by Sabrina Garibian posted in Products

My minimalist beach bag list is simple and straightforward: sunscreen, water, snacks, baby powder, hats, watering can, shovel, pail, and towels. I always say to pack less than more because it's a lot harder to get everything off the beach in the afternoon than it is to drag it all on in the morning.
Two summers ago I brought my three kids to the beach several times on my own. I looked out of my mind with a newborn in one arm and a carload of stuff piled in the jogging stroller, but I did it. My kids had a lot of fun, and our summer days that year will always be full of special memories.
I have worked on my beach bag essentials for years now and am quite proud of my current minimalist beach bag. Let me walk you through it.
My minimalist beach bag:
1. Sunscreen: This is #1 most important, and I take it very seriously. I apply sunscreen every hour.
Pro tip: Every time you take a sunscreen break, make sure your kids also drink some water. It's a great, easy way to remember to stay hydrated. We call them hourly "safety breaks" and the kids look forward to them now.
2. Water: I pack 8 ounces of water per hour per person heading to the beach. It seems like a lot, but my family tends to dehydrate easily and this ensures we don't.
Pro tip: Stick half of your water in the freezer the night before a beach day so it doubles as your ice packs and you have ice cold water all day long.
3. Snacks: We do a combination of salty snacks (pre...