We're really lucky to live where we live. The beach is literally 10 minutes away by car, and it's not just any beach; it is the most spectacular white sand and blue sea, horses galloping up and down kind of beach. So when summer comes around, we are there pretty much almost every single day.

But I have learned that overpacking a bag, carrying an umbrella, chairs, a backpack, and a toddler just doesn't work on your own. And to get to this beach is quite a bit of a walk down a sandy pathway. So I have come up with the best technique and what to pack for a day out at the beach with your baby, without bringing the whole house.

Focusing on Connection Over Perfection

For a while, I didn't realize that hauling all that stuff down the sandy path and then walking about 2km to the actual ocean wasn't working, because I was trying too hard by bringing too much stuff. I was really overthinking it. Basically, the only thing that matters is your baby or your child having the most amazing time at the beach, splashing in that water and, of course, making the most spectacular sand castles.

The Essentials Only

My son is absolutely fearless when it comes to the ocean. He will literally run straight into that water and carry on swimming out to the backline if you let him. This is what he used to do even as a toddler.

So how we get ready before we go to the beach: I layer on tons of sunscreen all over him, his ears, his nose, everywhere. We also have a rash vest that covers his arms, but he has to put it on. He's got a hat with a back flap so his neck doesn't get burnt. That's what we pack; that's what we put on him even before we've gotten to the beach, so that's the checklist ticked, done.

Then there's the huge beach bag that I take, and in that I take enough towels for us all, because no one wants to fight over a towel when you're at the beach. Everyone has had that; it's an absolute mess. Our trusty old umbrella that's very cool has tassels on it, everything.

I used to be quite serious about making sure he wore a flotation jacket, but now that he's a bit older, it has changed. He would also wear a floating jacket that used to go with us everywhere.

Snacks are essential as well, because he could be running up and down, swimming, and he gets hangry, so we normally pack fruits, strawberries, blueberries, and lots of water. A hat is an absolute essential for me; no one goes anywhere without one.

The Minimalist Toddler Beach Bag Checklist

I stick to just one bag, and everything we need goes into it. I'm a minimalist, so I won't take things I don't need. The only things we generally take are sunscreen, hats, a big umbrella, and water.

The one thing I can't leave home without is something my son can play with, so a bucket and spade. Even though it's such a small thing and doesn't seem like a big deal to bring, he spends hours playing with that spade in the bucket. Now that he's a bit bigger, we also make sure to take the boogie board because he hooks up with all his little friends and they go boogie boarding together. It really suits him.

The snack that always makes it in is cut watermelon. I cut up a whole bunch of it and put it in a big container, and that's what we eat. It always goes down such a treat. Then I'd say a packet of chips. One bag, and that's what everything goes into; it's a huge bag. And a soccer ball, I'd always take a soccer ball with us.

What to Leave Behind

Personally, we just want to get to the beach, put up a little umbrella, put the towels down, sit and watch, and let the kids play in the water. So I'd say something like a fold-up table or a big canvas tent thing to set up is just going to take up a good chunk of your time on the beach, when you should just be sitting and enjoying, watching your child.

I mean, if you're going for like seven hours, sure, that's a bit different, but leave that stuff behind; it's not really essential.

I'd also say that packing a fancy lunch isn't necessary. If you're really worried about getting hungry down there, just take a pre-made wrap or something instead of a whole chicken. It's just going to get sandy.

And you don't need so many bags of things. Just get yourself that beach bag that is huge, the kind that can carry six towels, packets of popcorn and chips, cool drinks, and sunscreen. That's it, just that one bag hanging off your shoulder; that's all you need for a good day at the beach.

A Peaceful Day by the Water

Let's face it, as soon as you get on that beach, your child is going to be off to that water. The last thing you want to do is have to put your tent up, put a table up, lay down various tiles of different lengths and different uses. The only thing that you need to do is put that umbrella up and lay down a towel, and that's it. Get a really good sunscreen on your child because you did that at home; his rash face is already on, everything is already set up for you to just get to the beach, put your hat on, sit down, and watch your kid enjoy the outdoors.

I definitely find that when my friend says "Meet you at the beach after school," or " Meet at the beach in an hour," I actually already have all of the stuff packed in my boot, and it doesn't leave there. Even over winter, it's just in my bag in the boot: the towels, the sunscreen, the hats, the costumes. So basically, I just pick my child up from school, go straight to the beach, and we sit for the day.