It seems like, despite the travel restrictions this year, luckily summer isn’t cancelled and lots of people are able to get out and about locally on stay-cations or visiting family. Even trips to the local park or afternoons in the garden could benefit from some of these items!

Living in the Caribbean I feel like this is our area of expertise! Alfie has been going to the beach since he was tiny and – after a very strict lock down – we have been getting back to the beach or the pool wherever possible! 

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I’ve put together my list below of the absolute baby beach essentials and also included a couple of items on my wish list (the not essential, but sure would be nice to have type things… 🙂 ) 

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Don’t even think about hitting the beach without these basics!

My Summer Baby Beach Essentials

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BEACH BASKET | MINERAL SUNSCREEN | SHADE TENT | WET BAGS | SUN HAT | REUSABLE SWIM DIAPER | FLOAT SUIT | CLIP ON FAN | RASH GUARD SWIMSUIT | BIKINI | FLOAT SEAT | MUSLIN

Large tote/basket –

You need a surprising amount of stuff for your beach trip with baby. I always just used to grab some sunscreen and a bottle of something nice (pre-baby) but now there is just a lot more to bring with us! You need a large sturdy tote. My Moroccan basket is ideal with the four straps (two hand straps and two shoulder straps) and it holds SO MANY THINGS! 

Mineral sunscreen –

Not only is it better for the environment but, mineral sunscreen is ideal for baby’s delicate skin. Plus, it doesn’t need time to activate, as soon as it is on their skin it is effective. We love the one by Hello Bello (we love all of their products) in factor 50. 

(Be aware that sunscreen is not recommended for infants under 6 months – please check with your pediatrician). 

Rash guard Swimsuit – 

Not all swimsuits are created equal – some are prettier (I mean how cute is that little bikini) and some are more practical. If you’re going to be out in the sun a lot, or somewhere with minimal shade, I recommend one of the rash guard swimsuits for maximum skin coverage. Most offer spf protection and it’s just good to know that you have as much cover as possible on that sensitive skin. Team it with a wide brim hat or one of the ones with the little flap at the back to cover the neck. 

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For older kids these float swimsuits are amazing – I swear we had these when I was little!

Shade tent – 

Speaking of shade – bring your own! I love, love, love our little beach tent. It folds up so it’s super convenient to carry and offers a great place for Alfie to nap. We lift the sides to allow the breeze through and he sleeps so well with the warm sand beneath him. This is one of those purchases that might feel a bit extra but you’ll be glad that you have it. 

Clip on Stroller fan – 

Because babies can easily overheat we don’t go anywhere without our clip on stroller fan. Ours charges with USB and one charge lasts for hours (6+ hours usually). So it’s fantastic for a day out. I can also top up the charge with my portable battery pack (for those days when I’ve forgotten to plug it in before we go…)

Reusable swim diaper – 

We use both disposable swim diapers and this reusable swim diaper (depending on where we are and what we’re doing) and both have been fantastic. I do love the reusable for the environmental aspect, but sometimes a disposable is more convenient, and that’s fine too (no judgment here mama!). 

Wet bags – 

Once everyone is out of the water you really want somewhere to stash all that soggy and sandy swimwear! Wet bags are a lifesaver. I use them for everything and always have one in my change bag – I also use one to store my pump parts but that’s a story for another day. My point is, they are useful, they are versatile and they are an absolute essential for the beach. 

Swim seat float – 

Unless you want to be holding them in the water the whole time you’re going to want some sort of float. These simple swim seats are a great place to start. You can also get more elaborate floats with shade canopies etc. I love the look of this shark one… 

Update: We purchased this shark float and we LOVE it!!

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Muslin –

Okay, so I don’t know about you mamas, but I don’t go anywhere without at least 2 muslins. The really are the MVP of baby items. I like bringing them to the beach as I can either use them as an extra shade (over the stroller or the beach tent to make it darker for naps etc.), or a soft and (hopefully) sand-free surface to lie him down on. I’ve also been known to use one to dry him off… you get the idea, just super handy to have extra.

My Summer Baby Beach Wish List

Moving on to some of the more boujie items on my wish list – these aren’t essentials, but I feel like they would make life more comfortable. So, if you’re going to be away all summer – it might be worth the investment!

Shade Canopy – 

I have some friends with one of these and without a doubt it can help make your beach day a LOT more comfortable. No one wants to have to worry about your little ones getting burnt and it’s kind of nice to just kick back in the shade. They are surprisingly simple to put up and come in a number of cute colours and prints. It’s number one on my wish list. 

Collapsible Cart – 

Trucking all of the stuff out of the car to the beach can be a bit of a palaver – I always wish that I had one of these beach carts – so that I could just stash everything in there and do it all in one trip.

It’s also great for carrying tired children at the end of the day. 

Cooler Bag – 

I mean, I guess this should really be considered an essential but they come at a variety of price points and some might be easier to justify than others. I love this one by Yeti but it’s a little (okay, a lot) out of my budget – so it’s staying on the wish list for now. This one looks like a good alternative…

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So, now you’ve seen my beach baby essentials – let me know what is on your packing list. I’m always looking for good recommendations from other mums! Drop your must haves in the comments below and let me know why you can’t live without them!

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beach beach essentials summer summer holiday