What to Pack in Your Beach Bag with Kids (The Only List You Need)

Beach days with kids are the best. Beach days with kids when you've forgotten something essential are... less best. Here's our tried-and-tested packing list so you can spend more time building sandcastles and less time saying "I knew I forgot something."

The essentials

Sun protection

• Sunscreen - SPF 50+, apply before you leave the house (not at the beach when they're already running toward the water)
• Rashie - UPF 50+ sun protection they can't wriggle out of. Our rashies come in prints bold enough to spot your kid from the car park
• Hat - One they'll actually keep on. Our caps are adjustable and somehow stay on even the most determined hat-throwers
• Sunnies - If your kid will tolerate them (good luck)

Swim gear

• Swim nappy - If your little one isn't toilet trained, a reusable swim nappy is non-negotiable. No saggy disposable disaster - just a comfy, contained, cute nappy that works
• Swimmers - Or just the swim nappy. Honestly, at that age, a swim nappy and a rashie is the whole outfit
• Towel - Bring two. Trust us

The bag situation

• Large wet bag - This is the MVP of any beach day. Wet swimmers, sandy towels, mysterious soggy things your toddler found - it all goes in the wet bag. Zip it shut. Problem solved
• Small wet bag - For snacks, your phone, keys, wallet. Keeps sand and water out of the important stuff

Food and drinks

• Water bottles - More than you think you need. Beach + sun + running = very thirsty kids
• Snacks - Crackers, fruit, sandwiches, whatever survives the sand contamination. Pro tip: put snacks in a small wet bag to keep them sand-free
• Ice packs - Keep everything cool, especially if it's a long session

Entertainment

• Bucket and spade - The classics never fail
• A ball - Beach cricket, catch, kick-around. Hours of entertainment for basically nothing
• Bubbles - Toddler kryptonite. Instant entertainment while you set up

The "just in case" extras

• Spare change of clothes - In a wet bag, obviously. For the drive home when no one wants to sit in sandy, wet swimmers
• Nappy cream / rash cream - Sand rash is real
• First aid basics - Band-aids, antiseptic wipes. Rocks and shells are sharp
• Shade - Beach tent or umbrella. Especially for babies and toddlers who need a break from the sun
• Plastic bags - For shells, treasures, and the inevitable collection of "special rocks" your toddler insists on bringing home

The Pekpi beach day kit

If you want to make beach days easy, here's our go-to combo:

• Swim nappy (no soggy disposables)
• Rashie (UPF 50+ sun protection)
• Cap (shade for little faces)
• Large wet bag (everything wet and sandy goes in here)
• Small wet bag (snacks and valuables)

Match them all in the same print for the full look. Your beach Instagram game will never be the same.

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