The Best Beach Essentials for Babies in 2025
When summer was just around the corner, we were so excited to see our little one play on the sand and water. But with so many things to consider, such as the heat, wearables, gears, and sometimes, insects too, we searched for the beach essentials for babies we found online.
Sometimes, new parents search online for any essentials for baby at the beach that pops up in their minds or ask other parents they know. Some end up forgetting other beach essentials. We also forgot a few things on our cart too, so we’re here to help you make a list of the beach must-haves and a few items to add.
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BEACH ESSENTIALS FOR BABIES: Top Picks
- Best baby beach tent: MANP Pop Up Beach Tent
- Best beach gear for the water: Stearns Life Jacket
- Best baby beach bag: DiGeeONEGU Mesh Beach Bag
- Most affordable beach wear for babies: Yober Kids Swimsuit
- Most important beach bag items: Franco Beach Towel / Aveeno Baby Sunscreen Stick
COMPARISON CHART
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MANP Pop Up Beach Tent
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Sunba Youth Beach Shade
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WolfWise Umbrella Baby Canopy
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Lifewit Cooler Bag
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DiGeeONEGU Large Mesh Beach Bag
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SHYLERO Beach Bag
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Lamongen Baby Sun Hat
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Yober Baby Boys Kids Swimsuit
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i play. Easy-on Rash Guard
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Apolter Aqua Socks
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tombik Aquatic Shoes
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ALVABABY Swim Diapers
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Franco Beach Towel
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CAMEL CROWN Outdoor Blanket
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Fun Little Toys
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CeraVe Mineral Baby Sunscreen
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Aveeno Baby Sunscreen Stick
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Summer Pop ‘n Sit Portable Booster Chair
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Stearns Life Jacket
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Baby Sunnies Flexible Sun Glasses
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Beach essentials for baby should you bring: Reviews
Before, new parents receive the ins and outs of baby essentials for beach from relatives, neighbors, and other parents. Luckily for us, we can instantly hit the search button, and different baby brands pop out of the search results.
With so many items online, it can be challenging to choose which ones are the best, and in the worst case, you may go over your budget. Here are the must-haves you should add to your shopping cart before heading to the beach with baby.
Beach Tents for Babies
Tents for babies on beach were not a part of the beach day essentials, but we experienced how convenient it is for so many reasons. We can’t help but list down our favorites, and hopefully, it makes your first trip to the beach with your little one safe.
The tents for beach for babies offer combined protection from an umbrella, sunscreen, and a small room. We used to find the nearest restroom or go inside our car to change clothes. Some families even rent a nearby hotel room for a day at the beach.
When carrying your baby on the beach, using a small space or a public room used by hundreds of people every day may be inconvenient and unsafe. Thus, a tent becomes the best choice.
However, tents can become hot. So pick one made with waterproof and UPF fabrics. Also, choose a tent with mesh windows or an open design for better ventilation to keep your baby cool.
Always go for beach tents with a door that you can fully close and open or one with hooks where you can hang a portable fan and other baby beach items. You can easily change your baby’s clothes and diapers and even breastfeed with these designs.
Get one that is easy to set up and that you can quickly store. All the tents below are quick to set up with different features you need on your first trip to the beach.
#1 MANP Pop Up Beach Tent
Having babies also means dealing with many things, even at the beach. How about a cozy beach tent that you can quickly use? Parents are amazed at how easy setting up the MANP Pop Up Beach Tent in 3 seconds!
The popup beach tent for babies and family is one of our favorite beach tents, giving everyone a private and open, cozy space at the same time.
You can close the zipper door for breastfeeding, change of clothes, or a quick rest away from the sun. The 65 x 59 x 43 inches tent can fit 2 people plus a child inside.
When opened, the rear mesh window provides everyone with ample ventilation, plus the UPF 50+ fabric protects the whole family from the sun.
But when outdoors, the weather can be unpredictable sometimes. All you have to do is take the tent out of its circular bag, and the 190T silver coated fabric will protect you from the rain!
Though it may be easy to set up and only weighs about 2.2 lbs, you may find it challenging to fit it back into the bag. Nonetheless, the MANP Pop Up Beach Tent is something you may want to consider.
#2 Sunba Youth Beach Shade
If you want a tent that you can use at the beach and indoors, the Sunba Youth Beach Shade is your quick set-up and store tent.
