What to Pack a Toddler for a Beach Vacation – Toddler Vacation Packing List
Ready to hit the beach with your little one for some fun in the sun? Just thinking about what to pack for a beach vacation with a toddler can be overwhelming, I mean… HOW do these little ones ut I’m here to make it easier. It’s all about packing smart (and not packing everything but the kitchen sink!!!) So let’s get you sorted with all the toddler travel essentials, plus a few lifesaver items you’ll be thanking yourself for bringing along. From sun-safe essentials to keep those chubby cheeks burn-free, to the cutest little swim gear and sand toys to spark those adorable giggles, here’s my guide for the ultimate toddler beach vacation packing list. And because we know those little moments of downtime are pure gold, I’ll even share some sneaky tips on how to keep the peace and quiet rolling, all while keeping your luggage light and ready for every family adventure.
Sunscreen
This is #1 prio!!! I always make sure when packing my toddler for vacation, I don’t forget his sunscreen. This is what we use for him and we love it!!! I recommend mineral sunscreen for toddlers, and reapplying often.
A floatie
Especially if you are traveling to a beach destination with kids, they’ll love bringing a fun floatie along!
We brought this one for my toddler!
Swim diapers
Don’t forget to pack swim diapers – which will be much more comfortable in the pool & sea than your toddler’s normal diapers, since the regular ones get heavy, over-inflated and soggy the second they hit the water. Here’s what we use:
Cute toddler swimwear
LITTLE GIRLS SWIMWEAR
Sand Toys
I swear my toddler could keep himself SO busy in the sand all day as long as he has the right toys – making for a great vacation for all of us to have a little bit of a breather on the beach from chasing around our wild man constantly – LOL!
Water shoes or Flip Flops
Either water shoes or flip flops will help keep feet a little more comfortable and protect them from the hot sand or if the sand is a little on the rockier side. Here are my recs for both!
Beach Hat
Beach hats are key for protecting your toddler’s face from the sun! Plus, how cute!!!!!
This is our son Harrison’s hat! So cute and he loves it!!!
wearing his favorite sandals here too
and here are some cute versions for a little girl!
A Rash Guard
For extra sun protection!
Toddler Sunglasses
These are hit on miss on if your toddler will actually wear them – but if they will, they can be a savior for their eyes in the bright sun! Plus, they are so so cute.
This is the toddler sunglass brand we use – and they come in lots of different colors and styles.
Slumberpod
This handy contraption goes with us to every destination we travel with our toddler, along with this travel noise machine. Why? Because it means that baby can sleep in your room and you can be doing other things like moving around the room, watching a show or movie with your spouse, etc. Whether it’s nap time or an early bedtime, this is truly a travel GAMECHANGER. And a must-have.
We don’t travel without ours!!!
Cute toddler beach outfits
this is my favorite shirt our toddler Harrison owns!
Toys for the flight
Keeping a toddler occupied on a flight is no easy feat! But toys (especially new ones that you give them the day-of travel!) are the answer!
Harrison loves this book and it helps him understand airplanes and our travel days!
he loves this doodle board on travel days!
sticker books are your best friend when traveling with a toddler!
Harrison doesn’t go anywhere without a ball in hand, so we always pack lots!
