Before having kids, going to the beach was about enjoying a leisurely day laying on your towel with some water and maybe a nice book. After having kids, a beach outing is a whole different story with planning involved. There are so many things to bring and with so many options out there, it may be difficult to know what is really essential.
Born in Hawaii, I’ve been going to the beach since I was a baby. It’s also nice to take my own family to the beach whenever we get a sunny weekend. We’ve used many things and are always improving our beach setup, which has to be as simple, minimal, and efficient as possible since we’re lugging 2 kids, a toddler, and dog sometimes up or down a hill to get to the beach.
The following things are actual products I’ve used and highly recommend. Here’s the ultimate guide to the best beach necessities for baby, toddlers, and just to enjoy the day in the sun.
UPF 50+ Sun Hat
I love these hats because they’re UPF 50, durable, foldable, washable, lightweight, have a ponytail hole, straps so they don’t fly away, and are brightly colored so I can spot my kids easily (esp on a crowded beach). Not just for beach outings, but we use them everywhere from the playground to our daily neighborhood walks. I love these so much that I have them in multiple colors and now my 1-year son wears them (although a little loose). Perfect for kids around 2 to 7 years old. Great to keep extras in the car because you never know when you’ll need them.
For younger babies and toddlers, I’d recommend the Baby Sun Hats as they’re made from a softer material, breathable, and is adjustable to your child’s growing head. Best of all, my child had no problems keeping this on the entire time we’re at the beach!
Mineral Sunscreen
I’m obsessed with keeping my kids and myself out of the sun and protected as much as possible. I also have sensitive acne-prone skin with rosacea so I easily break out with most sunscreen. My favorite sunscreen I use on my kids and myself is TruKid Sunny Days Daily SPF 30 Sunscreen. They are a mineral-based sunscreen with clean ingredients (EWG 2), goes on lightly with a pleasant natural smell (no synthetic fragrance), and don’t turn your face ghostly white. This is my everyday go-to sunscreen.
If you’re looking for sunscreen in a spray, Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 30 is a good option. If you’re looking for a stick, I recommend the Thinkbaby SPF 30 sunscreen. My 7-year-old likes to put this on herself and keep one in her bag to apply every day.
Rash Guards
Rash guards are a must with kids so you don’t have to keep slathering sunscreen all over their bodies.
Collapsible Buckets
This is one of those things you don’t realize you need until you have them. Buckets and sand toys are some of the bulkiest beach items to lug around and every space matters. I have 3 kids and these come with 3 buckets that are easily collapsible and so versatile.
If you’re looking for a sand toy set, then this is a cute gender-neutral set that comes with everything a child needs, including a collapsible bucket. Keep these in your car if you ever need to give water to your dog, need a place to carry wet items, or if your kids get carsick.. so many uses!
Baby Floatie
Babies love to spend time in the water and it’s always a good idea to introduce them to swimming as early as possible. The this is a great pool float for babies. Recommended for 3 to 36 months old. Always practice water safety by staying with your baby and never letting go of the floatie.
Best Beach Blanket
Beach blankets are one of the essential things used at the beach. I’ve always used beach towels or a blanket, but never enjoyed using them after a swim because they’re often times damp from the sand underneath, or become heavy after using them to dry off and having to lug 5 large, large towels (we’re a family of 5) aren’t the best use of our arm space. They’re also bulky, get sand stuck in them, and were never big enough for everyone to sit on.
Then, I discovered this sand-free beach mat and it’s been a serious game-changer ever since!
A sand-free beach blanket is a strong, durable, and waterproof blanket made out of 100% Parachute nylon. It is multi-functional and lightweight making it a great blanket for the beach, picnic, park, or camping. The type of fabric and design allows you to easily shake the sand off at the end of the day.
They’re huge and yet fold up into a small travel pouch that’s included. They’re made of a durable material that’s washable and super easy to use. I highly recommend this and keep it in the car since it’s so portable.
Wekapo Beach Blanket
Beach Umbrella & Anchor
A beach umbrella to me is a necessity to keep my kids and myself out of harmful UV rays, but still be able to enjoy the beach. I prefer the umbrella model to other tent-like styles or canopy models as they’re simple, straightforward, and adjustable to what I need. I also recommend getting the Beach Umbrella Sand Anchor that will dig into the sand to give your umbrella that extra secure hold.
Waterproof Wet Bag
With the move to using fewer single-use plastic bags, wet bags are great for carrying wet swimsuits, diapers, leaky sunscreen, etc. I use mine for travel to keep my kid’s change of clothes when flying and also for keeping toiletries from leaking. The Bumkins Waterproof Wet Bag is great because it’s quite large (12×14″) and can hold a lot of things. Not to mention, all the cute designs – Disney and Sanrio (did someone say, Hello Kitty?)
Crocs
Crocs might not be the go-to footwear for adults, but for kids, they are seriously great for all weather. They’re durable, waterproof, comfortable, easy to slip on and off even with the rear strap, and have good sole grip. My older kids have gone through so many shoes and crocs are the ones that last enough to be handed down.
Crocs Unisex-Child Classic Clogs
