Memorial Day is the official start of the summer season, and the weather is finally cooperating. It’s time for sun, sunblock, sand, and shades. Keeping your kids happy and safe while they explore the beach and enjoy water play sounds straightforward, but there is no shortage of options out there. Herewith, our time-tested favorite products for summer!
Sunscreen for everyone in your family
Mineral-based sunscreens are thought to be the best because they contain few or no chemicals. Here are two of our favorite brands, and they work for infants as well as grownups.
For spreadability, you can’t beat Babyganics SPF 50+. It goes on easily and absorbs quickly, and anyone who has ever slathered sunscreen on a toddler knows that these two features in a sunblock are key!
Little kids like to be in charge of their own bodies, and luckily Babyganics also makes a sunscreen stick. This two-pack is perfect because while they work on their own arms (or yours), you can quickly paint their faces with SPF 50.
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen is another excellent brand of sunscreen–mineral-based and easily spreadable on the skin. Our favorite feature: the bottle turns pink in UV light so you know when it’s time to coat your kiddos.
“Water wings” for toddlers (30-50 lbs.), because you want to know they are safe while they play.
The Stearns Puddle Jumper Basic Life Jacket is Coast-Guard approved! Also it comes in a dozen patterns and colors and our kids happily wear them while playing in the sand and splashing in the water.
Sun hats that stay on!
The i play. Flap Sun Protection Hat offers full-coverage from the sun and has a tie to help keep your baby from taking it off.
We love the elastic headband on the Flap Happy Swim Flap Hat that helps keep the hat in place whether your kid is right-side up or upside down.
Water shoes for sprinkler play
Salt Water Sandals are darling for boys and girls. They have a rubber sole and are designed to be worn in and out of the water. Bonus: they come in grown-up sizes, too!
Natives are the perfect summer “sneaker.” They offer support and coverage to protect little toes, but the water and cool breezes go right through!
Sunglasses that fit, stay on, and protect your kids’ eyes from the sun!
Baby Banz sunglasses offer UVA and UVB protection from the sun but you don’t have to worry about these sunglasses breaking or falling off. Let your kid choose from more than a dozen colors!
We never get tired of seeing kids in Babiators Sunglasses. These might be the cutest summer accessory there is.
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