Top 20 Baby Beach Essentials for Fun in the Sun

Tips for going to the beach with baby:

1. Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

2. Dress baby in light, breathable clothing that protects from the sun.

3. Introduce baby to hats early, in the first few months, so they will become accustomed to wearing one in the sun.

Good to Know

• 4.8 star rating

• UV protection

Many stores offer this beach playpen for babies, including Pottery Barn Kids and A Pea in the Pod. Dangling toys at the top of the shade provide something for a baby to look at and be amused by, but practical functions make this a beach day star. In addition to UV 50+ sun protection coating, the product is equipped with a mosquito net and removable mattress and comes with a storage bag for convenient toting.

What People Are Saying

“Very easy to put together! My baby loves to lay in it with some blankets and toys. We take it everywhere! It just pops up! It does take practice to collapse it and fit it back into the bag.”

Good to Know

• 4.7 star rating

• Sun protecting fabric

This hat will come in handy at the ballpark or at the beach. This particular option has a standard fit but also has a bit of stretch for a more customized feel. It can also be “crushed“ down, so you can easily fit it in the diaper bag. The 100% recycled fabric hat is reversible, so two looks are within one product. Also providing 50+ UVP, the cap is moisture-wicking.

What People Are Saying

“So comfortable and it actually stays on! My kid loves it! Super light weight while providing great sun protection.”

Good to Know

• 4.8 star rating

• Sun protecting fabric

It’s better to go overboard with sun coverage when taking young ones to the beach, and a beach tent is a lightweight, portable way to provide protection for them and you. This option from Walmart can fit up to two adult beach chairs and is also made with UPF 50+ material that blocks more than 96% of UV rays. When ready to head home, you can collapse it into a carrying case with shoulder straps. Sand pockets and stakes help secure the tent.

What People Are Saying

“So easy to set up, takes less a minute to just pop it open. Packs up very small and is very light to carry.”

Good to Know

• 4.6 star rating

• Easy removal

Beach diapers are a must if your little one is going to get wet. Regular diapers will start to break apart and swell, while these hold together with a solid gap-free waistband fit. Dual leak barriers add extra protection to prevent messy accidents in the water. Once finished, the sides tear, so the diaper is easy to remove. Read through the weight guidelines to determine the size best for your baby.

What People Are Saying

“These are great. I just leave them in the trunk for when I need them for the summer.”

Good to Know

• 4.8 star rating

• Shovels and molds included

A wide variety of toys will work for kids at the beach but having buckets, shovels and fun-shaped molds is ideal. This set has solid reviews and comes with all of the mentioned above. Whether opting for this set or not, ensure that items are large and do not pose a choking risk to young children.

What People Are Saying

“My three kids (ages 5, 3, and 2) love this beach set. It has 12 pieces. The set has a variety of different sand toys to play with in the sand. All of the pieces seem well-made.”

Good to Know

• 4.8 star rating

• No synthetic fragrance

Experts say sunscreen be avoided for babies 6 months and under. They can be susceptible to the ingredients in some sunscreens, particularly chemicals. So the rule of thumb is to ask your pediatrician before applying sunscreen to your little ones. But when the time comes, Hello Bello offers an option with SPF 55 that’s made with non-nano zinc oxide, while it moisturizes with sunflower oil. Be sure to reapply every 80 minutes.

What People Are Saying

“This is the best sunscreen for kids! I’ve tried many brands and this one is mineral based and safe but not crazy thick so it’s easy to spread. Only downside is it’s frequently sold out!”

Good to Know

• 5 star rating

• Machine washable

A rash guard serves multiple purposes for babies at the beach. Not only does it make for a quick-drying swimsuit, but it also provides even more sun protection. Organic fabric and sustainable materials have been used to create this UPF 50 long-sleeve garment. The half-zipped design adds a bit of ease when taking the suit on and off. If you’re environmentally conscious, the packaging is planet-friendly and recycled.

What People Are Saying

“Cute, neutral color, and sun protection, great for a baby!”

Good to Know

• 4.3 star rating

Shoes provide, you guessed it, more sun protection! But they also can protect tiny feet from hot surfaces while looking super adorable at the same time. These water shoes are slip-on and designed for a comfortable yet snug fit. Mesh materials allow air to filter through, so feet dry quickly.

What People Are Saying

“We love these so much for our toddler. We purchased last summer and purchased again this summer in a bigger size. Perfect for swimming and water play. Easy to put on and take off. As per usual with Nike, we sized up one size.”

Good to Know

• 4.8 star rating

• Not leakproof

I am guilty of using plastic grocery bags for wet clothes, but we’ve switched to reusable wet bags with multiple functions, which make complete sense for those bringing babies to the beach. When removing wet clothes, you have somewhere to put them while also containing any sand. The waterproof material is also ideal for holding items that might spill, such as sunscreen, hand sanitizer, juice boxes — you name it. Keep in mind that the bag is not entirely leakproof but will provide protection. Sometimes, I store everything in one wet bag versus bringing an additional tote.

What People Are Saying

“The bag is much bigger in person than what the picture shows. Also, you have to pay attention when choosing the color bc some are not both dry & wet bags.”

Good to Know

• 4.6 star rating

• Carries four 9-ounce bottles

Hydration is at the top of the list when bringing your baby to the beach. That means bringing along bottles if you don’t want to breastfeed in the heat. This cooler is perfectly sized for 9-ounce bottles, such as brands like Phillips Avent, Medela, Dr. Brown, Comotomo, Tommee Tippee, Nuk and more. As a bonus, an ice pack is included to help keep baby bottles cold. Completely leakproof and waterproof fabric helps contain any messes, while it is easily wiped clean if something does spill.

