Beach Survival Packing List: How To Enjoy The Beach With Kids

The summer is fast approaching and many of us will be heading to the beach for some well-deserved family R&R.

A trip to the beach: Nothing but the sun in your hair, sand between your toes and a much needed dose of relaxation, right?

Well… maybe, but that’s only if you disregard the frantic packing and list making that occurs the week before you go. Then adding a toddler to the mix? Now that alone generates at least triple the amount of planning, packing and stuff to cart along with you.

Honestly, the immense degree of forethought required for a beach trip with a toddler (or a not so todler) might make it tempting to skip the salty waves and board walk strolls altogether.

BUT… To help you enjoy the beach with the kids and make the process a wee bit less intimidating, here’s a list you can use to pack for the beach with your not-quite-two-year-old(s).

Surviving the drive
– lots of snacks
– an assortment of new and exciting small toys from the Pound Store (pull a new one out every hour when you’re on the road)
– children’s CDs or an iPod/iPhone/iPad loaded with kid-friendly tunes

Soaking up the sun
– Bathing Suits (2)
– Towel
– Sunscreen
– Blanket
– Remeber to bring along some sand toys, especially the sand buckets (you’ve been warned)
– Sun hat with wide brim for protecting both face and ears

Chowing down
– Sippy cups/ Plastic Cups
– Plastic/reusable plate and utensils
– Bibs and Napkins

When nature calls
– For the todlers and todlets – Diapers (twice as many as you think you’ll need, just to be safe)
– Remember the baby wipes. Even if your child/children are long out of diapers, don’t forget the wipes, they’re useful for washing hands and cleaning toilet seats.
– Swim diapers
– Portable training potty (if you’re at that stage, in which case I salute you—potty training on vacation doesn’t sound like a vacation at all!)
– Bring baby powder. Sprinkle some on your kids for instant sand removal. No more sandy feet in your car. It not only rids the kids of pesky sand, but it leaves them smelling powder fresh.

Other random items 
– Small First Aid kit
– Plastic bags (for stinky diapers, wet clothes, etc.)
– Tissues

So, to sum it all up….