10 Beach Essentials You Need for Epic Summer Fun with your Kids

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of the warm sun on your skin and sand between your toes along with the sounds of sprinklers, fireworks, and children splashing in the pool. That’s what summertime means for me. I LOVE summertime. I am gearing up with the best beach essentials to help my three little boys stay safe on our trip while we have epic fun together!

Sunscreen: the Essential Summer Product

Sunscreen is the most important item to have any time you go outside. Even incidental sun exposure (like walking out to the car) can cause skin damage. You definitely want to protect your little ones (and yourself) by using some good sunblock.

There are basically two different kinds of sunscreen: physical sunblock and chemical sunscreen. Physical, mineral-based sunblocks, like those made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are more effective at blocking UVA and UVB rays than chemical sunscreens, like those made with oxybenzone, homosalate, among many others. Previous summers, my toddler and I used Neutrogena Baby every day, and I thought it worked really well.

Last year, I did a bit of research on sunscreen and learned that some mineral sunscreens have active ingredients that are nanoparticles, small enough to enter your cells and cause free radical damage. Seriously, what is there that doesn’t cause free radical damage these days? Anyway, I started using Babo Botanicals non-nano clear zinc sunscreen. The particles are larger than other mineral sunscreens, so it offers better sun protection and is a superb moisturizer too. My absolute favorite sunblock product is the Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Spray! It’s super easy to apply on kids. They love it, and it provides incredible protection from the sun.

Alright, let’s move on to the fun stuff!

The Beach Essentials that make it easy for you to have fun:

Shade Tent

Have you ever gone to a pool or a water park only to find that every single spot of shade is already taken? I sure have. I started bringing my own shade with the Quick Cabana. This way, my babies and my sandals and my snacks don’t have to bake in the sun.

Although I love my tent when it’s set up, I’m ready to switch to a pop-up tent that can be set up in seconds. Less time setting up means more time for fun!

Water Bottles for Everybody

It’s important to stay hydrated with fresh water when you’re out in the sun all day. I like to bring a water bottle for each kid, plus one for me. You can never go wrong with Contigo Autospout or Camelbak Kids.

Hats

Hats give you extra sun protection and fashion all in one cute package! Babies and kids look adorable in hats; you just can’t go wrong. Make sure to get yourself a cute sun hat too!

Rash Guard

A UV-blocking rash guard is another must-have in protecting your little one’s soft, sensitive skin.

Pool Floats

Summer just isn’t complete without time in the pool. You need some proper gear to enjoy the water and keep your kids safe. Alden loved his pool float when he was a baby. He splashed and giggled the whole time we were in the pool. He was a water baby for sure.

At the beach, it is so fun to use a surf rider float! I recommend getting one for maximum fun.

Sandals

Summertime means cute sandals! Saltwater Sandals are my number one recommendation. They are incredibly durable and adjustable, so one pair can last a long time for little growing feet. My twins are now wearing the same pair that my oldest used to wear every day, and they still look perfect! You can get some on Amazon right here.

Waterproof Ring Sling for baby

When my twins were babies, I got two waterproof ring slings. They were a great way to ease into the water with my babies. I also used them a lot outside of the water. They are really great for travel too!

Toddler life jacket

Wearing a life jacket is a good idea for any kid who doesn’t swim yet; plus, it’s required if you’re venturing off the beach and into the water in a watercraft.

My oldest boy is a runner, so a life jacket was an absolute must even when he went to the pool as a toddler.

All-terrain Stroller

All-terrain strollers are amazing. They allow you to hike, get on and off the beach, jog, or do almost anything you want. Last summer, Alden and I went on a walk — usually to the park — every single day before I had to be on bed rest. We used the Graco Trekko, which easily got us over dirt, grass, rocks, sand, and uneven neighborhood sidewalks. I love that stroller: We’ve been everywhere together.

This summer, the Valco Baby Tri-Mode Duo is at the top of my wishlist. I want to do everything I did with Alden with all three of my kids together.

A collapsible wagon is also an excellent choice for toting stuff onto the beach.

Sand toys

Sand is such a fascinating thing for kids! My little boy will not get out of the sand once he’s in it. Sand toys make everything even better. You’ve got to have the proper tools to build an impressive sand castle!

Waterproof blanket

I wish I had discovered this sooner! I’ve spent so many days at the park and at the pool without a good place to sit. This blanket is a game changer for me. I can take it anywhere and have less soggy laundry at the end of the day.

Alright, now that you’re all geared up, your kids will be safe, and your life will be much easier. Feel free to check out all of my recommended resources here. Now go have an awesome summer with your kids!

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