When it comes to taking your little ones to the beach, having the right stuff makes all the difference. From keeping cool to having fun in the sun, we've got you covered with this list of baby beach essentials. Check out our top picks and beach check list to make your next beach day a great one!
Looking for a downloadable checklist? We have you covered, check out our Beach Checklist below!
Sunscreen: This one may seem obvious but it is definitely one you do not want to forget! For babies older than 6 months of age, the AAP recommends a sunscreen containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as it is better for sensitive skin. (The FDA recommends not using sunscreen on children under 6 months and instead providing adequate shade). Below are our top picks for Baby Sunscreen. Blue Lizard Sunscreen
Amazon Rating: 4.8 Stars
SPF: 50
Water Resistant: 80 Minutes
Cool feature: Turns pink when in harmful UV light
(This brand also offers a scalp sparay if your baby doesn't have a full head of hair)!
Amazon Rating: 4.8 Stars
SPF: 50
Water Resistant: 80 Minutes
Cool Feature: Vegan, Cruelty Free
Amazon Rating: 4.6 Stars
SPF: 50
Water Resistant: 80 Minutes
Cool Feature: Easy to apply
2. Shade: An essential if your child is not yet able to wear sunscreen and wonderful to have for the whole family regardless. Before you head to the beach, try and find out if shade is available from trees, rental beach umbrellas or built in ones. If not, here are some great beach shades for your baby and the whole family! Monobeach Baby Beach Pop Up Tent
Amazon Rating: 4.4 Stars
States it has UV protection
Features: Area you can fill with a bit of water for baby to splash in. Foldabe and easy to take to the beach.
Amazon Rating: 4.4 Stars
UPF 50+ Sun protection
Features: Easy set up. Different sizes depending on how large your group is.
c. Sportbrella
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
UPF 50+ Sun protection
Features: Features auger pole to place in ground with extra stakes. Zippered window for breeze.
3. Sun Hat: Always a good idea but particularly important if your child is lacking in the hair department, a sun hat is a great way to keep their head cool and sunburn free. There are so many baby sun hats to choose from but the one below gets our pick:
Amazon Rating: 4.8 Stars
UPF 50+ Sun protection
Features: Head and neck protection along with a "toggle" at the back for adjusting to baby head size.
4. Beach Towel: Again, this one may seem obvious but it's definitely not one you want to forget! If you plan on being at the beach for a long period of time, you may want to bring two for your little one so you can use one while the other is drying off. Hooded towels (like the one shown below) work great for drying the hair while also keeping the head out of the sun!
Depending on how hot the sun is you may want to even leave towels draped over your seats while at the beach so they don't get too hot (especially the metal parts of car seats)!
4. Swimsuit: Similar to the towels, it may be a good idea to bring two swimsuits with so your baby doesn't have to sit in a wet swimsuit! There are endless possibilities for baby swim suits from full body to shorter versions. Below are our picks for each.
Full Body Suit
Amazon Rating: 4.8 Stars
UPF 50+ Sun protection
Features: Full Body suit for rash guard, quick dry material
Two Part Suit
Amazon Rating: 4.8 Stars
UPF 50+ Sun protection
Features: Rash guard and quick dry material
5. Swim Diaper: Though swim diapers are not the best at holding everything in, they do at least tend to hold in the ahem poops. The main choices for swim diapers are the reusable type (which seems to be better at holding things in) and the throw away type. If you use reusable diapers you could also try that however from our experience they get heavy quick. If using a resuable you may also want a wet bag. * Don't forget baby wipes too!
Reusable Diaper
Amazon Rating: 4.6 Stars
Sizes: adjustable with snaps and waterproof
Features: "Designed for holding solids"
One Time Use Diaper
Amazon Rating: 4.8 Stars
Sizes: range of sizes from small to large (infant through larger toddler)
Features: Sides tear off to make removal easy
6. Water Float: Water floats are a great way to allow your child to have some fun in the sun while keeping them safe! There are many options out there but we prefer the ones that also include a shade to protect your little one from the sun while in the water. *Note that most floats are for children 6 months and up as they must be able to hold themselves up.
Amazon Rating: 4.5 Stars
UPF 50 sun protection when using shade.
Features: Easy to fold and inflate design (great for travel)
7. Beach Toys: Depending on the age of your baby, they may enjoy some beach toys, the simple act of digging does a fantasic job of building motor skills while providing sensory stimulation! Many of these toys are rated for children 18 Mos and up so use your discretion!
Amazon Rating: 4.7 Stars
Safety: smooth corners and edges, made with nontoxic materials
8.. Sand Remover: Okay this one isn't totally necesarry but it is convenient to have, particularly if you don't like finding sand in your car for weeks after your beach trip!
Amazon Rating: 4.3 Stars
Features: Easy to use and small enough to take everywhere. Safe for skin of all ages
9. Food/ Drinks: Depending on how long you plan on being at the beach, make sure to pack some snacks that are easy to eat (aka no sticky hands). A water bottle for yourself and your little one (or breastmilk/formula depending on baby age) are also a great idea. Either way stay hydrated!
10. Something to carry everything: Depending on how much you are carrying (and for how long you are staying) you may want a beach bag or a wagon for your beach trip! *Please note that the wagon below is not meant to transport children, for that the Wonderfold works great.
Amazon Rating: 4.7 Stars
Features: Extra large wheels that are great for the beach, foldable
Amazon Rating: 4.7 Stars
Features: Extra large but lightweight, plenty of pockets
That's all for now, now go out and enjoy some fun in the sun!
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