Taking a baby to the beach is the perfect way to spend a summer day. While you won’t get to spend the day sitting back and reading a book on the beach, you’ll love watching your baby play in the sand and water.
We’ve put together this comprehensive list of essentials for baby at the beach, with plenty of options to suit every family. So pack up your baby beach gear and get ready to hit the beach!
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Baby’s First Beach Trip
If this is your first time taking a baby to the beach, be prepared to haul a whole lot of beach stuff for babies. Babies skin is so sensitive that you’ll want to take extra precautions in the sun.

Your beach essentials for baby will need to include a way to provide shade for your baby. We also recommend trying to keep your baby as covered as possible when in the sun. Not only will this offer better protection for your baby, it’s much easier than trying to cover a wriggly baby in sunscreen.
Thinking about a family beach vacation? Don’t miss our 8 Tips for a Beach Holiday with a Baby, a Guide to Visiting an All-Inclusive with a Baby and the 10 Best Baby-Friendly All-Inclusive Resorts.
Can you take a newborn to the beach?
Yes, you can take newborn to the beach! You might need to make sure you have a spot to put your baby down to sleep on the beach. We also recommend consulting your doctor about sunscreen on newborns.
Typically the recommendation is to wait until a baby is 6 months old for sunscreen. With a portable baby beach tent or a larger baby beach shelter, you should be able to safely take a newborn to the beach and still protect your baby from the sun and wind.
We haven’t forgotten about the toddlers! You can find all the best toddler beach essentials here.

Whether you are going on a beach vacation with a baby or visiting a local beach, here is a complete list of beach essentials for babies:
Baby Beach Essentials
Here are your beach must haves for baby by category. In some instances we’ve included a few options, as we know every family is different. We’ve also included all of these items in a convenient Baby Beach Essentials shopping list on Amazon.
Baby Beach Clothes
One of the most important beach necessities for babies is their beachwear. Keeping your baby's skin protected from the sun is much easier with your baby's beach clothes rather than trying to make sure you cover every spot with sunscreen. You'll still want to be diligent with covering other areas with sunscreen and reapply as needed.
*Please consult your doctor about using sunscreen on babies less than 6 months old.

Baby Sun Hat
A baby sun hat is one of the most important baby beachwear items. We like this baby sun hat by i play. because it has strings to keep it securely on your baby and also protects the sensitive skin on your baby's face and neck. It also comes in several fun colors.

One Piece Swimsuit
If you can find a one piece swimsuit that covers your baby's arms and legs, especially with one like this that is UPF 50+, then you'll ensure your baby is well protected from the sun!

One Piece Swimsuit with UPF 50+ protection
While everyone would much rather see those plump little baby thighs on the beach, this adorable one piece swimsuit for girls will offer much more coverage.

RuffleButts Baby One Piece Rash Guard
If the full length swimsuit doesn't work for you, you can offer your baby almost as much protection with this one piece rash guard. This one by RuffleButts comes in some of the most adorable patterns.

Animal Face Hooded Towel
After a swim, wrap your baby up in one of these hooded towels. They are the perfect way to keep your baby warm. The hardest part will be choosing which animal face to get!

COCOSAND Baby Sunglasses with Strap
Babies won't enjoy the super bright sun and the glares off the water. Baby sunglasses are one of the must have baby beach items.
Babies aren't always interested in having sunglasses on, but even if your baby gets a hold of these they'll stand up to your babies little hands twisting them. They also have plastic lenses and the strap will help to keep them on your baby.

Baby Banz Sunglasses with Sun Protection
Another great option for baby sunglasses to help protect your baby's eyes from the glaring sun at the beach. These sunglasses by Baby Banz will protect your baby's eyes from harmful UVA and UVB sun rays. The neoprene strap will help keep them on your baby.

i play. by green sprouts Snap Reusable Swim Diaper | No other diaper necessary, UPF 50+ protection
Don't forget the swim diapers! These are a great option by i play. These reusable swim diapers have a triple protection layer and are machine washable. They can be worn either alone or under a swimsuit.

Baby Water Shoes
If your baby is transitioning to a toddler and trying to walk more, bring along some baby beach shoes. These will help protect your baby's feet from the warm sand, sharp shells or rocks.
Baby Swimming Essentials
Help your baby keep cool in the pool or in the calm ocean water with these baby swimming essentials.

Bitybean Breathable Baby Carrier
This ultra compact baby carrier by Bitybean is small to pack and will be quick to dry if used in the water with your baby. Having your baby in a baby carrier in the water will be so much easier than trying to hold onto a slippery, wet baby.
Vlokup Baby Water Ring Sling Carrier
Another great option for a baby carrier for taking your baby into the pool or calm ocean water is a ring sling. You'll want one that's breathable and that will dry quickly. With this type of baby carrier, we recommend trying it out at home before using it for the first time with your baby at the beach.

SwimWays Baby Float Activity Center with Canopy
Another great way to cool your baby off is to use a float like this one by SwimWays. With this, your baby can it upright and float right beside you. It also allows you to have your baby in the pool with shade.

