What’s in My Mom Bag: Beach Bag Edition
My husband and I lived on Miami Beach during our newlywed years. We’d throw on our backpack cooler chairs, fill them with Coors Light, throw a towel over our shoulders, and saunter off for a fuzzy carefree day at the beach.
Gooooone are the days. Chicagoland does has lovely beaches, but the thought of hauling my children- and worse, their STUFF- can be more daunting than the beach day is worth. That said, as years have gone on, I have figured out how to make beach trips less intimidating, and not washed away memories of yonder years past.
Here is what is in my Mom Bag to survive a day at the beach with kids! A couple obviouses that probably don’t need to be said but I’ll say anyways : Towels, Sunscreen, Beach Chairs, Cooler. Swim diapers if needed. Other than that, pack the priorities and go off and have a fun and memorable family beach day that evokes smiles all around- including for you!
For Me
Beach Tote
Well obviously I need something cute to carry everything in!
Affordable Sunglasses
I am a sucker for indulgent sunglasses, but I’ve lost those fancy sunglasses in the water or had them scratched up by sand too many times. My beach sunglasses are affordable classics that won’t leave me broken-hearted if they take some heat at the beach.
Mama’s Sunscreen
Have to protect that money maker! I love Supergoop! because they have significant SPF but also account for makeup. The Glow Screen goes on before make-up and adds a natural glow that compliments your beauty routine. The (Re) Setting Spray applies over your makeup for those SPF refresh needs, without smudging you up.
SPF Lip Care
The pretty pucker needs protection too! I love an SPF balm in a bright summery tint.
Can Coolers
Just like your coffee goes cold in the morning as you tend to your kids, your beach beverages will go warm. Having a nicer can cooler will keep your LaCroix (or White Claw) crisp and refreshing while you are recruited to build a sand city.
For the Kids
Sand Toys
Sand Toys are bulky and a pain to carry, but you’re going to be thankful to have something to keep them busy and give you a break from watching them in the water. Keep toys minimal for easier packing, and affordable for losing to the sand and the sea.
Squirt Toys
Squirt Toys are a small footprint for your bag and give them little creatures and critters to bring those sand castles to life.
Water Shoes
Kid’s Sunglasses
A brilliantly bright sun can bother kids eyes too! I always throw in a pair for each kids so that they are not stealing mine. (Target has great affordable options with different sizing for kids, toddlers, and babies).
For the Babies
Baby Pool
Little babies can’t do too much at the beach. You’re either with them at the waters edge or holding them the entire time. If they can sit- a small, cheap, inflatable baby pool serves as a play gate for the beach and keeps them cool.
Sun Hat
I’ve seen pictures of babies wearing sunglasses for more than 2 seconds. That child has eluded me. I look for hats with SPF for an extra layer of protection, and neutral enough it will compliment most baby swim fashion moments.
Portable Fan
When water to cool down is not an option or if they need a break from it, a small battery operated fan is helpful to keep the baby from overheating.
Sunscreen Face Stick
In addition to just loads of sunscreen, I always bring face sticks for baby & toddlers as well. I find it a lot quicker and easier to apply to squirmy faces without risk of getting it in their eyes!
Pop-Up Tent
I probably wouldn’t bother with a tent unless I had an infant, but when I have, a pop-up tent is wonderful for napping (God Willing) and feeding.
These tents can get warm so bring a fan like the one noted above!