Everyone loves a beach trip, but packing for one can be a little stressful. What should you pack? What if you forget something? And by the way, you will.
So, first things first, here is my essential beach day packing list and tips:
Plan in advance.
Which beach are you going to go to? If you are going to an out-of-state beach don’t forget that it will take a good amount of time to get there from Central Mass. Check Google Maps and find out how long it takes to get there to figure out what time you need to leave. Keep in mind nap times for car rides as well as tolls and cash for the out-of-state parking costs and other miscellaneous items (although they should also take cards).
Pack the night before.
Try to get as much as you can into the car before bed. Most beach items, apart from your cool snacks and drinks, can be packed up in advance. This will help you figure out how it fits in the car without stressing about it first thing in the morning.
Leave early.
Parking lots fill up fast! Especially if it is a lovely day, and let’s face it, that’s why you’re going to the beach to begin with! The earlier you arrive in the morning, the cooler it will be. A nap on the way home during the hottest part of the day when your kiddo is worn out can make things easier for a toddler. Leaving early also gives you some leeway in case something unexpected happens.
Have fun!
This beach trip is as much for you as it is for your kids. You deserve a little time to soak up the sun too! Enjoy
Below are my beach day packing essentials:
Stroller Wagon
The number one thing on my list. Who came up with these amazing creations? Ours is big enough to fit all our stuff and our toddler. We have a Baby Trend 2-in-1 Stroller Wagon from Target. It has a nice big push handle and a pull handle. That’s the best of both worlds if you ask me!
Shade
If you are going to be at the beach for a while with your little ones you are going to want some shade. Whether you have a beach umbrella or a tent of some sort, you will love that reprise from the sun. Even if you are using it as a storage/place marker, it’s a necessity. Pop your little ones in there for some sun-free fun. We just love our California Beach Co tent. It comes with pegs for sand and grass and a shade cover. You can purchase special mats to fit their hexagonal shape.
Plastic/bin bags
Many beaches are take-in and take-out beaches. Meaning, there are no trash cans readily available and you’ll need to take all your trash home with you. They are also handy for putting dirty nappies in if you are changing your little one at your spot on the sand.
Water Shoes
Not every beach in New England is going to have pristine soft white sand. Many are rocky, which can hurt little (and big!) feet. Thankfully water shoes don’t have to be anything fancy, as long as they protect the bottom of your foot and can stay on in the water then you’ll do fine. Of course, this is the one thing I regretted not thinking about on my recent trip to Roger Wheeler State Beach in RI. Or maybe I didn’t end up on the good side of the beach?
Water
Start with a nice cold reusable bottle in the fridge the night before and bring a few disposable bottles in a cooler box. It will save you a little money buying water for the whole family if you don’t bring enough yourself or they don’t have any refillable stations.
Reusable swim diaper
These are so cute and you can get them from any big department store. It can save you a little money if you go to the beach/pool/water play often and it reduces the landfill. I picked up mine from Target and they come in different colors and multiple sizes.
Wet Bags
I love my wet bags. Not only are they cute, but I can pack up all my wet bathers and boardies and keep them separate from all my dry, clean items. They don’t need to be anything fancy. I have a long-standing, heavy-duty wet bag that I bought back home in Australia and has moved to 3 different countries with me. The new one I got for Bub was from Old Navy, but it’s not super durable.
Baby Float Boat
Special mention for our baby float boat from Walmart. Although my 18-month-old is clingy and doesn’t want to be in the water if she isn’t in my arms, I just love this idea. Inflatable and relatively hands-free for parents. Pop them in and let them float around in calm waters.
Lastly, the things that need no explanation.
- Esky coolers, keep those drinks and snacks cold! Whoops, that was still an explanation.
- Plenty of snacks for everyone.
- Bathers, board shorts, towels, hats, coverups, flip-flops, sunscreen.
- Various toys/games/equipment for sand and water.
Did I remember everything? Probably not, and you probably won’t either. Don’t stress it Mom, enjoy your day at the beach!