Inflatable Baby Pool
If the water at the beach is just too rough for your baby, then add an inflatable baby pool to your beach essentials for baby. You can position it in or near your baby sun tent so your baby has some shade while they splash around in this pool.
Baby Beach Toys
Bring along some baby beach toys to keep your baby occupied and hopefully to distract your baby from eating all the sand!

Baby Beach Toy Set
Grab yourself a set of baby beach toys that includes a bucket, shovels and a watering can. You're baby will love dumping out the water and digging in the sand.

Baby Beach Book
Talk to your baby about the beach and even bring along their favorite book! This series of indestructible books is perfect for babies. They are 100% washable, so you can even bring them along to the beach.

Wekapo Sand Proof Beach Blanket
Give your baby a large area to play on with a baby beach mat. One of these sand proof beach blankets is perfect since you can even stake down the corners.
If you are looking to really keep your baby out of the sand, check out the baby beach hacks in our list of best travel hacks for babies and toddlers. You could even bring your baby travel crib for a place for your baby to nap.
Baby Beach Tent
If you are planning a full day in the sun or really want to keep your baby protected from the elements, then you can't go wrong with a baby sun tent. There are few options to consider when looking for the best baby beach tent and it will depend on how you want to use it.
Pop N' Go Playpen
*** RECALL NOTICE - There has been a recall for this playpen in Canada. Please see all the details here****
Give your baby all the space to play and nap on the beach! This Pop n' Go play works equally indoors as it does outdoors! From picnic to an afternoon on the beach, your baby will have plenty of space to explore.
It comes with a UV shade cover and only weights 7.2 lbs. With a compact fold and travel bag with shoulder strap, you'll have no trouble getting it to the beach. There is also an optional self-inflating mattress for nap times.
Use code BABYCANTRAVEL10 for a discount on any purchases.

KidCo Peapod Plus Infant Travel Bed
If you plan on giving your baby a nap on the beach, then this is definitely one of the best baby beach gear items. Using the KidCo Peapod Plus as your baby beach bed, you can protect your baby from the sun and any bugs.
Another alternative is to use your stroller on the beach with a CoziGo stroller cover to keep the sun off your baby.

Pacific Breeze Beach Tent Deluxe XL
This Pacific Breeze baby beach tent offers enough room for a few people and with the extendable floor there is plenty of room for your baby to crawl around. It weighs just 6 lbs and folds down into a carrying case. It also has stakes and sand pockets for windy conditions. Your baby will be well protected from the elements in this shade tent for the beach.

Coleman Canopy Tent | Beach Sun Shelter
For a more budget option, the Coleman beach tent is a good alternative. The extendable floor even zips up for a private changing room. It also has ground stakes and the back window opens for more ventilation.
Babymoov Pop Up Baby Sun Shelter
If you are looking for a larger baby sun shelter that fits just your baby, then the Babymoov baby beach tent is a good option. It also has roll up mesh netting to help protect your baby from mosquitoes while still giving plenty of room to play. It's lightweight and comes with a carrying bag.
Other Beach Must Haves for Baby
While that probably already seems like enough stuff to pack for the beach, we have a few more baby beach accessories to add to the baby beach packing list. Sunscreen is a must have beach item, but we also like the fans for keeping baby from getting overheated at the beach. A cooler is also necessary to keep any food or milk from spoiling.

Anpro Stroller Fan for Baby
A portable baby fan with a flexible stand will help to keep your baby from getting too hot at the beach. This will work especially good if your baby is napping in the stroller or your baby sun protection tent.

Badger Baby Sunscreen Cream SPF 30
Sunscreen is an absolute must for babies who might be crawling around in the sand or water. Badger makes a water resistant, reef safe sunscreen with organic ingredients for babies. We like that it's a cream sunscreen since those typically offer a better coverage.

Babyganics Sunscreen Spray 50 SPF
While we prefer a cream sunscreen, spray sunscreens are so much easier to reapply on a baby or toddler. We like that Babyganics suncreen comes both in a cream or a spray option.
We've also included other baby sunscreen alternatives in our Baby Beach Essentials list on Amazon.

Lifewit Collapsible Cooler Bag
An insulated cooler is an essential baby beach item to keep food and milk from spoiling. If you don't already have a cooler that you use for camping with a baby or toddler, then this collapsible cooler bag is a great option for the beach.

VIVOSUN Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding Wagon
With all the best baby beach gear packed and ready to go, you need a way to get it all down to the beach! A collapsible folding wagon is a great option for packing all your baby beach essentials down to the beach.

Summer Pop ‘n Sit Portable Booster Chair
Included in our list of best portable travel high chairs is this Summer Pop 'n Sit portable booster chair. If your baby is eating solids, you can give your baby a break from the sun by setting up this chair in your baby sun shade tent for a snack.
Beach Vacations with a Baby
Now that you have all your beach essentials for your baby, where will you go? Here’s a list baby friendly holidays that should give you some inspiration for your next beach vacation with a baby:
Best Baby Friendly All Inclusive Resorts
San Diego with a Baby or Toddler
Amalfi Coast with a Baby or Toddler
Cinque Terre with a Baby or Toddler
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