We are on our way to Florida in just a few days – our first family trip in a long time! So today I wanted to share my must-have kid items that I bring with us on every beach trip. This are items that we have in our beach bag, the best SPF, and go-to warm weather gear that the girls have and love!
01 Melissa and doug water wow! activity
I always love throwing an activity or two in our bags whenever we are on the go to keep the girls occupied. This has been a favorite of ours for years and so easy to use, without the mess!
02 Babiators sunglasses
I cannot stress how much we love these sunglasses! We have had them for years and continue to buy the next size up as the girls grow. We currently have sizes 0-2 and 3-5. The girls love wearing them, too, and have gotten so used to them that they ask for them each time we go outside!
03 Beautycounter’s Mineral sunscreen
I love that Beautycounter’s mineral sunscreen is made with safer, cleaner ingredients and protects against UVA, UVB and Blue Light. It contains sustainably-sourced California poppy & isn’t formulated with Oxybenzone or Octinoxate – 2 commonly used ingredients known to contribute to the collapse of the coral reefs. This is the perfect sunscreen to bring to the beach since it is safe for our oceans too! It also is available in a mist and stick.
04 hanna andersson sunblock tankini set
We have been purchasing swimsuits from Hanna Andersson for years since they are great quality, designed with sun protection in mind, and hold up well over time. Typically, I have purchased the one-piece suits for my oldest, but this year was the first time I purchased a two-piece set, and cannot say enough great things about it! I love that it provides shoulder coverage and comes with the built-in skirt for the bottoms. Since we are still relatively new into potty training, the two-piece set is convenient! The set comes in so many other cute patterns as well!
05 portable high chair (or beach chair)
This portable high chair from Amazon can double as a beach chair and folds up easily for travel! It is the perfect size if your kid is sitting up and is about 30 pounds or less.
06 Rufflebutts long sleeve swimsuit
The built-in sun protection is what made this swimsuit a favorite of ours over the years (since both girls have worn it over the years)! The quick change snaps and zipper make for easy diaper changes, and it comes in so many other great colors and patterns!
07 water shoes
A summer must-have around pools, splash pads, and beaches are water shoes and these are super cute and comfortable! We love them because they are easy to get on and off with the hook-and-loop closure. It’s also great that there is a removable sock liner that is machine washable!
08 stasher reusable storage bags
If you read my Earth Day blog post where I shared 5 sustainable household and personal care swaps, you’ll know how much we adore using Stasher Bags both while on-the-go and for food storage at home. These non-toxic silicone bags are perfect for storing snacks for the beach as well as any other products that you would typically store in a ziplock plastic bag. Major plus: they are dishwasher safe!
09 Yeti rambler
We have loved using Yeti tumblers and coffee mugs over the years, and this Yeti Rambler Jr. is a perfect size for the kids and comes complete with a a straw cap! While outside in the hot sun, it’s nice to know that you can reach for this and know that water will still be cold.
10 stroller fan
This tripod mini fan is a lifesaver during the summer months! It is USB or battery powered and, when charged can last most of the day. I love that it has 3 speed settings and that the silicone legs allow you twist and rotate it in different directions!
11 swim vest
I bought this exact same swim vest for both girls and it works for each of them! Our oldest is almost 4 years old and our youngest just turned 2 years old. We have had other puddle jumpers before, but the thing that really makes this one stand out is the shoulder harness. I also love that there is a double-safety buckle!
12 sun hat
I think I can say that I saved the best for last (even though we truly love all of these things)! This hat is a daily warm weather essential alongside the Babiators sunglasses that I shared earlier in this list. We have a few of these hats in all of the sizes and colors and the girls have worn them for years now! They are fast-drying, wash well, and come complete with a neck flap and big front brim. For reference, our youngest (age 2) wears a size medium (but can also still fit in a small) and our oldest (age 4) wears a size large!
I hope that this post helped you if you are looking for beach or general summer essentials for kids! Most of the items I have linked come in other colors/patterns as well. What are some summer essentials for your little one(s)? I’d love to hear!
Thanks for reading!
RELATED POST: 27 BABY REGISTRY ITEMS THAT I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR AS A SECOND TIME MOM
