Shady Tips: How to Enjoy a Beach Vacation with Your Baby

A beach getaway with your baby is the perfect family adventure. And contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to overpack. With the essentials in tow, a bit of planning and preparation will ensure you’re at the right beach, at the right time, with everything you need for a smooth experience.

From picking the ideal beachside accommodation to knowing exactly what to stash in your beach bag, here’s a complete guide to making your beach trip with a baby a success.

What to Keep in Mind When Bringing Your Baby to the Beach

Some experts advise against exposing newborns under 6 months to prolonged sun exposure, but with the right precautions, you can still enjoy a beach day with your little one while keeping them safe. When I consulted my pediatrician about taking my 4-month-old to the beach, she gave the green light, but with the caution to be extra mindful of sun protection.

Since babies under 6 months are generally advised not to wear sunscreen, it’s crucial to shield them from direct sunlight to protect their sensitive skin. Additionally, their bodies are still learning how to regulate temperature, so cold water should be avoided for extended periods. Because of their delicate immune systems, babies can also be more vulnerable to infections from contaminated water, making it best to limit their water time.

If you’re unsure whether your baby is ready for the beach, have a conversation with your pediatrician first. Ensure you have a solid plan for keeping your baby safe from the sun and managing their exposure to water.

How to Plan Your First Beach Outing with Your Baby

Once you’ve determined that your baby’s health and safety are in the clear for a beach trip, here are the next steps to ensure a smooth outing.

Choose the Right Beach for Your Baby

Not all beaches are equally baby-friendly. When planning your beach getaway, make sure the sand is easily accessible and doesn't require a long hike or off-road trek to reach. If you’re thinking of bringing a stroller, reconsider, as maneuvering through soft sand is nearly impossible.

Having facilities like restrooms or changing rooms nearby is a big plus. Being close to places where you can grab refreshments, beach toys, and snacks—such as cafes, shops, or bars—makes the day more convenient.

A beach with a parking lot nearby can greatly simplify your experience. One of my favorite family-friendly beaches has wooden boardwalks that lead right up to the shoreline, making it easy to roll a stroller or wagon closer to the water without much struggle.

Safety is another key factor when selecting a beach for your baby. If you're planning to take your baby into the water, opt for a beach with calm, gentle waves. If your little one is already walking, consider choosing a beach with lifeguards for extra peace of mind. Shallow tide pools can be a great way for older babies or toddlers to explore safely with you.

Choose the Right Accommodation

When booking a hotel or vacation rental, it’s ideal to stay directly on the beach. This allows for easy access if your baby needs to nap or you want to take quick breaks. Plus, amenities like beach chairs, umbrellas, and tables—along with food and drink service for guests—make your beach visit more comfortable.

Many vacation rentals, including homes, villas, and apartments, provide beach toys for kids or babies. Whenever I book a beach rental, I always inquire about any extras—beach chairs, tents, umbrellas, or swim toys—that might be available to make my stay even easier.

Park as close as possible or bring a wagon for easy transport

When driving to the beach, try to park as close as possible to avoid hauling your gear and baby too far. If your accommodation is nearby, use a wagon or cart to make transporting all your beach essentials much easier.

Opt for a lightweight, travel-friendly stroller if needed

A travel stroller is a lifesaver for beach days—we can load it up with extra towels and toys, and my baby loved taking shaded naps in it by the water. Just keep in mind that these strollers don't always roll smoothly over sand, so choose a lightweight model you can easily carry across the beach if needed.

What to pack for a beach trip with your baby

Full-body swimsuits with SPF/UPF protection and a hat

For optimal sun protection, dress your baby in a full-body swimsuit with SPF/UPF 50, especially if your baby is under 6 months old and cannot wear sunscreen. This is a must for keeping their delicate skin safe from harmful UV rays.

For older babies and toddlers, applying sunscreen can be a struggle, so these sun-safe swimsuits are a great solution. Available in various styles such as shirts, shorts, or one-piece suits, some even come with hoods or foot coverage. Many of these suits are also resistant to saltwater and chlorine, perfect for multiple beach days. Pair the suit with a wide-brimmed hat to further protect your child's face and eyes.

Waterproof diapers for the beach

Cloth diapers and regular diapers aren't suitable for the beach as they can't handle water. Swim diapers, however, are specifically designed for this purpose, keeping your baby comfortable by not absorbing water and better containing solids to avoid any mess. Available in both disposable and reusable options, choose what works best for your family. Be sure to change the swim diaper promptly after your baby gets out of the water—or after any necessary changes.

