Taking a baby to the beach is the perfect way to spend a warm summer day with your family. There are few things cuter than watching your baby play in the sand and water. I love spending time on the beach with my little ones, and I’ve learned that being prepared is key to a great family outing at the beach.
To help your family have the best day possible at the beach, I’ve put together a complete list of baby beach essentials. So pack up your baby beach gear and get ready to hit the beach!
Quick Note: Baby Sun Safety
Before I get into the list of beach essentials for babies, the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation both recommend that babies are kept in the shade, where sun protective clothing that covers their entire body and wear a wide-brimmed sun hat. At the top of my list of baby beach essentials, you are going to find the best baby beach tents and the best sun hats for babies. Keeping your baby safe in the sun is of the utmost importance!
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Beach Essentials for Baby
Whether you are going on a beach vacation with a baby or visiting your local beach, here is my complete list of baby beach must haves:
I prefer mineral cream sunscreens for beach days with babies because they stay put and are easier around little eyes. Thinkbaby SPF 50+ uses non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is water-resistant for 80 minutes.
The 3 oz tube is carry-on friendly, and it rubs in better than many zinc formulas. For babies under 6 months, I follow AAP and FDA guidance to prioritize shade, UPF clothing and hats, then use only small amounts of sunscreen on exposed skin if shade isn’t available.
- Mineral zinc formula with broad spectrum protection
- Applies more easily than many zinc creams
- Water resistant up to 80 minutes
- Travel friendly 3 ounce tube
- Can leave a faint cast on deeper skin tones
- Needs frequent reapplication with sand and towel use
This is my go-to beach hat for babies and toddlers because the wide front brim and long neck flap reduce how much sunscreen I need to use. The recycled-poly fabric is UPF 50+, it’s machine washable, and the breakaway chin strap plus back toggle help it actually stay on in beach wind.
- UPF 50+ fabric with neck and ear coverage
- Breakaway strap and back toggle for fit and safety
- Lightweight, quick-dry and machine washable
- Brim can flip in strong wind without an umbrella or tent
- Some colors run small so check the size chart
For crawlers and new walkers, I love a long-sleeve one-piece with a full-length front zip. It keeps shoulders, back and tummy covered so I use less sunscreen, and the zipper makes diaper changes much faster. Simple Joys is an easy, budget-friendly pick that’s widely available in sizes for babies and toddlers.
- Long sleeves reduce sunscreen use on arms
- Full-length zipper speeds changes
- UPF 50+ fabric
- Some prints run snug so consider sizing up
- Fabric can feel warm out of the water
I choose this snap-side swim diaper for the beach because the gussets add an extra line of defense, and the patented triple-layer design won’t puff up in the water. It’s made with recycled materials, OEKO-TEX tested, and the snaps make roadside changes a lot easier than pull-on styles. Rinse after each swim to preserve the fabric and UPF.
- Gussets plus triple-layer design for mess control
- Easy-lock side snaps for on-and-off changes
- UPF 50+ fabric and OEKO-TEX tested
- Needs a snug fit so check the size chart
- Not a substitute for a regular diaper outside the water
- 100% UVA and UVB protective and shatterproof
- Made of flexible material called thermoplastic elastomer
- Glare-free and comes with a detachable and adjustable elastic strap
- Chew and bite-resistant
My go-to family beach shade balances coverage, airflow, and packability. The WhiteFang tent uses UPF 50+ fabric, has three mesh windows for ventilation, and includes stakes plus sandbags for windy days. It fits two adults and a baby comfortably and folds down small for the trunk or a beach wagon.
- UPF 50+ fabric with extendable floor
- Mesh windows improve airflow on hot days
- Sandbags and stakes add stability
- Packs small and is easy to carry
- Setup is easier with two adults in windy conditions
- Front floor can collect sand if you fully zip it
I like the CGEAR mat because the dual-layer weave lets dry sand fall through instead of grinding into towels or sticking to damp fabric. It stakes down at the corners, dries quickly, and packs flatter than plush picnic rugs, which makes it easier to carry with a baby and gear. If you are choosing one blanket for beach travel, this is my top pick.
- Dual-layer weave sheds dry sand effectively
- Corner loops stake down in wind
- Quick-dry material packs flat
- Feels like a mat rather than a towel
- Premium price compared with budget sheets
For babies and young toddlers, I prefer soft, quick-dry water shoes with a thin, grippy sole. The i play by green sprouts pair protects little feet on hot sand and slick pool edges, then rinses clean and dries fast back at the condo.
The flexible upper makes them easy to pull on wiggly feet, and the non-slip sole gives a bit more traction than basic aqua socks. Size for a snug but comfortable fit and always rinse out sand and salt to keep the fabric soft for the next beach day.
- Quick-dry upper with flexible fit for babies
- Non-slip sole for traction on wet surfaces
- Lightweight and packs flat in a day bag
- Thin sole is not for rocky beaches
- Sizing varies by color so check the chart
For shade-break snacks, the Pop ’n Sit is a compact, wipe-clean seat with a tray. It folds flat, includes a three-point harness, and straps to a dining chair back at your hotel. On the beach, you can set it inside the tent so snacks stay out of the sand and you can buckle your toddler while you prep bottles or sunscreen.
