Last Updated on June 10, 2023 by Natalie

I live in Miami where having a beach day is a normal activity.

But I’m not going to fib, the thought of doing a beach day with a baby was daunting.

I imagined myself walking through sand in the heat carrying a cooler, a beach umbrella, tent and a beach chair…oh and a baby.

What am I, an octopus?

If this sounds anything like how you feel about going to the beach, read on to learn how to have a hassle-free beach day with your toddler or baby.

1. Time It Right

I didn’t take my baby to the beach when he was under 6 months old.

Infants do not have the same ability as the rest of us to regulate their body heat which can be dangerous and risk a heat stroke.

In addition, babies have sensitive skin.

For both of those reasons, it’s a good idea to avoid being at the beach when the sun is scorching hot and UV rays are the strongest.

The time to avoid is 10AM to 4PM.

Long range.  I know.

For babies, since they tend to be early risers and have naps, I find it most convenient to go early in the morning. But if that doesn’t work, you can go any time and make sure to take precautions (see tip #4).

2. Sunscreen

As a first time mom, I’m still in the research-the-hell-out-of-everything phase of motherhood because I’m in control of things and everything is going to be perfect, okay?

I wanted something that is safe to put on sensitive baby skin.

Our pediatrician recommended Blue Lizard Mineral Baby SPF30+ so I went with that after reading up on it and its ingredients.

It uses zinc oxide and titanium Dioxide and it’s chemical-free.

Fun fact: the bottle turns pink when it’s in UV light.

Pro tip: use a foundation brush to apply sunscreen to your baby’s face easily and evenly.

3. Cover That Babe Up

You know what’s even better? Putting him in a long-sleeved rash guard set (in addition to sunscreen, not as an alternative).

They have some one-piece body suits, as well. I like whatever covers as much as possible.

Then throw a sun hat on that guy.

4. Bring Some Shade

My sister has used her Cool Cabanas (in large) for shade every weekend for a couple of years. It’s held up very well (until my brother in law accidentally broke it 2 weeks ago 😬). Whenever we go up to the beach apartment with the family, it’s our refuge from the sun. There are 20 of us total so my husband and I bought one of our own large Cool Cabanas to provide some additional shade for the group.

We like it because it provides lots of shade and assembly is easy. You put the stake in the sand and open the umbrella. Then you fill the pocket of each leg with sand to weigh it down. Done.

And don’t worry, I’ll tell you how to easily schlep these things around at the end.

If you prefer, check to see if there are already-set-up umbrella or tent rentals where you’re going. That’s easiest of all.

5. Bring Water and Snacks

Do not forget your little one’s water bottle, if they drink water already.

And it’s a good idea to take juice and snacks.

The beach makes you thirsty and hungry.

6. Swim Diapers

As you probably know normal diapers won’t hold up in the water.

Rather, they will hold your little one down because man, do they get heavy…I’m guessing. Teehee.

If you don’t feel that you go to the beach enough to merit buying swim diapers, I suggest getting a washable swim diaper.

This is what I have. It’s adjustable with  buttons so it can fit your little one for a while.

7. Sand-free Towel

I recently learned about Tesalate sand-free towels after they contacted me to try them out. To be honest, I was a little skeptical.

I’ve heard about other towels that don’t hold onto sand but they haven’t quite measured up to their description in the past.

I figured that, at worst, I can use it to play on in the house or to picnic on.

I got the Into The Wild XL towel.

I took my Tesalate sand-free towel to the beach and tried to keep sand from getting on it at all… while I was with my toddler.

I’m too cute!

He kicked sand all over that towel.

But…not one grain of sand stuck on there.  It rolled. Right. Off. It actually does what it says it does!

8. Beach Toys

Bring toys to entertain your little one in the sand. We take some parts of a 26 piece set of buckets, shovels, toys and sand stencils.

9. Lightweight Bag

For all your things, like keys, phone, wallet, glasses, and so on, take a lightweight bag.

In here, I would also suggest including:

• a clean diaper
• dry change of clothes
• a hands-free hooded towel for your little
• a plastic bag to put wet clothes and towels in

10. Rolling Cart

Last but not least, take a canvas wagon to hold all your items while you transport it with just one hand.

Then you have your other hand free for your little one. Or better yet, let your little one ride along in the cart.