Heading to the beach with your little one? A sunny day by the sea can be a wonderful family memory—but without the right gear, it can quickly turn stressful. Babies need extra care in the sun, sand, and heat, so packing smart is key.
First times are always the most stressful and our little one was 6 moths old when we flew to the Seychelles where she enjoyed her first splashes in the ocean. Travelling to a faraway land for this experience is quite different to staying in your own country, and being well prepared is key. The goal is that you are enjoying the beach time also and I hope my guide provides a more ‘hassle-free’ planning.
*This post contains affiliate links that earn commission with no extra cost to you. I’m only recommending things I bought/would buy for me and my family.
Now to the important stuff: Here’s the ultimate list of things to take to the beach with a baby to keep your trip safe, fun, and stress-free.
🍼 Baby Beach Essentials
1. Baby Sunscreen
When it comes to protecting children’s delicate skin, sunscreen is a must. Their skin is more sensitive to the sun’s rays, which means they can burn more easily and be at higher risk for long-term damage. For babies and toddlers, always choose a sunscreen that is specifically labeled as safe for newborns and children.
This is something I actually didn’t know, but most sunscreens are safe for children over 6 months old, so make sure you check if yours covers babies that are younger. These formulas are less likely to irritate sensitive skin while still providing strong protection. Remember to reapply regularly, especially after swimming or sweating, and pair sunscreen with hats, shade, and protective clothing for the best sun safety.
My pick: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Kids Gentle Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50: https://amzn.to/3UWI8rM
2. Sun Hat & Baby Sunglasses (!)
A wide-brimmed sun hat is one of the best ways to shield your baby’s delicate face, ears, and neck from harsh UV rays. While sunglasses may seem like a good idea, it’s actually not recommended for babies to wear them, as they can put strain on developing eyes and may even cause harm over time. Instead, focus on keeping your little one’s eyes safe with hats, shade, and proper positioning away from direct sunlight. This way, you can protect their sensitive skin and vision without added risks.
My pick for baby boy: https://amzn.to/4n3fJw1
My pick for baby girl: https://amzn.to/4lYI3Pn
3. Baby Swimwear
Baby swimwear is designed to keep little ones comfortable and protected while they enjoy the water. Look for pieces that provide good coverage, such as long-sleeve swimsuits or rash guards, to shield delicate skin from the sun. For added safety, choose swimwear with built-in UV protection. In colder water or for younger babies, neoprene swimwear is a great option, as it helps maintain body warmth and keeps your baby more comfortable during their swim. We were really positively surprised by the neoprene suit we bought for our daughter and it really prolonged the time we got to spend in the ocean (I’m linking the one we bought and it’s super stylish, too).
My pick for neoprene suit: https://amzn.to/4myGRDo
Swimwear for baby boy: https://amzn.to/4mGRGU9
Swimwear for baby girl: https://amzn.to/4ncvqBs
4. Swim Diapers
Swim diapers are an essential part of baby swimwear, specially designed to be worn in the pool or at the beach. Unlike regular diapers, they don’t swell up in water and are made to contain solid accidents, helping keep the water clean and safe for everyone. They come in both disposable and reusable options, with snug but comfortable fits around the waist and legs to prevent leaks. While swim diapers don’t absorb urine, pairing them with proper swimwear ensures your little one can splash and play freely without worry. I wish I knew that before holding my little one in my lap, when she peed all over me.
My pick for disposable swim diapers: https://amzn.to/4lYJYU5
5. Wipes & Diapers
When taking your baby to the beach, baby wipes and diapers are absolute must-haves. Sand, sunscreen, and snacks can get messy quickly, and wipes make it easy to keep your little one clean and comfortable throughout the day. Regular diapers are fine for lounging under the umbrella, but if your baby is going into the water, switch to a proper swim diaper. We calculated how many times we were planning to go into the water and added 2 diapers extra just in case. Having a few extra diapers and plenty of wipes on hand ensures you’re prepared for quick changes, so your beach trip stays fun and stress-free.
6. Portable Baby Beach Tent or Umbrella
A portable baby beach tent or umbrella is a must-have for keeping your little one safe and comfortable by the shore. It provides a shaded, cool spot where your baby can nap, play, or simply relax away from the harsh sun. Many baby beach tents are lightweight, easy to set up, and offer built-in UV protection for extra peace of mind. Just a reminder though: Try to fold and unfold the tent at home, before you go to the beach. It takes seconds when you know how to do it, but I really struggled with ours (I had to check youtube instructions)!
My pick: https://amzn.to/4oVbXXn
7. Lightweight Baby Blanket or Mat
A lightweight baby blanket or mat is perfect for beach days, giving your little one a clean, soft surface to sit, crawl, or nap on. It helps create a barrier between your baby and the hot, sandy ground while still being easy to fold, pack, and carry. Choose a quick-drying, sand-resistant material so it stays fresh and comfortable throughout the day. A blanket or mat also makes diaper changes at the beach much easier, keeping your baby cozy and protected no matter where you set up.
We bought ours at H&M and it was water resistant on one side, so we could easily put it over wet sand. It also dried quickly (we even gave it a wash a day before leaving the Seychelles and it dried despite the humidity).
My pick (I didn’t find the one on H&M, but I found a similar one by design): https://amzn.to/46mezW3
8. Cooler Bag with Snacks & Milk
A cooler bag with snacks and milk is essential for keeping your baby nourished and hydrated during a beach trip. The insulated design helps keep bottles of milk or formula at a safe temperature, while also keeping snacks fresh and cool in the heat. For this purpose we have a relatively small insulated bag that is big enough to store everything for our daughter only, since you need to take into account that you will be carrying everything around (if you’re not directly at the beachfront already).
My pick: https://amzn.to/4mJK3wa
9. Plenty of Water
Bringing plenty of water to the beach is a must to keep both you and your baby hydrated under the hot sun. Babies can become dehydrated quickly, so if they’re old enough for water (older than 6 months), offer small sips regularly. Having extra drinking water on hand is also useful for rinsing off sandy hands, toys, or even cooling down your baby’s feet. Staying well-hydrated helps ensure a safe and enjoyable beach day.
10. Baby Float or Inflatable Seat
A baby float or inflatable seat can make water play more fun and safe for little ones while at the beach or pool. These are designed to keep babies supported and afloat, allowing them to kick, splash, and enjoy the water with your supervision. Always choose a float made specifically for babies, with safety features like a secure seat, leg holes, and sometimes even a sun canopy for extra protection. Remember, a float is never a substitute for adult supervision—always stay within arm’s reach to keep your baby safe while they enjoy the water.
I remembered it would be good to have one just a day before we departed, so we bought the only float they had available for a 6 month old. It doesn’t have a shade which is a downside and I’d definitely buy the one linked here next time.
My pick: https://amzn.to/3Vxf0rb
✨ Final Thoughts
Taking a baby to the beach can be a wonderful experience filled with fun, bonding, and discovery, but preparation is key to keeping it safe and enjoyable. From sun protection with hats, sunscreen, and shade, to comfort with the right swimwear, diapers, and blankets, every detail matters in protecting your little one’s delicate skin and well-being. Don’t forget essentials like wipes, water, and snacks to stay clean and hydrated, and always keep safety first with proper supervision in and out of the water. With the right planning, your beach day can be both relaxing for you and magical for your baby. We made core memories with our daughter in Seychelles and we all enjoyed
You can look through my blog for more inspirations or follow my Pinterest account here: https://www.pinterest.com/ikigaimind/