Key Takeaways
- With some preparation, a beach day with a toddler can be very fun!
- Beach essentials for toddlers include sunscreen, snacks, rash guards, towels, sand toys, and more.
- Skip mid-day, hydrate regularly, be aware of the beach conditions, and apply sunscreen routinely.
31 Toddler Beach Essentials
The catch phrase of not only Boy Scouts, but parents worldwide—always be prepared!
A beach day with a toddler can be so fun, but being prepared is a MUST.
With a little planning, you can ensure that everyone has a fun and safe time. Start off by reading over my packing list to get you ready.
Toddler Beach Essentials for the Walk In
1. Beach Wagon
The ultimate beach ride! There’s room for 2 kids plus all your gear. It has extra-wide beach tires for a smooth ride too. For added safety, the wagon comes with seat belts and a UV protection canopy.
With this, it’s easy to transport the kids, along with your essential beach products. This option is especially convenient because it folds up to easily fit in your vehicle.
If you want to browse more of the best beach wagons, check out my full list here.
2. Mesh Beach Bag
A mesh beach bag is a great choice because it allows sand and water to drain out, keeping your gear dry and sand free. The bag itself is lightweight, making it easy to carry even when it’s stuffed with beach supplies.
This bag also has a variety of pockets to keep all of your gear organized and both a hand strap and shoulder strap.
Toddler Beach Essentials for Setting Up Your Spot
3. Oversized Beach Blanket
This massive beach towel provides a clean and comfortable surface for the family to relax on. It comes in 3 different sizes and can fit up to 7 people – but still fits in a small travel bag.
Plus it’s sand proof AND water resistant, making it easy to clean and less likely to track sand into your vehicle and home.
4. Pop-up Tent
These small beach tents are great for the little ones that need a spot to nap or a break from the sun. It blocks 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. Don’t forget to stake it down on windy days!
Comes with a carrying bag and folds up well – it fits in our luggage easily.
5. Beach Umbrella
Block out the sun and enjoy your beach day with a little bit of shade with this big umbrella. It’s a great way to protect your toddler from the sun. Placing the beach umbrella at an angle can reduce the risk of it blowing away.
It’s lightweight, easy to setup, and stays secure in the sand.
6. Portable Fan
This fan can be used everywhere! Its flexible clips allow it to attach just about anywhere, including beach umbrellas, tents, wagons, and the stroller. Beach vacations can get hot, so it can keep you and your toddler cool.
It comes with three speeds and the battery can last for a full day. Just make sure it’s fully charged before you head to the beach.
7. Mini Swimming Pool
Bring the water to you! Fill a small pool with ocean water and have your little one splash away in the shade. Your toddler can still enjoy the beach’s environment from a safe, controlled area.
Some beaches have restrictions on what items you can bring, so double check to make sure portable swimming pools are allowed.
8. Toddler Beach Chair
If you want an alternative to the toddler making a mess on the beach blanket, get them their own beach chair to sit in! They’ll have a place to relax that doesn’t involve getting covered in sand.
This chair folds up, has a cup holder and comes with a storage bag. It’s durable while still being light enough for toddlers to carry.
9. Floor Seat
Keep your little one secure while their toes are in the sand. If they’re still not ready for a beach chair, this floor seat is perfect.
Make sure you set the floor seat in the shade away from the water to keep your child safe.
Toddler Food and Drink Beach Essentials
10. Soft Cooler
Instead of lugging a huge cooler, this is great for snacks and some drinks for a beach day. After all, the kids will get hungry at some point during the beach trip. This one has a shoulder strap and many pockets.
To help it stay cool during your beach trip, put ice packs in it the night before to pre-chill it.
11. Insulated Water Bottle
Hydration is key when you’re at the beach, and these insulated water bottles will keep water cool for longer, are spill proof, and have an easy hold.
They are perfect for all types of outdoor outings with toddlers! Pack more than one water bottle on your trip so your little ones never run out of water.
Sun Protection and Beach Gear for Toddlers
12. Sunscreen
Gotta lather up! This sunscreen is SPF 50+, water resistant up to 80 minutes, reef friendly, free of harsh chemicals, and vegan. It’s a perfectly safe way to protect your toddler from the sun.
It’s also easy to apply which reduces the time you’ll have to deal with a squirming toddler! Apply the sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure.
13. Sun Hat
Cover up as much skin as you can! A sun hat is essential to protect a toddler’s face, ears, and neck from the sun.
This one is lightweight, breathable, and has a chin strap so it doesn’t fall off. When you’re not using it, it can easily fold up to fit in your pocket.
14. Rash Guard
Rash guards are key to protecting toddlers’ skin from the sun, bug bites, and scrapes or scratches. It’ll reduce the chances of your toddler feeling uncomfortable after getting home from the beach.
