Beach Essentials for Baby: What to Pack (and What to Know) for a Beach Trip with a Baby
Headed to the beach this summer? Us too! My husband and I have always loved to travel and have welcomed our babies into our adventures whether that’s to the beach, hiking with a toddler and baby, or traveling to Europe with our 4 month old.
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What to Know Before Taking Your Baby to the Beach
Heading to the beach with a baby can be a little intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. Whether your baby is 1 month, 6 months, or close to 1 year old, here are a few practical tips that make a big difference when you're bringing an infant to the beach.
Go early or later in the day. Avoid peak sun and heat by heading out in the morning or late afternoon. I like to use those afternoon peak sun times to give baby a good nap in the air conditioning.
Make shade a priority. Whether you’re using a tent, stroller canopy, or umbrella, keeping your baby out of direct sun is key, especially for babies under 6 months.
Don’t try to bring everything. Stick to lightweight, multi-use items and keep extras in the car or hotel. Bringing a baby in tow with all of the basics is already a lot to carry!
Watch your baby’s cues and be flexible. Some babies love the beach and will nap under an umbrella. Others may only last 45 minutes and that’s okay. Stay flexible and willing to adjust your plans as needed.
1. Foldable Beach Blanket
A large sand-proof and water-resistant beach blanket gives you a clean spot to set up. We like this budget-friendly version of the Little Unicorn Outdoor Blanket.
2. Pop-Up Playpen or Beach Tent
For a safe, shaded place for your infant on the beach, we love the California Beach Co Pop ‘N Go Playpen. It folds like a lawn chair and sets up quickly. Add a self-inflating mat for more cushion.
3. Mineral Baby Sunscreen
For babies over 6 months, choose a mineral-based baby sunscreen. We use Tubby Todd Mineral Sunscreen (you can use my Mom Mode link for 10% off $30+). Double check with your pediatrician on the use of sunscreen if your baby is under 6 months.
Tip: use a cheap makeup brush or makeup sponge to apply sunscreen on your baby’s face as that seems to agitate them less than using your hands.
4. Sun Hat and Swimsuit with Sun Protection
Choose a floppy cotton sun hat or bucket-style hat with a chin strap to help shield baby’s face and neck. Look for UPF 50+ options that won’t blow away easily. I also look for swimwear with built-in UPF 50+ fabric.
5. Swim Diapers
You’ll want to pack disposable or reusable swim diapers. Bring a few extras in your beach bag or leave them in the car just in case.
6. Muslin Blankets
A must-have. Muslin swaddles are lightweight, breathable, and multi-use. We use them for everything because they have so many uses, especially on the beach — shade, towel, burp cloth, even an emergency change mat. These Aden + Anais muslin blankets are our favorite for softness and quality.
7. Float or Infant Life Jacket
If you’ll be in the pool, we use the Mambobaby Float. It straps baby in and helps them stay upright and safe. For open water, always use a US Coast Guard-approved infant life jacket.
8. Clip-On Stroller Fan
Use a battery-powered clip fan to keep baby cool inside the stroller, playpen, or under your umbrella. Some models even have a misting feature for extra cooling in the heat, like this battery-powered misting fan.
9. Wet Bags + Mesh Pouches
Wet bags are perfect for wet swimwear. I also use mesh zipper pouches in our beach bag to keep things organized in our beach bag: one for snacks, one for diapers and wipes, one for clean clothes.
10. Lightweight Travel Stroller or Baby Carrier
We love the Summer Infant 3Dlite stroller. It’s super lightweight, folds easily, and reclines almost flat for beach naps or other travel. Also, it doesn’t break the bank so I don’t worry as much about damage or theft while traveling.
A lightweight, breathable baby carrier for hot weather is great when strollers don’t work on sand. I love a wrap for newborns and the Wildbird Aerial Carrier for older babies.
11. Portable Sound Machine
If your baby naps with white noise at home, bring your portable sound machine for the beach or rental. It helps with naps under the umbrella and keeps the sleep routine consistent.
12. Travel High Chair
Not essential for everyone, but if your baby is eating solids, it may be useful to bring a portable high chair for baby to sit and snack, either at the beach or at your hotel or rental.
13. Beach-Friendly Toys for Baby
Not all baby toys are sand-friendly. Silicone and plush toys tend to hold onto the sand. I recommend keeping it simple and easy to rinse off.
Some great beach friendly toys for babies:
Water-filled teethers (chilled in your cooler = a win)
14. Cooler Pouch for Snacks
If your baby is eating solids, pack a small insulated pouch with easy, non-messy snacks:
Yogurt melts
Teething crackers
Puree pouches
Fruit bars
Puffs
15. Easy to Clean Bag to Carry It All
These waterproof rubber tote bags (this is the Simple Modern brand, similar to the Bogg bag but more affordable!) have become a favorite for a reason. They fit a lot and are super easy to clean - just rinse them out! Perfect for sandy beach days.
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Flying to the Beach? Here’s What to Expect
We’ve flown with our babies starting at 4 months old. It’s definitely doable and being prepared helps a lot!
A few things that made it easier:
Wear your baby through security
Gate check your stroller and car seat
Pack more diapers than you think you’ll need, plus an extra outfit
Offer a pacifier, bottle, or nurse during takeoff/landing to help with ear pressure
👉 For more on that, I wrote A Guide to Flying with a Baby, including what to pack and how to navigate through the airport without stress.
Beach Toys That Work for the Plane and the Beach
When you’re traveling with a baby, packing toys that work for both the plane and the beach saves space and keeps things simple. These toys will vary on the age of your baby. One of my top tips for traveling with a baby is to pack new baby toys they’ve never seen before! I find these keep their attention for longer, which is really great when on a flight with baby.
📍 You can find our travel go-to’s here: Airplane Activities and Toys for Your Baby
Final Takeaways
Taking your baby to the beach doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few thoughtful essentials (and realistic expectations) it can be a great way to enjoy time together as a family.
Start with this list, adjust it for your baby’s age and routine, and go from there. Whether you’re bringing a newborn to the beach or chasing a 10 month old in the sand, you’ve got this!
➡️ Don’t forget to bookmark or pin this post, and check out:
My full guide to flying with a baby
My top picks for baby airplane toys
Grab my free baby travel packing checklist to simplify your baby travel prep - it’s designed to help you get everything packed without the stress.
You’ve got this, mama. Happy beach-ing!
