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Packing List for a Beach Trip with a Toddler
Below is the ultimate packing list for your first beach trip with your toddler.
- Swimsuit and also a shirt that covers his shoulders. Didn’t want to risk any sunburns.
- Baby sunblock.
- Swim diapersto wear under the suit.
- Regular diapers. Wipes. Regular diaper bag essentials.
- A change of clothes. Ok, I packed several changes of clothes.
- A hat. Very important of course, and I love his “Texas makes me happy” hat.
- Sunglasses, though he didn’t use them. One day I’ll get him to wear them.
- Umbrella for shade. It is HOT now in Texas, so shade was necessary.
- Drinks. I melted down some Pedialyte pops and mixed them with water in his sippy cups, so I knew he would have extra hydration. And then I brought extra water.
- Snacks. I did well on this one. I packed some Gerber Lil’ Beanies since I know he loves them (and I am a fan of their nutritional value) as well as crackers and some squeeze packages.
- Beach toys, though he didn’t touch them.
- Sandals.
- Towel and wrap to lay on.
Obviously, I had to pack for myself, too, so I ended up with two bags total, plus the cooler (crackers and Gerber snacks for the toddler, water, and a sandwich and fruit for me) and umbrella. Yea my hands were full.
How did we do in our preparation for the beach day?
I’m happy to report I did quite well in my planning and didn’t end up wishing I had something with me that I had forgotten. I almost forgot a pair of sunglasses for myself but remembered at the last minute. That would not have been good, as I don’t want to use my prescription sunglasses where they can get scratched or broken – those stay in the car for driving only.
The little guy loved the ocean. He loved to splash and run around the beach, and made the cutest faces if he tasted the salt water as it sprayed him. He didn’t care for the sand, though. I put a handful in his open palms, and he gave it back to me, and that was that. Maybe he’ll play with buckets and build sand castles another time.
I was so pleased that I grabbed the Gerber Lil’ Beanies (the White Cheddar and Broccoli flavor) at Walmart (in the baby isle) before our trip. My original reasoning to bring these was the nutritional value (the snack is made from beans so contains protein and fiber in each serving) and the ease of feeding (since he can easily feed himself without my help and without making a mess). Baby H ended up devouring an entire container after his first time playing in the ocean. I couldn’t get it out of his hands without him getting all upset! But that worked well since it helped him sit still for a long time – he even sat quietly snacking on the bench while I cleaned up and changed! That was a total mom win!
Have you tried the Gerber Lil’ Beanies with your Toddler? They come in two flavors, the White Cheddar and Broccoli that I prefer, and the Original. Pick them up at your local Walmart for your next summer outing with your tot.
Be sure to share your beach packing tips with me and let me know if I left something out, so I’ll be even better prepared next time.
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Arianne says
I have a simular post. I like how you told us how it went. My daughter loves those snacks. Thanks for sharing this on Seasonal Blog Joy Group!
samantha says
Those are really great snacks to take on the go, we love the squeeze packs too! My toddler loves swimming and going on trips, although she hates the car.
Kathleen says
What a fun trip for you and your baby. I love the beach and just moved very close to one. Actually, not to brag, but about a 4 minute walk. So perfect. Thank you for linking up to Tips and Tricks. Hope to see you again this week.
elena says
really enjoyed reading your post and your photos are so cute!! <3
Sarah @ 2paws Designs says
Great tips! The hat & sunshirt are a must with toddlers – easy way to help protect them from the sun and less area to have to worry getting the sunblock on! We also enjoy the Lil’ Beanies. 🙂
Trista, Domesticated Momster says
We just got back from a 2 week vacation at the beach and the best thing we invested in was one of those canvas wagons with the big wheels that you can get at Costco! It fit all the essentials so no one had to carry a thing and pulled through the sand with ease. My kids are a little older so there’s some things that aren’t needed…I bring snacks but they are so busy playing that they never say “I’m hungry”. It’s amazing. Thanks for linking with #momsterslink :))
Julie says
The wagon sounds like a great idea. Wow so much better than carrying everything.
