16 Beach Essentials for Toddlers

Sunscreen is the most obvious, but also one of the most important things to pack for a beach vacation. Being out in the sun all day without sunscreen is dangerous for your toddlers sensitive skin.  According to American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines, always go for a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 to shield the skin against UVA and UVB rays.

I personally prefer using a spray sunscreen instead of a cream-based sunscreen as it's easier to apply and doesn’t cake on to the skin. Especially for reapplying!

In addition to sunscreen, sun hats with velcro ties are a beach must have with toddlers. The best sun hats for toddlers are made from breathable mesh fabric with a wide brim, to protect their head, face and neck from exposure to the scorching heat (like this toddler hat with wide brim by i play.).

We also really like the Sunday Afternoon hats for toddlers, as they provide excellent protection with a wide brim and neck coverage. Find even more toddler sun hats here!

The first time we went to the beach, I made a rookie mistake of not bringing beach towels as we hadn’t planned to swim. I had to learn the hard way that beach towels have more than just one use. Even if your kids don’t intend to swim, these towels can be used as shade and even as a picnic blanket.

Now that I am teaching them how to swim, I make them wear hooded towels on top of their bathing suits. It’s great how these towels don’t slip off when they are running.

I switched from a double travel stroller to a collapsible wagon for beach days a year ago. Why? I just realized how my kids are growing up super fast and soon they will outgrow the stroller seats. The wagon I own now has wider seats and is comfortable for my twins.

Another reason why bringing a wagon (or your travel stroller) is a must is because you can throw in all your toddler beach gear such as coolers, snacks, beach toys and backpacks. Trust me, it does make life a lot easier.

Beach and sand toys must be included in any list of beach essentials for toddlers. My kids would start bawling if they didn’t find their shovels, buckets and sand castles molds in their beach backpack. Save yourself the trouble and include these simple and lightweight beach toys on your beach checklist for toddlers.

Playing in the water and sand with their toys are the best beach activities for toddlers!

Most toddlers will love being in the water and even if they don’t, safety is the first priority! We all know how fast a toddler can move when we look away for a second.

As their mother, I also love watching them enjoying their time trying to swim and chill in the water. To keep them safe while enjoying playing in the water, I never forget to toss in the swim arm bands or a swim vest like this one or this one.

Some toddlers can do without the toys but not without snacks. Even if you are heading to the beach post lunch-hour, bring along some healthy and delicious snacks in a cooler. Don’t forget to throw plenty of water in too. This will help you and your kids stay active and hydrated throughout the day.

Kids will be kids. Unexpected things like them spilling juice on their clothes happen all the time, so I got myself a large wet-dry bag in which I keep the (unused) swim diapers, snacks, toys and extra dry clothes.

Once my kids are out of water, the wet bathing suits go in the bag and fresh, dry clothes come out. Life made so simple!

For kids that are very sensitive to heat, a small fan is a beach must have for toddlers. A small portable fan, a misting fan or even a spray bottle with cold water from the cooler, can help them cool off after they are tired from playing and running all over the beach. I take it out when they stop for a snack time to provide them utmost comfort.

P.S: I also enjoy this fan as much as my kids do.

If you plan to be at the beach for the entire day or the beach doesn’t offer much shade, a beach umbrella or pop up beach tent for toddlers will give your toddler some time out of the sun.

Find even more options for the best toddler beach tents here.

The sand can get incredibly hot so protect your toddlers sensitive feet by adding some toddler beach shoes to the “things to bring the the beach for toddlers” packing list.

If you are planning a family beach vacation in Europe, then water shoes  will be a key beach accessory for your toddler on those rocky beaches.

A good sun hat (like the ones above) and a full swimsuit are the best protection for spending the day at the beach with a toddler. Plus it means less sunscreen to apply!

A full swimsuit gives added skin protection for your toddler with arm and leg coverage. A rash guard for toddlers can be added to any swimsuit to give arm coverage.

Besides being incredibly adorable we like these options:

1. RuffleButts Long Sleeve One Piece Swimsuit for Toddler Girls

2. Simple Joys by Carter's Boys' Rashguard Set

3. uideazone Toddler Zipper Rash Guard Swimsuit

4. Yober One Piece Toddlers Zipper Swimwear with Hat

5. upandfast Toddler One Piece Sunsuits with UPF 50+ Sun Protection

Get a beach blanket with room for everyone but that won’t take up a lot of extra room. With sand anchor pockets and stakes, you’ll get a ton of use out of an outdoor blanket. Especially an outdoor blanket that is sand and water-resistant.

Don't forget the swim diapers! i Play has a reusable swim diaper that is machine washable. Another option is disposable swim diapers.

Water and snacks are key for any outing with a toddler, including a day at the beach with toddlers! Bring your toddlers own water bottle and avoid getting sand all over your own!

If your toddler will leave them on, toddler sunglasses are another of the important beach accessories for toddlers to throw in your beach bag! With any luck your toddler will appreciate the protection from the glaring sun and will stop playing with them!