Beach Days with Toddlers

We love a good beach day. And since our little ones came on the scene, our simple beach tote of sunscreen and snacks just doesn't cut it anymore. If you're planning an escape filled with sand and sun, check out our must-have items for the best beach day with toddlers.

Checklist

• Sunscreen (apply and reapply to make sure everyone is safe from the sun's rays. We really like thinkbaby's line of sun safe products)
• Sun hat (try to find something with a wide brim and a strap that will keep the hat on if the wind picks up)
• Water shoes (some of our beaches can get rocky so these are great not only in the water, but while they're playing in the sand)
• Life jacket/floaties (the Red Cross has an awesome program where you can rent a life jacket for free...how great is that?!)
• Water, water, and more water
• Lots of snacks, like granola bars, fruit, veggies, crackers, food pouches (we love Love Child Organics), yogourt tubes and sandwiches. Keep everything in a cooler to keep it fresh.

• Pop-up tent (these are game changers for little ones at the beach. Just make sure you practise how to fold it back up before you hit the road...speaking from personal experience...)
• Sunglasses (these may not stay on the whole time, but bring them along just in case)
• Hooded towel (we love these because they don't fall off like a regular towel and kids just look so cute when they put them on!)
• Wet/dry bags (we bring these everywhere and the beach is no exception)
• Swimsuit (maybe two...because accidents happen)
• Sand toys (our little ones can spend hours filling a bucket with sand or water. A few shovels and buckets are really all you need when they're little)
• Beach tote (for all of that stuff!)
• Wagon (there are certain wagons made for lugging stuff and kids through the sand, rocks, and dirt. And after a long day at the beach, your little one can hop in too and enjoy the ride to the car)
• Baby powder (sand will stick and can stay for days. We found the best way to remove sand from the skin is baby powder! Sprinkle it on the skin and say buh-bye to the sand...you're welcome)

What's on your must-bring beach checklist? 

xo Jacqueline and Lindsay