Remember the days when you would just throw a towel, a book, and drinks in your beach bag and head to the beach? Those days may be done for a while, but going to the beach with a toddler is not impossible. We have a tried-and-true list to help you master what to bring for a successful and fun beach trip.
1. Pop-Up Baby/Toddler Beach Tent Shelter
These tents are extremely important and key to give your little one some shade and a break from the sun. Pop-up tents are easy to set up and take down, so you don’t waste any time trying to set up. The mini tents provide UV protection and are a great spot for little ones to play with toys or enjoy a snack outside of the sun. Be aware that there are many areas along the Grand Strand that have tent laws in effect from May 15 through September 15, so a beach umbrella may be your best bet. However, most baby tents are permitted as long as they are within 36″x36″x36″ at the most. All tents and umbrellas must be within the umbrella line so that the lifeguards have a clear view in front of their chairs.
2. Rash Guard/Hat/Cover-Up
Kids’ skin can be ultra sensitive, and sand is the archenemy of sensitive skin. So make sure to keep as much sand off your little one by covering up with a sturdy rash-guard or zip-up suit. The hat is important to cover the face from the sun so it doesn’t get in your little ones’ eyes.
3. Spray Bottle with Fresh Water
Pick up a spray bottle from the dollar store or Walmart and fill it with water to spray/mist your little one to cool down. You can refill it at the shower and rinse stations. Bonus if you can find the spray bottles with a battery-operated fan connected to them to mist and cool down your little one from the hot sun!
4. Sand Toys in a Mesh Bag
Kids love to play in the sand. They can spend hours playing with a dump truck sand toy with endless amounts of sand to dump and roll on. Many folks also love a mini beach bucket to carry on their walks to collect shells. Grab a mesh bag to collect the toys in and then rinse off your gear at the public showers when you’re leaving the beach. This allows you to leave as much sand behind as you can when headed back to your North Myrtle Beach condo or beach home!
5. Sippy Cups and Juice Boxes with Straws
Cut down on sand blowing into the drinks. We’ve learned that sand in the mouth can cause a tantrum, so limit as much sand as possible! Straw cups or juice boxes are a great option for toddlers, and if they get in the sand, you can use your trusty spray bottle to wash them off.
6. Baby Pool
This can be genius. Buy a cheap mini baby pool from Walmart or one of our local beachware shops and fill it up with ocean water. Throw in some beach toys and they’ll play for hours. This helps keep kids cool and is a great distraction, so parents can sit and relax while they’re still having fun. It’s easy to fold and throw into your beach wagon. It’s an instant hit for the toddler and parents.
7. Jogging Stroller or Beach Wagon
Jogging strollers are great for smaller babies, and their wheels are large enough to get through the sand. Attach a misting fan to keep them cool and set off on a nice, long walk along the beautiful beaches. If you’re lucky, they might even take a beach nap!
Wagons are a great option for bigger toddlers and kids. Many on the market now fold up so they’re easy to pack for your drive to the beach. Bonus: it also carries your beach toys, cooler, and anything else you need to bring down to the water.
8. Water-Resistant Blanket
Keep a beach blanket in your trunk at all times during your vacation or beach season. Anytime you head to the beach for a walk, lunch picnic, or a long day, bring your blanket. Find one that rolls up easily and has straps to carry. Once it’s laid down, you don’t have to constantly lift and shake off the sand! GENIUS!
9. Non-toxic Baby Powder
Baby Powder or corn starch are game changers when it comes to leaving the sand at the beach. They can help take off the sand from your arms, legs, and feet with constant scrubbing or more work. Less sand means a happy toddler and parent. This is also one of our favorite tips for going to the beach anytime!
10. Sunscreen
No-brainer here. Try and get one that’s water-resistant and contains fewer harmful chemicals for you and our oceans. For little ones many people prefer a spray for the body and a face stick. Always apply before you get to the beach for a less fussy child, and keep applying when needed! Keep in mind, the more you’re in the sand and water, the more often you should apply. The South Carolina sun can be brutal when it’s beating off the white sand and sparkling ocean.
11. Swim Diaper and Essentials
Pack just enough for the day. Keep a fresh swim diaper, wipes, a change of clothes, and a dry towel in the car for quick and easy clean up. Change your little ones into a clean, fresh diaper and shorts after you’re finished at the beach so they don’t get the car seat wet. If they fall asleep in the car, you don’t need to worry about changing them and waking them up. Happy Toddler, Happy Parents.
12. Ziplock Bags
Keep diapers, clothes, snacks, and your cell phone in ziplock bags. It keeps the sand out, PLUS it’s waterproof. After the first bucket of water was dumped on your beach bag, we learned that ziplock bags would be key in the future.
13. Snacks and Water
Carry fruit pouches and snacks in individual bags. Bring a variety and make sure to keep all snacks and water in a cooler bag. Everyone tends to get hungry during long days at the beach, so fresh fruits, waters, frozen yogurt tubes, and individually packed snacks are an absolute necessity. You can find beach bags that are insulated for a multipurpose cooler and storage bag!
14. Beach Chair
There are plenty of great folding beach chairs on the market for parents and kids. Grab the kind with attached straps so you can wear them on your walk down to the beach. If you think your child won’t want a chair, think again. They usually want whatever mom or dad are sitting on so getting them their own special chair is key. Plus, they’re usually small enough to pack in the beach wagon or for older kids to carry themselves.
15. Beach Shoes
Some kids love the sand between their toes, while others throw a tantrum the second they touch it. It’s best to pack a pair of sandals or water shoes to avoid any unnecessary tantrums. Always make sure they have a pair of sandals for the walk back to the condo or parking lot – the sand is hot!
Vacation With Your Toddler at the Beach
Are you ready to bring your kids on vacation and let them enjoy the beach? Book your next vacation in an oceanfront North Myrtle Beach condo. These spacious condos are perfect for the whole family. There are one- to four-bedroom condos, beach homes, and more up and down the coast, making space for any size family. Enjoy amenities like indoor and outdoor pools, kiddie pools and waterslides, private balconies, and so much more during your next Myrtle Beach vacation!