This one is great quality, lightweight, dries fast, and comes in many different colors. It’s machine-washable for easy cleaning.
15. Swimsuit for Girls
If rash guards aren’t stylish enough for your girl, a long sleeve swimsuit is a great alternative!
This one will cover them up (just make sure to spray those legs!), it has UPF 50+ sun protection, a zip-up and snap closure to make sure it stays put, and it comes in adorable designs with bright colors to help your child stay visible in the water.
16. Swim Trunks Set for Boys
If you’re looking for swim trunks and a rash guard, this one is adorable, has UPF 50+ sun protection, and has both an elastic waistband and tie up for a snug fit.
Plus, it’s available in ten different styles, including patterns with dinosaurs, sharks, and frogs. Choose one with bright colors for the best visibility.
17. Water Sandals
Use these beach shoes to protect those little feet from hot sand, rocks, and whatever else can appear in the sand.
These sandals come with a rubber sole, breathable cutouts, and protects their toes. Make sure you choose a size that’s snug but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable.
Toddler Beach Essentials for the Water
18. Swim Vest
I bought these for both of my boys and they both loved them. These vests help keep them afloat while they’re in the water, adding an extra level of safety. It’s a good idea for toddlers to wear them even on shore just to be safe.
The vests come in many different fun patterns too, such as blue camo and green crocodile.
19. Reusable Swim Diaper
Instead of buying the cheap disposable ones, these are well-made, absorb liquids really well, and you can use them over and over. It’s perfect for young kids who aren’t potty trained. Bring a waterproof wet bag specifically for dirty swim diapers.
20. Waterproof Baby Carrier
This waterproof carrier will let you go into the water with your little one while keeping your hands free. It allows your toddler to enjoy the water safely without leaving your side. It’s ideal for children between 13 and 33 pounds.
21. Water Float
Perfect when you want to bring baby in the ocean or pool with you. Plus, it adds some excitement to the water. My kids loved kicking their feet when they were in it. The shade is helpful too.
It’s best not to use floaties when high winds or big waves are present, so keep an eye on the weather.
22. Beach Towels
You can’t (or shouldn’t) get in the water if you don’t have a towel to dry you off! These beach towels are thick, huge, and they dry quick. Using them can prevent discomfort after your toddler goes swimming.
You can also get them in a colorful variety pack, so everyone gets their own color, or just stick to one color.
23. Beach Towel Poncho
Not only are these ponchos so cute, but they are super soft and absorb water well. It’s an easy way to keep toddlers warm and dry after a swim. Plus, it’s super absorbent to help them dry quickly.
They are literally the only way my toddler will actually keep a towel on to dry off too!
Essential Beach Toys for Toddlers
24. Ice Cream Sand Toy Set
Bought this because I thought it was cute and now my boys fight over who can play with it. It’s one of the best beach toys for kids I’ve encountered.
It comes with a bucket, scoops, and cups to make sand “ice cream.” It’s a HUGE hit and the pieces are well made.
25. Collapsible Sand Buckets
Great for travel, these buckets collapse and come with a mesh carrying bag (don’t forget the carrying bag during beach trips – it makes it easy to keep the toys together). They’re great quality too.
This set includes several buckets and shovels to help your toddlers make sand sculptures.
26. Sand Toy Truck Set
This tractor and dump truck are HUGE hits on the beach with kids. My kids can spend the whole afternoon playing with just this set!
They are also great for the sand box too, so you can get more use out of them. The wheels roll effortlessly on sandy surfaces.
Other Toddler Beach Essentials
27. Waterproof Phone Pouch
It’s important to have a working phone in case something goes wrong during your beach trip. Protect your phone and get some great underwater pictures with this waterproof phone pouch!
To ensure it’s fully sealed, remove any air bubbles. It’s also a good idea to test the pouch’s waterproof abilities before putting your phone in it.
28. Baby Powder
Baby powder is the trick to getting sand off at the end of the beach day.
Once skin is dry, throw some baby powder on it and rub the sand off. Try it, you’ll be amazed! Bring a spare towel to remove the baby powder easily.
29. Travel Potty
If you have a potty-trained toddler, bring the potty!
Instead of having to walk across the whole beach every time someone feels the need to go, bring the potty, line it with a trash bag, and let the kids have at it. It’s especially beneficial for beaches without on-site restrooms.
30. Waterproof Wet Bag
When items get wet or soiled during your outing, you won’t want to put them in your beach bag with everything else. Waterproof wet bags like this one provide a way to separate wet clothes, dirty diapers, and other items you don’t want touching the rest of your beach supplies.
This wet bag comes in a variety of fun patterns, and it’s a versatile reusable bag. Consider bringing more than one if you need to keep diapers separate from wet towels.