It opens into a 65 x 59 x 43.5 inches tent fitting for 2 to 3 persons when used. It gives overall protection from the sun and rain with its UPF 50+ and 170T silver coated fabric.
The pop-up design makes it an easy-to-use pop-up fort both inside and outside. It is also easy to store with just a few folds. No assembly is required, and it only weighs 2.2 lbs.
However, some families have difficulty keeping the tent in place, especially during the sudden strong winds near the beach.
The beach shade for babies also does not come with a zipper door, unlike the MANP Pop Up Beach Tent. But it still has a mesh window and a door that you can open and close for better ventilation.
It also may be too small for two adults, but your baby and one person can enjoy the space for breastfeeding, diaper changing, and more!
#3 WolfWise Umbrella Baby Canopy
WolfWise Umbrella Baby Canopy offers 360 ventilation to keep your baby, and you cool while taking a rest inside the tent. You can also hang a portable fan on the hook inside.
The tent has an open design with two mesh windows, and it also opens at the back, making it one of the best pop up beach tents for babies. The hanging hook can also carry light items.
You also do not have to worry about light showers and the sun’s rays. The UPF 50+ and 190T Water-repellent Polyester fabric keeps you, and your baby protected.
It opens to 59.06″ L x 59.06″ W x 49.21″ H, and you can also get the large version in 78.74″ L x 59.06″ W x 53.15″ H, spacious for 3 people and your little one.
We also love the sandbag and wind ropes features, making the tent stable for windy conditions by the beach. But it can also be challenging to put back into the bag and heavier than the other tents, weighing 3.8 lbs.
Baby Beach Bag
Besides the baby’s tent, another item that will help you store all the beach necessities for your baby and the whole family is a beach bag.
If you are with an infant or a toddler, it is best to carry food, frozen breastmilk or powdered, and other cold beach bags essentials with a cooler bag.
However, you may consider a mesh-type or cloth beach bag with several pockets when carrying any beach gear for baby like floaties and a swimsuit. They can also be big enough to store snorkeling gears and snorkeling sets for kids.
#1 Lifewit Cooler Bag
Everyone loves a cold drink at the beach, and you can also keep your breastmilk and other baby food cool inside the Lifewit Cooler Bag.
If the whole family loves outdoor activities, you can carry this to ensure all your baby items are safe.
The lunch bag design of 15.7*10.6*12.2 inch measurement can carry around 30 liters. That means more baby and beach food to take with you!
The side mesh pockets are for bottles and other circular items, while the front pocket is deep enough for napkins, car keys, and first aid kits.
The 1680D Oxford cloth also offers a chic yet durable build to ensure your cooler bag last for a long time. But your frozen breastmilk and baby food may thaw in less than 8 hours outdoors, so always pack at the right time.
Still, it is one of the cooler bags we recommend that is just within everyone’s budget.
#2 DiGeeONEGU Large Mesh Beach Bag
DiGeeONEGU Mesh Beach Bag keeps families worry-free about sand and water getting into their bags and other items.
When taking your baby to the beach, you want to carry beach toys for them too. The 24*15*8.5 inch can store many dry baby beach items, including baby bottles and wet clothes.
Load in water bottles, powdered milk, and other beach essentials for your baby and yourself. The nylon mesh is tear-resistant and can carry around 120 lbs of items. The 8 external pockets help you pack additional items like your phone, more toys, beach towels for babies, and more!
The bag is big enough to carry everything your baby needs, but the straps can be too short for others. We recommend the large mesh beach bag if you want a spacious and see-through beach bag.
#3 SHYLERO Beach Bag
The SHYLERO Beach Bag is the perfect bag for all travels. The spacious bag can hold your baby’s beach items and other valuables.
The stylish bag opens in an L17″xH15″xW6″ measurement and can hold up to 22 lbs. It is perfect for storing water bottles and other baby beach essentials. However, we would not recommend filling the bag full. You may have some trouble closing it.
The side pockets also provide more storage for liquid items, and you can load the bag to the washing machine for cleaning.
It also comes with a water and sand-proof PVC case for your IDs, cash, and other gadgets, keeping your valuables protected while at the beach with your baby.
