Surviving the Beach with a Toddler: 12 Essentials + One Thing You Really Shouldn’t Forget

Heading to the beach with a toddler in tow? We get it – it sounds dreamy until you remember the snack demands, suncream battles, and sand (everywhere). But a little prep goes a long way. Here are 12 tried-and-tested tips to keep the day fun, a bit less chaotic — and of course, sun safe.

✅ 1. Apply suncream before you leave home

No one likes a car park meltdown. Slather it on at home while they’re calm(ish). Bonus tip: go for a UV sunsuit and a hat to cut down on exposed skin.

🍏 2. Take more snacks than you think you need

You will be asked for food 2 minutes after arriving. Pack extras and then a couple more.

🥝 3. Individual snack pots are your new BFF

Avoid the horror of sand in your main food stash. Separate portions = less waste and fewer gritty grapes.

🐚 4. Bring a little “treasure bag”

Kids love collecting things. Let them have their own mini beach bag for shells, rocks, and whatever else they find magical.

🎒 5. Let them help you pack (if you’re not in a rush!)

Toddlers love a job. Get them excited by choosing their own toy or treasure bag – it sets a positive tone.

🌊 6. Take a muslin blanket

Perfect to sit on, wrap around, or throw over shoulders. Beach Born Salcombe's are super light and quick-drying.

😎 7. Don’t forget the sunnies!

Protect those little eyes! Our kids’ sunglasses are UV400, lightweight, and designed to stay on – plus, they look seriously cute.

💦 8. Freeze a bottle of water

Acts as a cold pack and keeps drinks cool. Win-win.

🧴 9. Muslins = multi-tasking magic

Spills, noses, napkins, mini towels – never leave without one.

👙 10. Use a muslin swaddle as a sarong or beach towel

They’re light, soft on sandy skin, and dry in a flash.

⛱️ 11. Take a pop-up tent if you can

They provide shade, somewhere to nap, and a little calm in the chaos (just don’t ask us to fold it back up).

🌬️ 12. Clip-on fan = genius

A little fan for the buggy or tent keeps the air flowing and your toddler cool.

Little ones can't regulate their body temp like we can, so keep shade, hydration, and airflow top of mind. It makes all the difference.