31. First Aid Kit
It’s always good to be prepared for an emergency, and having a first aid kit is especially beneficial for families with young kids.
This adorable first aid kit fits comfortably in a purse, diaper bag, or beach bag while including many first aid essentials like bandages and cleaning wipes. You can clean and protect minor injuries right away.
My Top 10 Favorite Toddler Beach Tips
Toddlers love the beach, but it can be challenging to keep them entertained and safe.
You’ve bought all the gear, but what do you have to keep in mind during your time at the beach? What are you actually going to do while you’re there? How do you make sure everyone is safe?
After years of hitting the beach with my toddlers, I’ve put together my top ten best tips to get you through the day. And if you want my full list of beach hacks for toddlers and babies, check it out here!
Skip mid-day
Try to beat the hottest part of the day (12-3pm) and go before or after lunch/naptime. The UV rays are the strongest and it won’t end well with fragile skin. Going early in the morning will help you snag a good spot too! Going later in the day will give you cooler temps and less people.
Take sun breaks
Every 30-45 minutes, get out of the sun and sit under an umbrella or in the shade. In addition, consider rash guards (short or long sleeve swim shirts) to minimize the amount of skin that’s in the sun.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Keep your toddler hydrated by giving them plenty of water throughout the day. Bring a water bottle for everyone (an insulated one would be best so it’ll stay cool longer).
And if it’s possible, freeze water bottles the night before and leave them in the car or beach bag for after!
Be aware of the beach conditions
Make sure to look at the beach flag warnings to ensure it’s safe to go into the water. Always supervise your toddler closely when they are in the water.
Red flag—high hazard: high surf and/or strong currents.
Yellow flag—medium hazard: moderate surf and currents.
Green flag—low hazard: calm conditions
Purple flag: dangerous marine life spotted
Bring different kinds of easy-to-eat snacks and pack them separately.
Dry snacks like crackers, goldfish, granola bars, and chips work great. Throw some cool snacks like sandwiches (in quarters or halves), fruits, veggies, yogurt pouches, cheese sticks, and some popsicles in a cooler. One sandy hand can ruin a whole bag of food, so pack everything separately, or have it individually wrapped.
Apply sunscreen routinely
Keep those kids (and yourself) lathered up at all times! Give them their first coat before you even get to the beach. Use lotion, spray, stick, whatever you have. Set a timer to remember to lather them up again periodically, roughly every 2 hours. Try using a makeup brush or sponge to get it on their face!
Dress toddlers in bright and/or the same color
If your toddler runs off or gets close to the water, it’ll be easier to find them if they stand out. It’s also easier to spot multiple kids if they’re in the same color.
Use baby powder to get sand off skin
This has been a secret beach trick for years! Rub it on dry arms and legs and the sand just wipes right off. Cornstarch works too. It’s magic!
Bring extra clothes for the drive/walk out
That wet swimsuit smell is gross! Plus, it’s just not comfortable or hygienic. Get everyone in a fresh set of clothes before you get going. Put the wet clothes in a wet bag away from the rest of your stuff.
Put floaties on the bigger kids, even if they’re swimmers
You never know when a big wave will hit at the wrong time, so it’s just better to have the new swimmers in floaties or a life vest if they want to get in the water.
FAQs: Toddler Beach Essentials
1. What do you put in a beach bag for kids?
Toddler beach essentials include sunscreen, a cooler full of water and snacks, rash guards, towels, shade, water floats, and sand toys.
2. How do I entertain my 2-year-old at the beach?
There is so much to do at the beach with a 2-year-old! A few of the most popular activities are:
- Play with sand toys: with just a bucket and shovel they can dig holes, build sandcastles, or collect water. You can also bring other fun toys like a watering can or trucks.
- Play in the sand: Digging holes, burying toys or each other, or building sandcastles and knocking them down are all fun sand activities.
- Splash in the water: Go to the shallow part of the water and start splashing or running in and out of small waves.
- Collect seashells: Walk around the beach and collect seashells in their bucket or a small bag. It’s fun to find seashells of different colors!
3. How long should a 2-year-old stay on the beach?
While you can certainly spend your whole day at the beach, a toddler should stay in the sun for about 45 minutes at a time. After 45 minutes, get in the shade for about 10-20 minutes before getting back into the sun.
4. Should a toddler wear a diaper at the beach?
Absolutely! The best diapers for the beach are reusable swim diapers. They’re better for the environment and they absorb water very well.
5. Do toddlers need shoes at the beach?
It’s a good idea for toddlers to wear shoes at the beach to protect their feet from hot sand and sharp objects.
6. Do toddlers need a life vest when at the beach?
Yes, toddlers should wear a life vest whenever they’re near water because it could save the child’s life in an emergency.