Beach Wear for Babies
While you can always let your kids wear light clothing at the beach, it is safer to use the right beachwear for a convenient swimming experience.
Like the tents, baby swimwear must also have fabrics that are UPF protected, quick drying, lightweight and flexible. Having these features in one product can make your baby’s first beach experience better.
Another problem we experienced before is wet diapers. Looking for a trash bin at the beach or pool can take time. So better pack swimming diapers that can hold solids and do not absorb much water.
Besides the swimsuits and diapers, complete your baby’s overall protection with these items.
#1 Lamongen Baby Sun Hat
The Lamongen Baby Sun Hat offers a stylish and breathable option for babies at the beach.
A baby’s skin is thin, and they need extra protection on their head while playing on the sand.
Make your baby’s first visit to the beach comfortable with the sun hat made of cotton and UPF 50+ fabric. Plus, the chin strap keeps the hat in place.
Unlike other baby beach hats, we like the baby sun hat for being lightweight and comfortable. There are also 3 colors to choose from to complete your baby’s beach and protective outdoor attire.
When wearing various beach hats for babies, it’s hard to miss a photo op for the first trip to the beach. Don’t miss this as one of your essentials for beach vacation!
#2 Yober Kids Swimsuit
When it’s time to head to the waters, protect your little one from head to bottom with our favorite Yober Kids Swimsuit. It is one of the most affordable yet complete water outfits you can get today for toddlers.
They come in 3 adorable aquatic cartoon designs, complete with a hat! Pick among the 7 sizes starting from 0 years old.
The zipper is at the top back, so you may have trouble changing the diaper since you have to take the one-piece swimsuit off. Nonetheless, the back zipper feature also makes it easier to put the swimsuit on and off your baby.
It is also has a long sleeve design to protect your toddlers’ arms from harmful rays. With the quick-drying, soft, and UPF 50+ fabric, your baby is ready to go to the water in style.
#3 i play. Easy-on Rash Guard
If you prefer using swim diapers, choose the easy on and off i play. rash guard. With the 6 size choices, it is one of the best options online.
We recommend the rash guard for parents who prefer the sleeves and swim diapers combo.
Besides the Raglan sleeves, it is also made with UPF 50+ and quick-dry fabric to protect your little one from harmful rays.
It is also stretchy with a pull-on neck opening for easy wear, so you can bid ‘goodbye’ to the challenges of getting your babies into the small shirt neck hole.
#4 Apolter Aqua Socks
Besides aquatic shoes, we also love using aqua socks for our little ones, and we found the Apolter Aqua Socks flexible enough for a beach trip.
The lightweight fabric makes the socks flexible and allows the baby to walk comfortably.
With the non slip rubber sole, your baby can easily walk inside your tent.
We also want to protect our baby’s feet; luckily, the aqua socks also have a thick and anti-collision feature and design.
The socks are also water-resistant and breathable, so your baby won’t feel stuffy while wearing the pair for a long time.
#5 tombik Aquatic Shoes
Keep your toddlers’ feet cool and comfortable at the beach with tombik Aquatic Shoes.
The pair comes with a hook-and-loop design for easy on and off. While the Thermoplastic Rubber makes every step comfortable.
Unlike other beach shoes for babies, it comes with an open design to make your baby’s feet cool. It is also made with durable and non-toxic materials, perfect for water parks and beaches.
The 8 cool designs and size recommendations make them the perfect aquatic shoes and beach essentials for toddlers.
#6 ALVABABY Swim Diapers
ALVABABY Swim Diapers let your baby experience a terrific day by the beach and makes mothers worry-free!
The 100% polyester is waterproof, allowing the diapers to hold solids while in the water. The fabric is also stretchable for easy on and off.
Available in 23 adorable and aquatic designs, all swim diapers are suitable for 0-2 years old. It’s super-stretchy that it fits your babies as they grow old.
It is also made with eco-friendly materials and reusable, so parents like us can save more for other necessities!
Beach Bag Essentials
On our first trip to the beach, we did not have the complete set of necessities inside our beach bag. Usually, we always think first about the baby’s beachwear, milk, and diapers.
There are still so many things to pack for your baby beach bag checklist. Make sure you carry a bag big enough to hold all of your baby’s stuff. To help you create a beach essentials list, ensure you have the following items before heading out.