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
Great suggestions! We don’t have a lot of beaches around here but these suggestions for any summer outing are great. I have this great weighted picnic blanket which is great for outings like these too.
Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Julie says
Ooh a picnic basket that’s weighted sound awesome. I’ve just dealt with soft totes, but that sounds even better for outings.
Kristin says
We bring a gallon of water to rinse feet before we get into the car. 🙂 Great tips!
Julie says
Ooh that’s a good idea, if you don’t have access to showers to rinse off!
Crummy Mummy says
We’re old hands at this as we live by the sea, but luckily we’re so close we can nip home if we forget anything! #thelist
Rachelle says
I always feel like a pack mule carrying all our stuff to the beach LOL!!!
Julie says
Haha no kidding, I know what you mean!
Jasmine Almeida says
Beach trips are so fun and packing good snacks is definitely key to a successful day!
Maria Magdalena says
I have most items on your list although I don’t have toddler anymore…. Lol! These are ultimate pack!
Julie says
Thanks 🙂 Yea I bet the list transfers to older kids and adults too 🙂
Audrey says
Just three more weeks until I am on the beach again. We can’t wait!
Julie says
Enjoy it! 🙂
Gemma says
Nice to know I’m not alone in struggling to get sunglasses on a toddler – we have Finding Nemo ones but that hasn’t helped and he takes them off within seconds of them being put on. Good list too I have to say that I’m usually good at remembering things for my toddler but I’m not so good at remembering things for myself – I recently went on holiday without my hairbrush! #weekendblogshare
Julie says
I can barely keep his hat on haha.
Oh no! No hairbrush? At least that’s an easy thing to pick up at a store if needed, but still not fun to forget.
Tara Mitchell says
I have fond memories of visiting the beach with my kids when they were little. These are great tips. Thanks for sharing at this week’s Friday Free for All link party!
Julie says
There is something special about kids and the beach 🙂 Thanks Tara!
Baby Isabella says
We love visiting the beach. We always forget wet wipes!! Great list 🙂 #TheList
Julie says
What is it about wipes huh? I’ll remember diapers but have to do a double take for the wipes.
Geraldine says
I absolutely love going to the beach with our little one. She loves it but hates the feel of wet sand between her toes haha #thelist
Julie says
Yea my little one didn’t like the feel of wet sand either. So funny, cause I love the feel of sand.
Joan says
Hi Julie,
Yep, that looks like just about how we pack with our toddler for beach trips! We have UV shirts for our boy, and they’re quick-dry which is a bonus. My son is soooo picky now with food, but I think he likes the White Cheddar/Broccoli Beanies a bit – at least he’s tried them. It also looks like you have the Baby Banz sunglasses? They’re so cute when they have them on! Looks like it was a good time!
Julie says
He refuses to wear those sunglasses. I forget the brand, but they wrap around and stay on his head supposedly, he’s never worn them hah.
Erin says
Awww such cute photos and I’m glad it was a fun day. These are great tips! My boys love the Gerber snacks as well!
Julie says
Thanks 🙂 It was pretty fun and he did well for his first time. Though we weren’t without fussy tantrum time. Ah mom life.
Healing Mama says
We just had a beach day, and honestly I was worried I forgot something. This is a great reminder of what to bring. Especially the Gerber snacks!
Julie says
It’s just one of those things that if you forget something, you can’t just go grab it heh.
Samantha @ Momma Wants Java says
I’m so jealous! I love going to the beach, but there is nothing close enough for us. And where did you get that hat? It’s amazing!!! My kids love those Gerber snacks. 🙂
Julie says
Aww no beach by you? That’s sad, but honestly I haven’t been to the beach in forever. Since way before we moved into this current house and had the kiddo heh. The hat I actually bought at a yard sale and I love it oh so much!!