They say the beach is one of the most relaxing places you can go—sun, sand, and the soothing sound of waves. But add toddlers to the mix, and that serene scene can turn into a bit of a juggling act. Don’t worry though—with these 12 tips, even a beach day with toddlers can be smooth sailing! 🌊👶
When to Hit the Beach For The Best Beach Days With Toddlers
Early Birds Get the Best Sandcastles
Remember those long, lazy beach days where you could lounge all day, soaking up the sun? With toddlers, timing is everything. It’s best to either go early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The younger your kids, the earlier you’ll want to go—after all, everyone’s in a better mood before lunchtime meltdowns start! 😅
Bring Some Shade: Staying Cool and Comfy
Throw a Little Shade (in the Best Way)
When you're spending a day at the beach with toddlers, having some reliable shade is a must. We love this sun tent that’s super easy to set up—it takes just two minutes, and it’s anchored by the sand, so you don’t have to worry about it blowing away. It’s perfect for giving everyone a break from the sun and staying cool. Plus, it creates a cozy little spot for snack time or some much-needed rest. If you're interested, you can check it out here!
Sunscreen is a Must: Protect That Precious Skin
Slather on the Sunscreen
Toddlers’ skin is tender and sensitive, so sunscreen is non-negotiable. Choose a child-safe, reef-friendly formula, and make sure to reapply it every 60 to 80 minutes. Our favorites are those that need to be manually applied—no worries about your little one inhaling spray particles! 🌞
Beach Toys: Keep Them Busy
Bring the Fun to the Sand
Looking for great, easy to pack, beach toys? We’re loving this modern silicone beach toy set. It’s made from soft, flexible silicone, so you can easily pack it into your suitcase without worrying about cracks or taking up too much space. Plus, it’s endlessly reusable and free of any nasties like BPA—just what you want for your little ones. Whether at the beach, pool, or even bath time, this set has everything your child needs to stay engaged for hours. And as a bonus, it’s super easy to clean! 🏖️You can find it at Amazon here.
Go with Backup: Safety in Numbers
Don’t Fly Solo—Bring Backup!
The beach is a big, exciting place for toddlers, so you’ll want an extra set of eyes on hand. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or another parent with kids, having help is a game-changer. Not only does it make bathroom breaks easier, but it also means someone’s always watching your little ones. And speaking of safety, always choose a beach with lifeguards on duty. 🛟
Pack the Essentials: Don’t Forget the Basics
Essentials for a Stress-Free Beach Day
Hydration is key at the beach—so pack plenty of water for everyone. Bring along snacks, swim diapers, and a little cash for a post-beach ice cream treat. And don’t forget a first-aid kit for those minor bumps and scrapes. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!
Water Shoes: Protect Those Tiny Feet
Step Lightly with Water Shoes
Shorelines can be unpredictable—sometimes they’re smooth, and sometimes they’re full of sharp shells and rocks. Water shoes let your toddler explore without the risk of ouchies. Plus, they’re easy to slip on and off for sandcastle building and wading in the waves. 🏝️
Hand Wipes: Clean Hands, Happy Snacks
Wipe It Down Before Chowing Down
Sure, you can rinse off in the ocean, but hand wipes are a must-have for keeping those little hands clean before snack time. They’re also handy for those moments when the public restroom is out of soap (we’ve all been there!). Our favorite? Herbal baby wipes that are gentle yet effective. ✨
Snack Time: Easy Eats for the Beach
Snack Smart for the Beach
When it comes to beach snacks, think easy and refreshing. Fruit is always a win—it’s hydrating and delicious. Squeeze pouches are perfect for little hands, and cutting sandwiches into fun shapes ensures that if one falls into the sand, you’ve got plenty more to go around. 🥪🍓
Cooler Tips: Keep It Cool and Convenient
Smart Cooler Tips for Easy Breezy Beach Days
Remember those bulky coolers from your childhood? Thankfully, times have changed! Opt for a cooler with wheels or a soft-pack back-pack cooler that's easy to carry. This way, you can keep your food and drinks refreshing without breaking a sweat (except the good kind from chasing your toddler around!). 🧊 We love this one. You can check it out here.
Location, Location, Location: Find the Best Spot
Pick the Perfect Beach Spot
When choosing your beach destination, consider one with lifeguards on duty and restrooms nearby. If the public bathrooms are less than ideal, try to set up near a hotel or restaurant where you can access cleaner facilities. After all, convenience is key when you’re managing little ones. 🏖️
Towels for Tots: Keep Them Cozy
Don’t Forget the Right Towels
Even on the hottest days, a swim means your little one will need a cozy towel. Hooded towels are perfect for drying off and keeping toddlers warm. At Land of the Wee, we love our organically-grown bamboo towels—they’re super soft and cozy, perfect for snuggling up in after a fun-filled beach day and they come with a handy wet dry bag. It's perfect for wet bathing suits, sandy toys, and all the messy little things you want to contain. 🛁
Ready, Set, Go!
Let the Beach Day Fun Begin!
Now that you’re armed with these essential tips, you’re ready for a fun and memorable beach day with your toddler. So, pack your bags, grab those snacks, and head to the shore—your summer adventure awaits!
Just a heads-up: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you decide to click through and make a purchase, we might earn a tiny commission (at no extra cost to you). It’s like buying us a virtual cup of coffee—thank you for supporting our blog and helping us keep the ideas coming! ☕
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