What To Pack For A Beach Vacation With A Toddler

Are you planning on taking a beach vacation with your toddler? If you’re anything like me, it can be stressful trying to pack everything you need for baby and the family. This post helps you plan ahead! It also outlines the 4 main items I use when babywearing on a beach vacation.

I’ve been to the beach many times before, but never with a toddler. And since I have a toddler, I wanted to share what we brought with us on our recent trip to the Jersey shore.

I recently went on vacation to a beach, and it was the first time my 18-month old daughter attended. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but made sure to pack everything under the sun (pun intended).

While planning a vacation, for some it’s the excitement, for others it’s the relaxing sound of waves and Hawaiian shirts, but for most there’s no question that one thing stands out, packing!

*This toddler beach packing list post may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you purchase from them. This is at no extra cost to you.

Must Have Beach Items For Toddlers

What To Pack For A Beach Vacation With A Toddler

First up, things to take to the beach with a toddler that are absolutely necessary. Don’t leave home without them!

Beach With Toddlers Checklist

• Rash Guard, Bathing Suit
• Floaties, Life Vest
• Swim Diapers, Diapers
• Toddler Beach Shoes, Sandals
• Sunscreen
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Blanket, Beach Towels
• Beach Toys
• Beach Snacks
• Hydroflask Water Bottles
• Mesh Beach Bag
• Extra Bags for Wet Clothes
• Change of Clothes
• Wipes, Napkins

Toddler Swim Gear

Top of the list for what to bring to the beach with a toddler is making sure you have all the proper swimming. Even though most babies won’t be swimming in the ocean per se, you’ll want all the protective swimwear to keep their skin safe from the sand and sun.

•  Rash Guard –Buying a rash guard that covers the entire arm is a great way to protect your toddler’s sensitive skin from the harsh midday sun.  We love the Hurley Swim Set (for boys) and the Ruffle Butts (for girls) because it has UPF 50+ protection and has a lightweight dry-fit design. Check here for other highly rated rash guards.
•  Floaties or Life Vest – Even though most toddlers won’t be swimming, having them wear floaties or a life vest when they are playing is a great way to reinforce safe swimming practices. We like this life jacket from Body Glove because it is coast guard approved. Because it’s meant to be a life-saving device, it does not inflate and deflate, so it may not be the best choice for travel. If you want something that can take up less space, you can opt for this space-saving swim vest from Splash About. It helps kids float and learn how to swim, but isn’t created to be a life-saving device. Since most parents aren’t leaving their wee ones to swim in the water, it’s a good option for casual beach days.https://224cfcc4ebbf913ee7a7be7e6c7a7ff7.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
• Baby Carrier – Another excellent option for swimming with a toddler or a baby is the Biubee Water Sling Wrap. It’s a baby toddler carrier that can be submerged into water, so you can wear your toddler while walking through the shallow waters. It’s a great option for anyone with babies or young toddlers.If you want a more conventional holder than a wrap, you can use the Boba Air Baby Carrier. It’s made of nylon so it can get wet and dry quickly. I wouldn’t recommend submerging the carrier in water, but it’s a great option for carrying a baby or toddler around a pool or beach. It’s lightweight so it travels well and can be used on regular nonwater days.
• Swim Diapers – Pretty self-explanatory, but where there are babies, there are diapers. While cute re-usable swim diapers like these are the most economical and environmentally friendly choice, you can also opt for disposable swim diapers. Swim diapers are different than everyday diapers in that they won’t absorb water and weigh your baby down, but will keep everything in if they soil the diaper.https://224cfcc4ebbf913ee7a7be7e6c7a7ff7.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

Toddler Beach Shoes

We think the best toddler beach shoes are the Jefferson slip-on from Native Shoe Company. They are waterproof shoes that can easily be worn in the water as well as afterward when your family is strolling along the boardwalk. Their versatility, along with their lightweight slip-on design and vibrant colors, makes them a clear-cut win when looking for beach shoes for toddlers. We like to travel light, so anything that can be used for multiple uses is a winner for me. You can check here for current prices. The only caveat is that since they have holes, they do get a lot of sand in them if your toddler is wearing them while playing in the sand. The good thing is, that you can easily wash them off in the water.

If you want classic water shoes that are affordable and simple, then buying a basic water shoe like this will be all you need to protect their feet from the hot sand and rocks.