I’ll be the first to admit that packing for the beach with four little ones in tow is not for the faint of heart. But over the years (and many family beach days later), I’ve simplified and streamlined what’s in my beach bag to keep things running smoothly so we can all enjoy these Nantucket beach days we look forward to the rest of the year!
Large Bogg bag // seersucker pouches (use code MACKENZIE15 for 15% off) // similar striped towels
I bought this white Bogg bag in the original large size a couple years ago after seeing so many moms carrying theirs onto the beach. It’s not new to the scene by any means but I think it lives up to the hype as an absolute workhouse for carrying kids’ stuff to the beach. It’s roomy, can be rinsed off in the sink or outdoor shower, and is structured so it holds all our essentials without tipping over the second it hits the sand. The original large size easily holds 3-4 beach towels (I just ordered more of my favorite striped towels for my parents’ house here), the boys’ favorite beach toy, and the real MVPs of our beach set-up: three seersucker pouches that are designed to be monogrammed but that I had personalized with the labels “snacks,” “sunscreen,” and “sunglasses” (can I tell you how much it delights me to have at least one child who can read?!).
I had the seersucker pouches embroidered this spring as a little treat to myself, and they’ve honestly made such a difference in keeping our beach bag from feeling like a bottomless pit. Now when someone needs a granola bar rightthisveryminute, I know exactly where to reach, no digging required.
Here’s a peek inside what we’re toting these days:
Snacks: We usually pack a mix of granola bars, Pirate’s Booty, fruit pouches, pretzels, and a stash of lollipops in case we need a little bribery for sunscreen reapplication. 🙂
Sunscreen: I bring both our favorite Supergoop spray suncreen and this sunscreen applicator filled with this Supergoop lotion, plus my favorite face sunscreen for me. I also throw in some baby wipes to help with sticky hands and sandy toes.
Sunglasses: All the kids’ shades go in here, plus mine so I don’t accidentally leave them in the car (again). I also keep one of these wet brushes in here — this spring I actually bought this eight-pack geared towards party favors for bachelorette weekends (ha!) and sprinkled them in drawers and bags throughout our house so I never have to search too hard for one.
Other must-haves I toss on top: a monogrammed sun hat for the baby, regular and swim diapers, and (optimistically) a needlepoint canvas I sometimes get to squeeze a few stitches in on while someone naps on me.
We’re working on getting our four- and five-year-olds to carry some of their own beach day “essentials” but this beach bag set-up is a nice way to cut down on the frantic “where’s the XYZ?!” moments that can sour an otherwise picturesque beach day!