- Compact fold with removable tray
- Indoor and outdoor versatility
- Easy to wipe down after sandy hands
- Buckles can trap sand if not rinsed
- Lower back support than a full high chair
I like this soft cooler for beach days because it folds flat in your suitcase, then opens wide for bottles, snacks, and ice packs. The PEVA lining wipes clean, and the 24-liter size carries a family’s worth without getting awkward to haul from the car or condo.
You can pack cold items in a small bin inside so the zipper area stays clean, then rinse the liner with fresh water at the end of the day.
- 24 liter capacity with wide opening
- Leak-resistant PEVA liner that wipes clean
- Folds flat for travel and storage
- Soft walls mean careful packing around glass
- Not as cold-holding as a hard cooler
For shade-break naps, I prefer a hands-free fan that wraps onto a stroller bar or the beach tent pole. This rechargeable AMACOOL model has a flexible tripod, 3 speeds, and a tight grille that’s better around curious fingers. I like it to move air through the tent rather than directly at a baby’s face.
- Flexible tripod mounts on strollers and chairs
- Tight grille and adjustable head for safe aiming
- Rechargeable design without extra AA batteries
- Tripod legs can collect sand without a quick rinse
- Battery life shortens on the highest speed
A mesh water sling for very shallow water and splash pads allows you to keep both hands free while supervising. The Beachfront Baby ring sling is quick-dry mesh and designed for warm-weather use; as with any carrier, keep baby’s face visible and airway clear, and stay in calm, shallow water only.
- Quick-dry mesh packs small
- Adjustable rings for a secure fit
- Great at splash pads and pool edges
- Not for deep water or strong waves
- Learning curve if you’re new to ring slings
After a beach rinse, switch to a big cotton hooded towel that doubles as a quick cover for changes in the tent. Hudson Baby’s 33×33 inch towel is soft, dries fast overnight in a hotel bathroom, and the hood keeps it from slipping off wiggly toddlers.
- Large 33 by 33 inch size for babies and toddlers
- Soft woven terry cotton that dries quickly
- Hood helps it stay on after the rinse
- Thinner than plush bath towels at home
- Sand sticks if you don’t shake it out first
I love this simple beach toy kit for travel: a bucket, shovel, a few molds, and a tote that keeps sand out of the main bag. This B. Toys set is BPA- and phthalate-free and comes with its own beach tote, which makes rinsing and drying everything easier before you pack up.
- Comes with a tote for easy carry and rinse
- BPA- and phthalate-free materials
- Just enough pieces without bulk
- Larger sets are better for long stays at one beach
- Mesh bag can retain fine sand if not rinsed well
When you’re juggling a baby, tent, towels, and cooler, a folding wagon saves trips on firm paths and packed sand. The Mac Sports classic wagon holds up to 150 lbs, folds to about 8 inches thick, and cleans up easily. On very soft sand, it still takes effort, so I plan routes on boardwalks and firmer sections when possible.
- Folds compact for the trunk
- Large 150 pound capacity for bulky gear
- Durable 600D fabric that wipes clean
- Hard work in deep, soft sand
- Heavier to lift if you are solo with a baby
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 baby beach necessities with you. Babies skin is so sensitive that you’ll want to take extra precautions in the sun.
If you read my post on sun safety for babies, you’ll know that your beach essentials for baby must include a way to provide shade for your little one. I also recommend trying to cover as much of your baby’s skin as possible when in the sun. Not only will this offer better sun 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 my 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! If you are spending a while at the beach with your newborn, make sure you have a shady spot to put your baby down to sleep on the beach. I also recommend consulting your doctor about using sunscreen on newborns. Typically the recommendation is to wait until an infant is 6 months old for sunscreen.
I consider a portable baby beach tent or a larger baby beach shelter to be newborn beach essentials. Having this important baby beach gear allows you to safely take your newborn to the beach and still protect them from the powerful sun and wind.
I haven’t forgotten about the toddlers! You can find all the best toddler beach essentials here.
Beach Vacations with a Baby
Now that you have all your beach essentials for your baby, where will you go? Find all the best baby friendly holidays here that should give you some inspiration for your next beach vacation with a baby.
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This post was written & edited by:
Celine Brewer is the owner of Baby Can Travel. Not only does she have years of experience traveling with babies & toddlers, but she's helped millions of new parents travel with their babies and toddlers for over a decade. In addition to writing on her baby travel blog, she has shared her expertise on traveling with a baby or toddler by contributing to articles about traveling with a baby with the Washington Post, USA Today, the Lonely Planet magazine and Pregnancy & Newborn magazine.
Celine also writes about family travel on the site FamilyCanTravel.com, which she co-owns with her husband. Being from the Canadian Rockies, she shares her passion about her home and travel to Banff National Park and area on their site TravelBanffCanada.com.