10 Vacation Must Haves for Toddlers
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Hello lovelies!
We just got back from a weekend stay at the beach that we had planned 6 months ago. It was our first vacation with the new little one, so I was nervous about what she would do in a new place that was in no way baby proof. I don’t know about you, but I feel like that’s one of the hardest parts with toddlers and babies when vacationing at Airbnbs. They are always so excited to see a new place that they want to touch everything and get into everything. Honestly, I love the decorations Airbnb hosts always do to make it feel homey but I wish there was a button on there that you could check for “Baby Proof,” so there weren't so many breakables within the reach of tiny fingers.
Our view from the deck
All in all though, considering there were two toddlers and a baby, everything went surprisingly well. The beach was private so we didn’t have to worry about anyone stealing our spot. We made up our spot early in the morning and went back and forth all day so we had a break from the sun. The kids loved the water and building sand castles. We buried each other and made each other into dinosaurs and mermaids. It did rain everyday, but it luckily held out until 4:00pm so we were able to get a full day in. Now that’s not to say there weren’t some hiccups along the way. The Airbnb had quite a few issues including no A/C in the beginning. Neither me or my husband really slept since we ended up with all three children in our bed 2 of the 3 nights we stayed. The kids didn’t fall asleep until about 10pm each night so we were exhausted to say the least…. And don’t get me started on the sunburn.
However, this is all to say, that I wanted to share with you some of the items that really were lifesavers for us on the trip. Some of these items we’ve had for years and have been using for our previous vacations. And a few items I bought specifically for the trip to try and make it extra special for the kids. I hope my experience can help you!
Toddler Inflatable Bed
Frida Baby Fold-and-Go Portable Potty Seat
Kids Travel Tray for Toddler Car Seat
Hello Baby No Wifi Baby Monitor
Beach Toy Mesh Shovel and Mesh Beach Bag
Babygoal Baby Swim Diapers
LCD Writing Tablets
Large Mesh Tote Bag
Sand Drink Coasters
Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator
1. Toddler Inflatable Bed
We have used these for every vacation we take. It gives us a safe place to lay the kids down for bed so we don’t have to worry about them falling out of them.
2. Frida Baby Fold-and-Go Portable Potty Seat
This is also an item that we have taken with us for every vacation. Potty training has been a constant in our house so having a potty seat is a must. I keep one at home and one in the car so I have one wherever I need it.
3. Kids Travel Tray for Toddler Car Seat
My kids absolutely love these for road trips! We’ve even used these on the airplane too. They work great to have a space to play without toys being dropped and rolling all over the place.
4. Hello Baby No Wifi Baby Monitor
I love this baby monitor, especially for traveling. You don’t have to worry about wifi connection or anything for it to connect, and the range is fantastic.
5. Beach Toy Mesh Shovel and Mesh Beach Bag
I bought these as a surprise for the kids for the beach trip and they were obsessed! The mesh shovels work great in the waves to catch the shells as they come onto the shore too. They went shell collecting every night with them. Definitely worth it, especially with it being a two pack.
6. Babygoal Baby Swim Diapers
I love these re-usable swim diapers! I bought a new set for the trip, but I’ve been using these swim diapers for each of the kids for years. They are completely adjustable as they get older, and they come in such cute designs.
7. LCD Writing Tablets
These are so simple and cheap, but my kids absolutely love them. They are very creative and love that they can create endless art. These kept them entertained for the long trip to the beach.
8. Large Mesh Tote Bag
Best bag for beach toys hands down. Made it super easy to wash them out at the end of the day.
9. Sand Drink Coasters
No more sand in your drink… say less
10. Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator
This applicator is a lifesaver with my daughter. She’s had eczema her whole life and it makes her skin super sensitive. The applicator doesn’t bother her skin at all… meltdowns be gone.
I hope you find these items useful for your family! I will definitely be packing all of them again for the next trip. Below are a few photos from our family trip. Hopefully I’m building some beautiful memories for these kids one day at a time.
“Every day we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.” - Charles R. Swindoll
If you interested in more of my favorite items, you can check out both my “Top 35 Products to Declutter and Organize” and “Top 20 Cleaning Products to Simplify Your Life” blog posts.