We just got back from our first family trip to the beach and I wanted put together a quick list of what we packed. I know many of you had questions on packing for littles, so hopefully this is helps. Our families have spent many summers traveling to 30A, but this is the first time Austin and I have been with the boys. It was so sweet to see them at the beach and it was a great week full of family memories. But, we are definitely exhausted.
I was a little anxious about the trip since there were a lot of “firsts” for our family. It was our first road trip and the first time taking the boys to the beach. I had a lot of anxiety leading up to the trip, but honestly, it was better than I anticipated.
For the car ride, I kept expectations low. Of course there were tears, frequent potty breaks and everything that comes with being in the car for 6 hours with kids under 4, but, it was better than I expected. Breaking up the trip really helped. It adds on an extra day, but I think it would have been hard with Charlie (22m) if we went straight through.
Here’s a quick list of what I packed for the week, what we’ve used, and what I wish I had:
WHAT I PACKED FOR THE KIDS
A few notes: I’m sure I’m missing a few things, but this is what I feel like we used the most.
Oh, and if you have any floaties or inflatables, you need this little device.
+ foldable wagon – we borrowed this from our friends and I ordered it immediately. If you have kids under 5/6 you absolutely need this wagon. We used it everyday and it came in handy for lugging things down to the beach or walking around with the boys since we didn’t bring strollers.
+ swimsuits – striped shorts , textured swim shorts, seersucker shorts and this cute sailboat pair. I also had them wear this swim shirt.
+ swim shoes – we wear these all summer long, can’t recommend enough
+ pool / beach toys- rocket ship float for Charlie, bubble machine (the boys were obsessed and carried these around everywhere), boogie board, sand toys, large mesh tote. Don’t forget this little device if you are bringing anything that needs to be inflated.
+ car toys – this Montessori board, Magnadoodle, iPad, books, snacks (lots and lots of snacks)
+ everyone in my DM’s said to do the baby powder and paint brush hack for sand, and it worked! So glad I had this trick because Charlie really liked to put sand in his hair and face.
+ SPF stick and SPF 70 Spray
+ pajamas – we love this brand — they feel like Posh Peanut or KicKee Pants
+ casual clothes- shorts / polos / t-shirts / name sweatshirts
+ Inflatable bumpers – we use this for George and it keeps him from falling off the bed. They don’t take up too much space in your suitcase either.
+ travel crib for Charlie
WHAT I PACKED FOR ME
+ swimsuits: 1. this one is a Hunza dupe – I got a small. 2. classic black one piece (super flattering — think Skims material but lined) 3. Ruffle Sleeve One Piece 4. Brown Ruched One Piece (I took a size 6) 5. this two-piece
+ coverups: 1. Linen button down shirt – I took an XL 2. Knit mini dress – I took a small 3. Long Black Maxi Dress 4. Tie-Belt Kaftan
+ dresses: 1. this amazon cut-out dress (actually comfortable, decent quality and looks $$$) 2. Striped Maxi Dress (most-worn piece. I took a small) 3. Floral Maxi Dress (wore a size 4 here) 4. Purple Linen Blend Dress (wore a size 4 here) 5. Floral Maxi Dress (on sale right now)
+ shoes: I packed 5 different shoes and I only wore these 3 styles. 1: Saint Laurent Tribute Leather Slides (these run narrow and small. I went up a full size) 2. Thong Heel 3. Hermes Oran Sandals (run small. I went up a 1/2 size — similar style here)
+ comfy clothes: 1. this amazon striped set (top / shorts — both run a little big. I took a small) 2. Cropped Hoodie + matching Sweatpants
+ hats: I loved this under $25 hat. I also packed this bucket hat (sells out quick – I took a med)
+ tinted face SPF (I use this first to give my skin a major glow)
HOW I STAYED ORGANIZED
+ hanging toiletry bag (love the size of this, holds just the essentials and doesn’t take up too much space in your luggage)
+ small totes for the boys – we used these to keep their toys organized in the car. They also took them to the beach and they were super easy to hose down and clean.
+ plastic storage bags – I know I always talk about these, but they are the best for organizing. We took them with us to the beach to throw our phone, air pods, and keys in. I also used them to put our sunscreen in. Highly recommend in all sizes.
+ laundry bags – this makes it so much easier to do laundry when we get home when it’s already sorted and ready to go
So cute! I can’t believe how much the boys have grown. I bet you had a great time there. I’ve been there once and it was beautiful!