Top 10 Essentials for Beaching with a Baby
Living less than 2 miles from the coast, we find ourselves at the beach multiple times a week. That said, we typically only go for a couple hours at a time and can make the 5 minute drive back to our house whenever we want.
On the flip side, we have an annual family beach week with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins where we stay on the beach with the goal of being in our swimsuits from breakfast to dinner. Last year was my first year as a mom, and boy have I learned a lot since then! We wrapped up Roosy boy’s second beach week last weekend and I feel like I can now confidently pack our beach bag for any situation - whether we’re running over on my lunch break for a quick dip or truly staying at the beach!
Here are a few of my tried-and-true (and Roos-approved) items that you won’t find us without:
Quality Tent: We have a Business and Pleasure tent, but any tent will do. Protecting baby’s skin is sooo important.
The Sweetest Mommy & Me Float: You guys I am obsesseddd with this. Roos loves the water as long as he can see us at all times, so this is perfect! Gives mama a nice little floating experience while baby is happy and safe.
Ryobi Clip-On Fan: I will never shut up about this fan, it is my #1 must-have for a baby whether you’re on the beach or running errands. Ditch your stroller fan and add this to your bag!
Non-Toxic Sunscreen: I’m going to do a separate post all about our favorite sunscreens, but my top pick for a baby will always be Badger! Non-toxic, reef safe and a 1 on the EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens.
Freezable Snack Bags: I love having healthy snacks on hand for Roos, but there aren’t many that will withstand the Florida heat. These snack bags live in your freezer, so when you fill them up with cheese sticks or yummy smoothie packs they stay cold all day with no need for an extra ice pack!
Hidden Straw Lid for Hydroflasks: I know how much I hate sand getting in my drink, so there is no chance I’m letting it get in my baby’s water bottle! These are dishwasher safe and easy for babies to open, but they stay sealed to prevent sand and ocean water from getting in.
Rash Guards: I am always trying to cover as much as his skin as I can to limit the amount of sun exposure.
Reusable Swim Diapers: Pro tip - whether you go the reusable or disposable route, don’t put a swim diaper on until right before you’re heading out and don’t trust a swim diaper in the car!
Sun Hat with Chin Strap: Ok this one may look like he’s getting ready to mow the lawn, but it covers his face and his neck which is so important to me! It’s also adjustable, we literally just sized up to the bigger size around 12 months!
The Best Beach Bag: We have a Bogg bag, but I hateee lugging it around. It’s too big and the structure makes it impossible to carry with a wiggly toddler - you can’t beat a good mesh bag!