Extra regular diapers and spare clothes

If you're alternating between swim diapers and regular ones, pack enough backups to ensure your baby stays comfortable. You'll also want extra clothes on hand for when things get wet, sandy, or sweaty. A sealable wet bag is essential for storing soiled or damp items until you can clean them. Large Ziploc bags are a convenient option for smaller baby essentials.

The right toys for the beach

You don't always need to bring special beach toys. One time, when my luggage got lost by the airline, I ended up using plastic Tupperware from my Airbnb rental as makeshift beach toys, and it worked just fine.

My son loved using the Tupperware to scoop and pour water and sand. You can use almost anything that's safe for babies as a beach toy—just make sure it can be easily cleaned. Avoid stuffed animals or fabric toys that will just collect sand. If you do want to bring actual toys, consider compact sand toys, balls, or Frisbees. Anything that folds or fits easily into a beach bag or bucket is especially helpful if you're flying to the beach.

Depending on the water conditions, you might want to bring a special baby float or even an inflatable kiddie pool for the beach. Before buying, make sure to assess their safety. Always supervise your baby closely when in the water or in an inflatable pool, and only use these if the weather and sea conditions are safe.

Anything your baby needs for a nap

My baby always loved napping in his travel stroller on the beach, but sometimes he'd also stretch out on a towel under the shade of an umbrella. Some babies may prefer the cover of a tent, but keep in mind that tents can get quite hot with limited airflow, so use them wisely.

I even brought along my son's favorite lovey and a small white-noise machine to recreate his crib environment as much as possible. Whatever helps your baby sleep and play comfortably, take it with you—just keep in mind that things might get a little sandy.

Baby-safe sunscreen (but apply it at home first)

Always consult your doctor, but sunscreen is generally safe for babies over 6 months. Opt for physical or mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as they are considered safer, even though they may take a little longer to rub in. SPF 50 or higher is ideal, and you'll need about half of a shot glass worth for your baby or toddler. Apply it at home first, then bring it along to reapply as needed.

Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks

Having water and snacks readily available at the beach is essential to keeping your baby hydrated, nourished, and happy. Freezing juice boxes or teething toys before the trip can also give your baby a cool and refreshing treat when needed.

Extra towels

With water and sand around, it's always a good idea to bring extra towels to keep your baby dry. My son used to love napping on a towel right on the sand. Towels can also double as a makeshift changing area, a blanket if the weather turns cool, or just a soft surface for play.

Opt for a mesh bag or a beach bag instead of a diaper bag

Avoid getting your regular diaper bag filled with sand by using a mesh bag (sand slips right through!) or a dedicated beach bag that you don’t mind getting sandy or wet.

Tips for a smooth and enjoyable beach day with your baby

Stay clear of peak sun hours

To protect your baby from too much sun exposure, steer clear of the peak sun hours.

Aim to visit the beach early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the sun is not as intense. These times offer a chance to enjoy the beach with your little one without the danger of overheating or sunburn. Plus, the early hours tend to be quieter and less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful experience.

Set reminders to reapply sunscreen

Time tends to slip away at the beach, so setting alarms on your phone or watch to remind you to reapply sunscreen can help keep everyone protected from sunburns.

Always keep a close watch on your baby

It may seem obvious, but never take your eyes off your baby at the beach, especially when they're in the water. And though it might sound strange, I’ve found that letting them taste the sand can often stop them from trying to eat it – after a few bites, they usually realize it's not as appetizing as they thought.

Use baby powder to remove sand

Once your baby is dry, dust a little baby powder over any sandy areas of their skin, then gently brush the sand off with your hands. It works wonders, leaving your baby completely sand-free.

Keep a spray bottle handy for a refreshing mist

On particularly hot days at the beach, spritz your baby (and yourself) with cool water from a spray bottle. This, along with offering plenty of fluids like water, juice, or formula, helps cool your baby down, especially if their skin starts to look flushed.

In conclusion

A beach getaway with your baby can be one of the most memorable family vacations you can have.

There’s a vast expanse of sand for children to explore, running and discovering all sorts of textures and new experiences. It’s a place where you can eat, drink, and relax whenever you please, and with the right planning, it can be a great spot for naps too. Plus, it can be surprisingly budget-friendly.

The beach is also a fantastic place for parents, older kids, and even teens to enjoy the sun, surf, and sand, making it the perfect destination for the whole family.