I love going to the beach in the summer. It’s always been one of my happy places. There’s just something about the sound of the waves, salty hair, and sandy toes that instantly brings me back to center. When I became a mom, I knew I didn’t want to give that up. But a beach day with a baby? That’s a whole new ballgame.
The secret I’ve learned: adjust your expectations. Some days you’ll get two glorious hours of seaside bliss. Other times, you’ll set up camp only to pack it all back up 30 minutes later because your little one decided sand is their new favorite snack. And that’s okay. Whether it’s half an hour or half a day, it’s still a summer memory in the making.
So let’s walk through what a beach day with a baby really looks like, and everything you’ll want to pack to make it feel (almost) effortless.
The Schlep is Real: Packing for the Beach with Baby
A beach day with a baby starts long before you hit the sand. First, figure out when to leave. Timing matters. I’ve found mornings work best for my baby: he’s in a better mood, the sun isn’t as strong, and the beach is less crowded. Plus, if you’re lucky, a nap on the sand can feel magical for everyone.
Once you’ve picked your timing, it’s time to tackle the gear. I pack like I’m prepping for a small expedition. Between umbrellas, towels, toys, snacks, and enough miscellaneous baby stuff to outfit a small army, it can feel like you’re moving houses. The best investment we ever made was a foldable beach wagon. It holds everything, rolls right over the sand, and collapses flat in the car. If you don’t have a wagon, a backpack and a big tote can work, but trust me: wagon > everything. I also use my baby carrier for the trek across the sand (leave the stroller at home, you’ll thank me later).
When it comes to what to wear to the beach, there are so many adorable baby swimsuit options, but I’ve found that one-piece rash guards are the easiest for sun protection and quick changes. Reusable swim diapers are my go-to (disposables just don’t cut it). If I don’t think we’ll actually go in the water, I’ll keep a regular diaper on and swap it for the reusable one when needed.
Setting Up Basecamp: Keeping Your Baby Safe in the Sun
Shade is your and your baby’s best friend at the beach. At six months, babies can start wearing sunscreen, but keeping them out of direct sun should still be priority number one. We bring a beach umbrella for a cool retreat, and a lightweight pop-up beach tent that folds down into a circle (full disclosure: some wrestling required). Our baby loves having his own shady spot to play or rest.
I once tried a proper big, pole-heavy beach tent, and let’s just say… never again. Broken poles and a bruised ego. Keep it simple.
Other must-haves in my beach bag for baby: a wide-brimmed hat,, baby-safe sunscreen, and a portable fan (non-negotiable). Baby sunglasses live in my bag too, although my little one wears them for approximately 10 seconds (just long enough for me to take a photo before he flings them into the sand. Still worth it). If you’ve cracked the code on keeping those on, please share your wisdom.
Having a well-packed bag makes everything easier. For a deeper dive into my go-to diaper bag essentials, see my Road-Tested Diaper Bag Must-Haves for any adventure with a baby.
Once we arrive I carve out a little “basecamp” with a blanket. It starts as a semi-sand-free zone for sitting, snacking, and diaper changes.
Baby Playtime at the Beach: Best Baby Gear for Beach Adventures
Once basecamp is set and the sun is under control, it’s playtime! Toys don’t need to be fancy: stacking cups turn into mini sandcastle molds, a bucket becomes an endless entertainment system (and drum), and somehow a plastic water bottle will be your baby’s favorite toy of all. Easy to rinse, easy to pack.
Simple beach activities, such as splashing in shallow water or digging tiny holes in the sand, can be exciting little adventures for your baby’s senses. And let’s be honest, the real entertainment is watching their wide-eyed curiosity as they explore every grain of sand and splash of water.
Eating in the Wild: How to Feed Your Baby at the Beach
Feeding at the beach is its own little adventure. I pack it all: a nursing cover (which doubles as a blanket in a pinch), a cooler bag with ice packs for bottles of water, fruit, veggie sticks, cheese, mini sandwiches, and other baby snacks, plus a baby chair for a slightly less chaotic feeding spot. I pre-cut everything ahead of time so I don’t have to juggle knives or spoons in the sand, and I always keep wet wipes within arm’s reach for sticky hands. It’s not glamorous, but it works—and bonus, the chair gives the baby a moment to chill while I catch my breath too.
Diaper Changing at the Beach
You’re not escaping diaper changes, even in paradise. To keep it manageable, I pack a separate “diaper kit” with diapers, wipes, disposable changing pads, and disposable diaper bags all inside a dry plastic bag/pouch. That way I’m not digging through sandy towels when disaster strikes. And yes, changing a blowout on a beach towel should earn you some kind of parenting medal.
Clean-Up and Heading Home
Diapers changed? Snacks eaten? Sand in far too many places? Then it’s time to pack up. By this point, everything (and everyone) is covered in sand. One handy trick: baby powder. Dust it on and watch the sand slide right off. Pure magic. I always keep it in my car now.
I also bring wet/dry bags for sandy clothes, plus a full change of dry clothes for baby (and usually for myself, too). Trust me, the car ride home is infinitely better when no one is sticky and damp.
What to Leave at Home
Stroller: it’s a sand trap and not worth the hassle
Pacifiers: unless you enjoy rinsing off sandy pacis every two minutes
Messy, Sandy, Perfect
A beach day with a baby is never going to be perfect—and that’s the point. It’s sandy, sweaty, and sometimes hilariously short, but it’s also magical. Watching your baby wiggle their toes in the sand, splash in the waves, or nap under an umbrella in the summer is the stuff summer memories are made of.
So pack the wagon, embrace the chaos, and enjoy however long you get. Because whether it’s 30 minutes or three hours, the goal isn’t a perfect beach day, it’s a day at the beach with your baby. And that’s already perfect.
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