Hey girl, today let's chat about the top beach toys for 1-year-old boys and girls.
Finally, summer is on the way and if you are anything like me you want to catch some sun at the beach with your little one. As a mom of 4, I am here to let you know which are the best beach toys for 1-year-old boys and girls.
But why stop there? I am also going to go over the must-have beach items that you need for you and your little one to make your trip to the beach the best time. From beach bags to swimsuits to beach blankets and more, it’s all here.
Grab your sandals and shades Mama and let’s jump into all of the best beach toys for 1-year-olds that you can’t forget about.
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Best Beach Toys For 1 Year Old
Tips For Going to the Beach With a 1-Year-Old
1. Go Early, Leave Early
Go early in the day, like well before lunch. The sun won’t be as intense and usually that beach won’t be that crowded yet.
Only stay for about an hour max. Your little one isn’t going to last much longer than that. All that fresh air and sunshine takes it out of a person.
Don’t worry, as your little one gets old you will be staying much longer at the beach. Last summer, my kids would stay on average 2.5-3 hours every beach visit.
2. Bring a Snack
Even though you aren’t going to be at the beach for very long, bring a snack for your little one just in case.
All kids can get hangry (hungry-angry) without any warning and there is no coming back from that.
3. Bring a Water Bottle
Always bring a water bottle with you to the beach. You don’t want your little one to get dehydrated (or yourself)!
I have been loving this water bottle. The 22oz size fits perfectly in cup holds.
4. Don't Take the Kitchen Sink
Only take what you can carry in 1 trip when you are going to the beach. This is huge when it is only you and your little one going.
Remember, you aren’t moving in, you are only there for a short visit.
Beach Toys For 1 Year Old
1. Beach Toy Set
If you are going to get any beach toys from this list these are the ones.
You see friend, besides spending time at the beach, we have an epic sandbox in our yard which all 4 of my kids have spent countless hours in. These toys have been through many seasons and are still going strong.
We are careful to put them away after every use so the sun doesn’t make them brittle.
The mesh bag that they come in is amazing for shaking off all the sand too.
2. Bucket and Shovel
You can’t go wrong with just a bucket and shovel.
A few years ago, this was all we took to the beach multiple times in a row. My youngest would fill up the bucket then dump it out and repeat.
3. Another Beach Toy Set
Since our sandbox is so large, we have a wide variety of beach toys.
This is another great set of beach toys that your 1-year-old will have a blast using.
4. Sand Vehicles
These sand vehicles are the perfect size for little hands. They are so durable!
And even though my youngest is now 6, these still get used every time we go to the beach or they play in the sandbox.
Other Must-Have Beach Items
1. Mesh Beach Toy Bag
I know that this is technically a sports equipment bag but it is the best. This one is tough and can hold so many toys.
It also makes it easy to shake most of the sand off the toys.
Other mesh bags I have tried that were made for beach toys all ended up ripping on me.
2. Best Beach Bag
No matter if you only have your 1-year-old or multiple kids, you are going to need a large summer tote bag, preferably with a zipper.
This is your new beach bag and it is amazing. It is made of thicker material as well.
This bag can hold my stuff along with whatever my 4 kids need.
I think the last time I packed it we fit in 7 beach towels, sunscreen, snacks, water bottles, my wallet, and my phone. The zipper closed easily and there was still a little room to spare.
3. Best Beach Blanket
That sun makes the sand hot and it can burn your little one’s skin☹. It will be way more comfortable for both of you if you have a beach blanket to hang out on.
This blanket is huge!
I tried using beach towels when my oldest was a baby and what a mess that was. As soon as she started moving the towel bunched up everywhere which defeated the whole purpose of her being on it.
This blanket is also great because you can shake the sand right off it and you can use it for other things too like picnics.
4. Swimsuits
I just love how cute 1-year-olds look in swimsuits, especially the girls. Ruffles and bows are everywhere😊.
The best swimsuits for boys and girls are the ones with long sleeves. I know what you are wondering, won’t they get hot and no they won’t. I promise. It saves their fresh baby skin from getting sunburned.
5. Sun Hat
A sun hat is also essential to protect your baby from the sun.
Getting one that has a toggled string or Velcro is a must. Otherwise, your little one will take it off all the time or the wind will blow it off.
The first couple of times my kids had their hats on they tried to take them off but I kept putting them back on. Soon they would get distracted by a toy and then forget all about the hat.
6. Swim Diapers
Whoever came up with swim diapers should get a medal or at the very least a raise. They are so amazing and you need them!
They don't bulk up at all, which keeps your little one comfy, but it does its diaper job when your little one goes to the bathroom.
There was only one time that I ran out of these diapers with my oldest and she was having the worst time in a regular diaper. We ended up taking it off and having her just be in her swimsuit.
I was keeping my fingers crossed the whole time that she wasn’t going to poop in the water. Thankfully she didn’t.
7. Sunscreen
Even though your little one is set up with a long sleeve suit and a sun hat, you are still going to have to apply Water Babies sunscreen to the rest of him.
I went through a bunch of different sunscreens to find the best one and this is it for young kids.
Now that my kids are 6, 8, 10, and 12, we use this spray sunscreen.
We have been using it for multiple summers now and there has been no sunburn in sight on any of us. Yes, I use it too.
I love the spray kind because it is easy to apply, dries down fast, and still gives amazing protection.
This post was all about the best beach toys for 1-year-old girls and boys.
Let me know in the comments below what your favorite summer activity is.
I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for stopping by.