What’s in My Beach Bag: Toddler Edition

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hyland’s Earache Drops. The uses for Hyland’s products are based on traditional homeopathic practice. They have not been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration.

I grew up down the road from the Indiana Dunes with the beaches of Lake Michigan right at my fingertips. I have many fond memories of time at the beach growing up–from days of swimming and sand castles as a kid to soccer conditioning in high school (running up the Dunes is no joke, by the way) to late night campfires with friends. Good times.

The beach is such a fun place, and I want Bryce to experience it too- whether it’s visiting my parents and going back to my favorite spots or checking out the Lake Michigan shoreline from a different spot closer to our home in Chicagoland.

Regardless of our plans, this Mama loves going prepared. There’s nothing worse than getting all the way to the beach and realizing you forgot or wish you had something. So today, I’m sharing what I carry in my beach bag when I have a toddler in tow so that I have all my bases covered.

Here’s my list of toddler-focused beach bag essentials:

A good sized beach tote, preferably with pockets so I can keep readily accessible things like my phone easy to get to.
A waterproof bag to hold wet towels, swim shoes, trunks, etc. (A plastic grocery store bag will do the trick too!)
A large outdoor blanket to lie on. Ours folds up into itself and has shoulder straps- so helpful!
Towel(s). I got Bryce some microfiber towels and they are amazing. Not only do they take up less space than a regular towel, but they absorb really well, dry quick and are the perfect size for him.
Sunscreen.
Swim hat that covers the back of his neck.
Water bottle.
Snacks. Alll the snacks.
My wallet and phone.
Sunglasses.
Swim shoes.
Beach toys. I try not to overdo it, but a few things to play in the sand and water with are great.
Hyland’s Earache Drops. These drops are great on hand. They help relieve symptoms of earaches including fever, pain, irritability and sleeplessness due to swimming in non-chlorinated water. And since it’s a natural, homeopathically-prepared blend of botanicals and minerals, I feel confident using with Bryce.

Not pictured:

My clothing items (bathing suit, cover up, hat, sunglasses, sandals, etc.), which I typically just wear there.
Bryce’s swimming attire: swim trunks, rash guard and swim diaper (plus one extra). I keep a change of clothes and a regular diaper in the car so I can change him there or in the bathrooms, if available.
Bryce’s swim floaties or vest.
If we are spending all day at the beach or going as a group, I might want to add more to my haul like a cooler, umbrella, etc.

What do you keep in your beach bag? Tell me in the comments! And be sure to grab a box of Hyland’s Earache Drops for your bag!