Beach Trip With Baby: The $6 Pool Hack That Changed Everything

Back when my youngest was 8 months old, I had a problem. We were headed to Kauai for two weeks, and unlike his older brother (who was basically a potato at that age), this kid wanted to be everywhere, all at once.

He’d just started sitting up. He was thinking about crawling. And he had absolutely zero interest in playing in the ocean water.

So what do you do with an energetic baby at the beach who won’t go near the waves? After traveling with my boys for years (they’re 13 and 16 now), I can tell you this trick still works. Friends with babies swear by it to this day.

The Problem Every Parent Faces at the Beach

You’re at the beach. Your baby can’t swim yet but also refuses to just sit there. The sand gets everywhere. The waves are too much for tiny humans. And good luck trying to relax for even five minutes.

I get it. I’ve been there. Multiple times.

When we flew into Lihue, the rental car agent casually mentioned something that sounded ridiculous at first. “Some people buy a cheap baby pool to use at the beach,” she said.

I thought she was joking. Why would I spend money on a pool just to toss it in two weeks?

But by the time we hit Walmart on our way to the east side, I was desperate enough to try anything.

The Simple Solution: A Kiddie Pool on the Beach

There it was. A bright pink, green, and yellow inflatable kiddie pool for $5.99.

I figured it couldn’t hurt to try.

Best $6 I’ve ever spent.

Here’s what you do: blow up the pool (takes maybe 5 minutes), set it up next to your beach towels under an umbrella, fill it with a few inches of ocean water, and plop your baby in it.

That’s it.

Your baby gets to splash around safely. You can actually sit down for more than 30 seconds. Everyone’s happy.

Why This Actually Works

Babies love water but aren’t ready for waves and currents. A baby pool at the beach gives them their own little splash zone where they can:

• Cool off without getting knocked over by waves
• Play safely while you watch from right next to them
• Stay entertained for way longer than you’d expect
• Avoid eating fistfuls of sand (mostly)

You control the water depth, you’re right there, and your baby thinks it’s the best thing ever.

The looks we got from other beachgoers were priceless. Some thought we were geniuses. Others probably thought we were nuts. I didn’t care.

What Kind of Pool Should You Get?

You don’t need anything fancy. Any basic inflatable kiddie pool works, but here are some options I’d recommend now that products have gotten way better:

For the absolute simplest option, grab a basic inflatable baby pool from Amazon. Look for one that’s easy to blow up, has a soft bottom, and is small enough that you can fill it without making a million trips to the ocean.

If you want something with built-in sun protection, the Monobeach Baby Beach Tent with Pool is brilliant. It’s basically a pop-up tent with a pool floor, so your baby stays shaded and can splash around. UPF 50+ protection and it folds flat when you’re done.

Another option parents love is the Beach Puddle. It’s not inflatable (so no blowing up required), just a waterproof blanket you dig a shallow hole for and fill with water. Super lightweight and packs down small.

Everything Else You Need for a Beach Day With Baby

Once you’ve got your pool situation sorted, here’s what else makes beach trips with babies actually enjoyable:

Sun Protection Matters

Babies under 6 months should stay out of direct sunlight. Keep them in the shade under an umbrella or beach tent.

For babies over 6 months, you need baby-safe mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide formulas. These sit on top of the skin instead of getting absorbed, which is gentler for babies. Apply it 15-30 minutes before you head outside and reapply every two hours, or right after they get wet.

Beach Gear That Actually Helps

Swim diapers are required (regular diapers turn into water balloons and it’s not pretty). A large beach blanket keeps sand somewhat under control. Simple beach toys like cups and shovels keep them busy.

Don’t Forget the Basics

Pack way more diapers than you think you need. Bring lots of water for everyone. Have snacks on hand. Seriously, more diapers.

If you’re traveling far to get to the beach, check out my Flying with Kids guide. And grab my Vacation Planner Checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything important.

Finding the Right Beach Hotel

When you’re traveling with a baby, not all beach hotels are created equal. You want somewhere with easy beach access, maybe a pool for older siblings, and rooms that don’t make you feel like you’re trapped in a shoebox.

Browse family-friendly beach hotels on Expedia and filter for amenities like cribs, connecting rooms, and on-site restaurants. Trust me, you don’t want to haul a tired baby across town for dinner.

If you’re headed to Hawaii like we were, look for hotels right on the beach with calm water. Kauai’s north shore has some gorgeous family spots, but the south shore beaches are better for little ones.

Need a rental car? Book through Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals.

Why This Trick Still Works Years Later

My boys are teenagers now, but I still tell new parents about the beach pool hack. Friends have used it for their babies and sent me photos of their kids splashing away in their little pools on beaches from California to Florida to Mexico.

It’s simple. It’s cheap. And it actually solves the problem of what to do with a baby who’s too young for the ocean but too energetic to just sit there.

You get to enjoy the beach. Your baby stays safe and entertained. And you don’t spend the whole day chasing them around or feeling stressed.

If you want to capture those adorable beach moments professionally, check out Flytographer (save $20 with my link). They connect you with local photographers in destinations worldwide, perfect for getting family beach photos without the selfie struggle.

Make Your Beach Trip Actually Relaxing

Beach days with babies don’t have to be chaotic. A little planning goes a long way.

Bring the pool. Set up your shade. Slather everyone in sunscreen. And give yourself permission to lower your expectations a bit. You might not read that book or take a long walk, but you’ll make memories.

Watching my baby splash around in his little beach pool while the ocean rolled in behind him is one of my favorite travel memories from when my kids were tiny.

Your beach vacation with a baby can be amazing. You just need the right setup.

Looking for more family travel resources? Browse my travel guides and planners for destination-specific tips, and check out my Weekend Trip Planner for quick getaway ideas. Need help with road trips? Grab my Road Trip Planning Guide.

Now go book that beach trip. And don’t forget the $6 pool.