in your first aid kit in case of emergency. After all, you’re travelling with toddlers, so it’s always wiser to be prepared for the unpredictable!
Conclusions
Planning a beach holiday with toddlers can be both exciting and challenging, so you need to ensure that you pack everything essential to keep your little ones safe and entertained on your family getaway at the beach.
A comprehensive packing list is crucial for a stress-free beach vacation, as planning a trip to the beach with a toddler can be messy without any advanced preparation. From skincare to protect your kids from sunburnt to snacks and water to keep them energised and hydrated, it’s better to be prepared than get overwhelmed by a beach trip with your toddlers!
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You may also like to read our post about the 10 most common mistakes parents make when travelling with toddlers.