#1 Franco Beach Towel
Wrap your toddlers and kids with the hoody Franco Beach Towel to keep them dry after a dip in the water.
From Baby Shark, Space Jam, to Animal Crossing, you can find the design based on your kid’s favorite cartoon characters!
It is made with 100% cotton making it comfortable and quick absorbent to keep your babies dry before heading home.
With the 24″ (L) X 50″ (W) towel, you can use it until the age of 7 years old. You can also use the towel at home and for other outdoor water activities.
It is another money-saving option we recommend for you!
#2 CAMEL CROWN Outdoor Blanket
Give your baby ample tummy time with the Camel Crown Blanket. Fit it inside your beach tent, or pick a design for a picnic too!
The regular size comes in 60 x 80 inches, while the large version is 80 x 80 inches. Both sizes can accommodate up to 6 and 8 people.
The three layers of waterproof wool, sponge, and PVC are thick enough for babies to crawl, play, sit, and even sleep on.
You can lay it inside your tent or on the sand to accommodate everyone and keep your items and yourself free from the sand.
It is also easy to clean and waterproof to prevent moisture from building up. It may not be machine washable, but a good wipe can keep the mat tidy.
#3 Fun Little Toys
After finding the best beach bag, pack the Fun Little Toys to level up your baby’s first beach experience.
The 19 toys let your toddlers make beach molds and create shapes on the sand! We suggest making your trip to the beach an opportunity to boost your kid’s creativity with the toys.
It’s non-toxic, thick, and safe for every child. You can easily pack and unpack the toys with the free mesh bag.
The toys also come in different colors and sizes. They may be safe for children, but monitor your kids while they play with any toy.
#4 CeraVe Mineral Baby Sunscreen
Keep your babies protected from the sun’s rays with the SPF 45 CeraVe Mineral Baby Sunscreen! It is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, letting your little ones enjoy the waters for a long time.
We are also a little concerned with fragrant baby products because some are not safe. But with the mineral sunscreen, there is no need to worry! It is fragrance and even paraben-free.
Eczema is one of the common skin diseases among adults and babies. When outdoors, our baby gets sweaty, too, and this may cause the skin to irritate, resulting in eczema.
Rest assured that your baby is safe with CeraVe sunscreen. It has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, making it suitable for kids with sensitive skin.
With 3.5 oz, it can protect your baby’s face and body for a long time under the sun.
#5 Aveeno Baby Sunscreen Stick
Go for a travel size sunscreen protection with Aveeno Baby Sunscreen Stick. With just 0.47 ounces, it provides your baby with an overall SPF 50 protection.
An open sunscreen bottle is one of every parent’s worst nightmares when going to the beach. So we recommend the Aveeno sunscreen stick instead. It is small enough to fit inside the bag and jean pockets too!
Babies may sweat a lot under the sun which may cause skin irritation. Besides being water-resistant and paraben-free, parents love that it is sweat-resistant.
It is best to use a sunscreen that can feel less sticky and non-irritating when in contact with sweat and saltwater for up to 80 minutes.
The pediatrician-recommended product is for the face and body. With its gentle formula, it does not sting the eyes.
More Baby Items to the Beach
Everything we listed above is necessary for your baby’s first beach experience. But if you have some budget to spare, we found these adorable beach baby items that would add to the protection of your baby at the beach. Some trending items include beach chairs for babies and stylish sunglasses for babies and toddlers made with materials for sun protection.
#1 Summer Pop ‘n Sit Portable Booster Chair
You should consider another pop and fold item for your baby essentials: the Summer Pop ‘n Sit Portable Booster Chair, perfect for 6 months old to 4 years and above.
The chair is perfect for outdoor use with its compact and foldable design. It has a detachable tray that is dishwasher safe and made with BPA-free materials for an easy clean, and safe meal.
The booster seat straps can either be loose or in the right fit depending on your baby’s size, but the chair can hold babies of up to 37 lbs.
It is also one of the lightest foldable booster chairs for babies available online despite the design. It also comes with a bag for storing the chair.
Though an outdoor booster chair may not be your number one priority, it can be your feeding companion for babies eating solid food and one of the baby beach must haves.
#2 Stearns Life Jacket
Let your babies enjoy the waters as you keep them afloat with the safest beach baby gear: the Stearns Life Jacket.
