The essential items for a day at the beach with young kids.

Nothing beats a day at the beach- the sand, the sun, the swim diapers? When traveling to the beach with toddlers the essentials, such as swim diapers, promote relaxation as much as the sounds of the ocean. Use the checklist below to ensure the best “day at the beach” possible!

The Beach Bag

Choose a durable bag roomy enough to hold all your items. A bag composed of a hardy material, such as canvas or cotton, is well-suited to the outdoors. Mesh is also a popular alternative and useful for storing wet items or sand toys.

What to Put Inside

1. Drinks

The hot sun is very dehydrating and fluids are a must. Half-pint water bottles with sport caps help keep sand out and are fun to drink, but if you have picky drinkers bring juice boxes or other favorites to guarantee hydration.

2. Sun block

A waterproof sun block that is at least SPF 30 is vital. Look for labels advertising UVA and UVB protection with Parsol 1789. Remember to reapply every 80 minutes.

3. Swim Diapers/Wipes

Swim diapers are available in two types- disposable and washable. Many baby and toddler swimsuits come with cloth swim diapers in coordinating colors. The disposable swim diapers can be thrown away just like their non-disposable counterparts and are very convenient for the beach. Don’t forget baby wipes for diaper changes and cleaning messy toddler hands and faces!

4. Beach Apparel

The use of SPF 50 sun hats and T-shirts are highly recommended by pediatricians. These items continue to block the sun’s rays even when wet and unlike sun block do not need to be reapplied.

5. Plastic Bags

Bring pint, quart and gallon size re-sealable bags to store snacks, clean diapers, clothing and other items you do not want to get sandy or wet. Plastic bags can also be used to dispose of soiled diapers.

6. Baby Powder

Use to help relieve sweaty, sticky body parts and to shake on hands before eating to rid them of sand.

7. Snacks

Toddlers and adults will work up quite an appetite in the outdoors. Bring plenty of easy to eat snacks such as, cereal bars, pretzels or even peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

8. Sand Toys

Toddlers love the sand. They will dig and scoop and let the sand run through their fingers for hours. Don’t spend a lot of money buying an abundance of toys. Remember you have to cart them back and forth each day. Instead make sure you have the classics such as a shove, a pail and a watering can. Then use your imagination to create “found” sand toys such as a sea shell scoop.

9. Towels

Bring one for each member of the family- sharing wet towels is no fun.

The Extras

After the bag is packed gather the rest of your supplies. Bring or rent a large umbrella for shade and chairs for non-sand seating. A wagon is helpful to cart the kids and supplies to the beach and to use as a make-shift eating area. If you have any potty trainers in your group invest in a travel potty to eliminate accidents. Throw in a digital camera in a waterproof case and you are set to head to the shore!