What People Are Saying

“This cooler has been really great to transport my breast milk and bottles for my daughter. I like the pattern and the ice pack keeps everything cold for a really long time. I can fit about 6 bottles in the cooler without it being too heavy to carry.”

Good to Know

• 4.8 star rating

• Made from recyclable materials

Protect those tiny eyes with sunglasses that block UVA, UVB and other harmful rays. Babies from 0 to 24 months old can rock these shades with a flexible and adjustable strap. Made sturdily, these are also shatterproof. Nontoxic, BPA-free materials have been used to make the frame. If you’re a friend looking for a great baby gift, these come with gift packaging and a soft cotton bag.

What People Are Saying

“Bought these for my daughter and she was able to wear them from 4 months to 2 years thanks to the adjustable strap.”

Good to Know

• 4.6 star rating

• Battery powered

Stroller fans are certainly multipurpose, as you’ll probably find yourself taking them everywhere. Made to clasp onto your baby’s carrier conveniently, the fan can be clipped close while hanging out on the beach. The flexible tripod can be bent at a variety of angles. Gaps within the fan have been made small, at less than 6 mm, to prevent tiny fingers or toes from touching the blades.

What People Are Saying

“Bought and originally used as a stroller fan and it was great, now we use it for all kinds of things. Easy and fast to charge and battery lasts a good time between charges. We are very happy with this purchase.”

Good to Know

• 4.5 star rating

• Water-repellent back covering

I have a couple of Eddie Bauer blankets that have stood the test of time, so naturally, I have confidence in their outdoor blanket. Water-repellent materials have been used on the side that lies on the ground, and the printed top is unique and easy to spot in the sea of people lounging on the beach. An outdoor blanket provides additional space for you and your baby to stretch out. Consider placing it within your tent or renting a beach umbrella to minimize sun exposure.

What People Are Saying

“Great ground cover for camping, beach, or anywhere.”

Good to Know

• 4.4 star rating

• Grows with your baby

Strollers, in general, don’t fare well on sand. But with its wider wheels, a stroller wagon combo can navigate better, especially with the all-terrain wheels on this product. Making this even more of a home run for baby beachgoers, the pullover canopies provide UPF 50+ sun protection. Other convenient features include a snack tray, plenty of storage and a three-position telescoping handle.

What People Are Saying

“We used it many times on the beach last summer. It does take some effort on loose sand (what doesn’t?) but it’s great on packed sand. I ultimately chose between this and the Babytrend Expedition and am glad I went with the Pivot Xplore for the rubber wheels, dual canopies and ability to store standing.”

Good to Know

• 4.8 star rating

• Repair patch included

It would be best to talk to your pediatrician about whether or not to take little ones near the ocean. They will be able to provide appropriate age guidelines. If you opt out of letting them touch the salty sea, an inflatable baby pool is an ideal way to help them cool down. Durable and puncture-resistant, this friendly shark inflatable baby pool provides sun protection via a canopy. The base is also cushioned to keep little ones comfortable.

What People Are Saying

“Provides lots of shade. Works very well as a pool float. Great for kids during the summer”

Good to Know

• 4.8 star rating

• Grab collar

A life jacket is another safety essential to bring to the beach. Even if keeping baby away from the water, you never know what life can throw your way. A life jacket can be a literal lifesaver. Made for comfort, the design is detailed to allow more arm mobility. A grab collar can be used to grab children in an emergency. The description recommends ensuring kids know how to float in a calm face-up position, as it does not come naturally. Consider swimming lessons before bringing kids around water.

What People Are Saying

“We love Stohlquist for our babies first life vests! From 2 weeks old to about 3 yrs old. Great for the boat, easy to use, comfortable fit, easy to clean.”

Good to Know

• 4.8 star rating

• Stable feet ideal for sand

Some products may be essential to some while unnecessary to others. You may or may not find a high chair to be something you need, but if you plan to feed young ones while out on the beach, the travel high chair might be something you utilize often. With the ability to fold compactly for travel, the chair also comes with a carrying bag. A restraint system helps keep baby secure while features such as rear pockets, a machine washable cover and a dishwasher-safe tray add convenience. Duck-style feet are incorporated so that it sits optimally on surfaces such as sand or grass.

What People Are Saying

“Quality and sturdy product, nothing to complain about. Our little one loves it. Beach, AirBnb get aways etc, comes with us pretty much everywhere.”

Good to Know

• 4.8 star rating

Music has powerful benefits for babies. Playing music can also help soothe fussy tempers. A portable speaker can be helpful no matter where you go. This particular speaker is waterproof, making it a smart choice for the beach or outdoors. The chargeable battery lasts up to 10 hours between charges. It’s designed to be hooked to backpacks or various fabrics. Since it functions via Bluetooth, you can download a favorite playlist to have on hand.

What People Are Saying

“Been through 3 different bluetooth, waterproof speakers this year and this one is by far THE BEST. Great sound quality for the price! Would buy again.”

Good to Know

• 4.7 star rating

This high-quality cotton towel comes in various styles, from farm animals to woodland creatures. The extra-large size is ideal for babies up to 6-year-olds. Instead of deteriorating with each wash, the company says it gets even softer every time it runs through the machine.

What People Are Saying

“I had bought this towel for my 9 month old baby grand daughter and she loves it! “

Good to Know

• 4.7 star rating

• Easy to clean

We decided to showcase this water-resistant tote’s forest green pineapple print because it just says “beach.” However, there are multiple designs you can pick from to fit your style. This is a solid diaper bag option if you want something more traditional to carry baby necessities to the beach. First, there are plenty of pockets for storing diapers, toys, snacks, extra clothes, etc. By itself, the bag is lightweight. Featuring a zip closure, the fabric is also easy to clean.

What People Are Saying

“Love this tote! It has plenty of pockets and space for everything.”