It is suitable for toddlers and babies up to 50 lbs. After passing several durability tests and design safety, the life jacket is one of the US Coast Guard-approved water essentials for babies.
Safety and playful designs are the best words to describe the Stearns life jacket. Though the baby gear for the beach comes in one size, it can securely fit your child with its adjustable buckle. Even though babies like to move a lot, the buckles keep the gear secure.
The beach gear for babies makes it safer to go into the waters with your little ones. Besides carrying them, help build their confidence in swimming by letting them wear the life jacket.
#3 Baby Sunnies Flexible Sun Glasses
Complete your baby’s beach protection from foot to head with the Baby Sunnies Flexible Sun Glasses.
It has an overall defense against harmful sun rays with polarized UV400 lenses. Babies tend to move around a lot, but you can use the baby sunglasses until 24 months or more with the shatterproof built!
The sunnies are also made with non-toxic and BPA-free materials keeping your baby’s skin safe. Babies won’t be able to easily remove the glasses with its flexible silicone frame that is unbreakable.
With the matte finish, every color offers a timeless style ideal for any beach or outdoor outfit. The lens is 40 mm wide, while the bridge and arm are 17 mm and 96 mm, respectively.
Information guide
Is it safe to take a baby to the beach?
When you have a new addition to the family, it’s tempting to have that first trip to the beach together. Like us adults, they need to get Vitamin D directly from the sunlight, and the beach is a great destination to get it.
However, recent years and pollution have made the sun’s rays stronger, so letting your baby play on the sand for 10 to 15 minutes under the shade of your tent is enough. The time also relies on your baby’s age and skin color.
It is also advisable to prepare for the first trip, and that is why you need to stock up the necessities like a beach tent, beachwear, and other bag essentials to keep your baby safe, healthy, and happy.
Remember that a baby still needs a lot of care, and the sand can have so many things that they may put in their mouth. So monitor your baby and pick the right spot with clean sand. Also, spend more time under the shade.
At what age can I take my baby to the beach?
Should I take my newborn to the beach? Or wait a little longer until toddler age. We also have the same questions in mind while thinking before hitting the beach.
With the sun’s rays, activities, and essentials, the first trip can be nerve-wracking for parents!
Yes. You can take your newborn baby to the beach but understand that their skin is thinner than yours. Babies under 6 months old should stay under the shade. You can stay inside your tent or visit the beach any time before 11 am and after 3 pm as long as you have the beach essentials for newborn babies.
Overexposure to heat may cause problems since babies can’t regulate body heat well. When they can finally walk, don’t forget to apply sunscreen protection to your baby’s skin, even on a short swim, to prevent sunburns and other skin problems.
Despite all the sunscreen, toddlers and older kids can best enjoy the beach sun for a short time.
Can a baby use an adult sunscreen product?
Yes, but it is best to first look at the product ingredients before applying them to your baby and older kids. Most kids’ sunscreens come with a mineral-based formula. This way, the chances are lower for irritation.
Take note that some adult and kids sunscreens available online come with chemical blockers, so you may want to find a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium oxide. They are a much safer option.
Or simply choose a sunscreen for kids and use it for your skin too! Also, choose one with at least SPF 30 for better protection.
What should you check with baby beach items?
What to bring to the beach with a baby? Baby essentials for the beach come in different forms, uses, and materials. But remember that your baby’s skin is quite more sensitive than adults, so you want to get the items with better protection and skin compatibility.
Heat is our number 1 enemy outdoors, so get sun protection with UPF fabric. Also, prevent chemical reactions from saltwater and sweat with a sweat-resistant sunscreen and items made with hypoallergenic materials too.
Another problem we often experience at the beach is drying up our wet items, so we always carry water-resistant beach essentials. This way, you only need to wipe your items to clean them.
FINAL Thoughts
Have you finally made your list for your baby’s first trip to the beach? Hope we helped you decide on the items you need to take with you to the beach! Share your must-have beach essentials for babies you always bring in the comments.
MORE BABY WATER GEARS?
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Babs Rodrigus is the co-founder and main writer of Mums on FlipFlops . She is absolutely crazy about traveling – especially together with her wife and kids. Babs loves animals, chocolate (what did you expect from a Belgian?), reading, and writing.