Everyone loves a summer road trip, right? Especially when it involves a beach. But as a mom, sometimes you need a vacation from packing for your vacation, am I right?
We recently took a road trip to our lakeside cottage. This is definitely my happy place, but now that I am a mom, the insane amount of packing I do the night before/morning of our trip has me exhausted before we even get there. I am running around like a crazy person (while my husband sits on the couch, wondering why we never leave on time) and I find I always forget something crucial (often my own bathing suit).
The first trip I took to the lake with H was when she was six months old. True to form, I tore around the house packing anything she might need (toenail clippers, bug netting… etc.), but somehow managed to forget to pack A SINGLE DIAPER. Did I mention the cottage is 30 minutes away from the nearest convenience store? You can imagine what ended up happening. It was not pretty!
The view from the cottage to the lake
The side view from our cottage
Over the years, my packing skills have become a bit more organized and streamlined. My secret? An organized list to ensures I do not forget the essentials. Guess what’s on it? Diapers!!
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Water shoes for Hannah, Mommy and Daddy
Packing List for Toddlers at the Beach
Here is my go-to packing list for a beach trip. I hope this gives you some peace of mind and starts off your vacation a little more relaxed than mine used to be!
- Diapers
- Swim Diaper (we love these ones)
- Bathing suit/Rashguard (I reccommend one like this that provides great coverage and lots of cute designs! boys/girls)
- Beach Blanket/lounger to sit on (these are a great hybrid for those of us who like a little back support while we lounge!)
- Beach Hat (this print is soooo cute!)
- Mineral Sunscreen
- Water Shoes (this brand has lots of sweet prints!)
- Beach cover-up (a hooded beach towel like this is also a perfect cover-up and is so much fun!)
- Sweatshirt/jacket
- Change of clothes
- Extra shoes
- Re-useable water bottle (our favorite here)
- Insulated Cup (no need to worry about spoiled milk)
- Toys for the car (I am absolutely crazy over these!!)
- Beach toys (there are so many cute sets, but this phthalate-free set has my vote!)
- Outdoor toys (bubbles, catch n’ grip game, etc.)
- Favorite blankie
- PJ’s
- Hairbrush (my pick for brushing toddler hair)
- Snacks
- Lunch/supper
- Cooler bag
- BBQ Lighter (if you have access to a BBQ/Fire pit)
My go-to packing list for a day at the beach. Graphics courtesy of mycutegraphics.com
What special items are must haves on your vacation packing list? Any epic packing failures like me? Please comment below!
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This is such a great list! We are planning to take our son to the beach soon and I am definitely going to pack using this list!
Thanks very much! Glad to know it helped. 🙂
What an awesome list. We forgot diapers yesterday for a trip into the city. Luckily we were not far so it wasnt a big issue.
One thing we always take to the beach, or a lake is bug spray. Its a must for us.
Good call! Definitely needed in some areas (luckily not our cottage). Thanks!
Great list. When I go to the beach I will be looking through this.
Thanks so much!
This is a great list! I love taking the kids to the beach but it always feels like there’s so much more to pack!
I agree! I used to be able to get away with one bag for just myself, but now it seems like we fill up the whole trunk for just one other tiny person!
This is great . Thank you
Heading on holiday in a few weeks with a near one year old