The best products for family fun in the summer sun
I am vigilant about sun safety, as it’s something I have to think about for most of the year raising a family in Texas. Did you know that every sunburn permanently damages your skin? And since the sensitive skin of babies and toddlers is much more prone to sunburn, this is and has been an important issue for me for years.
I’ve compiled a list of my favorite products that will make fun and safe days in the sun a breeze. Please comment and ask questions—I’m here to help!
This is like having a pack and play at the beach but it comes with built-in shade and can be sprayed off. This is amazing for babies and toddlers. Use it at the beach, at the park, and even indoors without the shade top. This is the best baby-specific beach purchase we’ve made.
This is hands-down the best and safest sunscreen for the whole family. The non-nano Zinc Oxide formula spreads on easily and really is waterproof. Knowing it’s free of anything questionable makes this my pick as the best sunscreen for families. ThinkBaby, ThinkSport and ThinkSport for kids is the same formula but different packaging.
I’m obsessed with my son’s tortoise pair of these. And they come with a warranty if they are lots of broken. Major thumbs up. Check out the other colors too!
4. SkyGenius Battery Operated Clip On Oscillating Fan
I own two of these fans to make sure we always have one on hand when venturing out in the summer. They are 100% safe for baby (all plastic), very quiet, and are incredible for keeping baby cool in the stroller or in a playard. I couldn’t recommend these more.
5. Coleman Canopy Tent with Instant Setup
We had a different pop-up tent and this is so much better for withstanding wind. Nice generous size and the option to add on the Sunwall Accessory is amazing. No more trying to hang towels as the sun starts to set! And make sure you buy the bag leg weights to stabilize it—all tents at the beach should use these.
6. CGEAR The Original Sand-Free Outdoor Camping Mat
Every trip to the beach is a battle with the sand. This thing really helps and I was jealous of my friends who had this last time we went. You’ll need to put your towels or a picnic blanket over this for comfort but this thing is legit awesome!
This is the best infant and baby sun hat. It’s not so big that it gets in their way, but it covers their neck and ears and repels the water. Get a couple of these! And you need a wide-brim hat, this one by SimpliKids is better than the i. Play wide-brimmed one.
8. Coolibar baby one-piece swimsuit
When your baby is too young for sunscreen or you don’t want to mess putting sunscreen on a baby, this is a life-saver! Totally eliminates the worry of sunburn and super durable. And don’t forget about swim diapers! The i. Play diapers are hands-down the best and have the cutest patterns!
Love these giant, beautiful hats for when you’re in the water, and I’m splurging on a nice one this year!
10. Women’s J.Crew rash guard and matching bikini bottom
This brand-new eco line is made with 100% recycled polyester. I bought one of their rash guard suits this spring and I’m in LOVE.
11. Big Sur Throwback Nylon Hat
The Parks Project is a great company and I love what they are doing. My husband loves kinda random rustic hats like these so this one is a winner.
12. Men’s Quicksilver Rash Guard
These are awesome, super quick-drying and look good. The long-sleeve reduces all that sunscreen in arm hair! 😉 But the short sleeve is nice too!
13. Bonobos Banzai E-Waist Trunks
I love these simple, quick-drying swim trunks that come in multiple lengths. My husband has a couple pair and they have lasted years and still look great.
See #7
15. Coolibar Baby One-piece Swimsuit
See #8
16. Stetson Gambler Seagrass Outdoorsman Hat
My husband loves his Stetson, and he’s been wearing it for probably 5+ years. We’ve packed it, smashed it, and it still looks awesome. This is a stylish and very versatile option!
17. Men’s Coolibar UPF 50+ Men’s Long Sleeve T-Shirt
When you’re tired at the end of the beach day, you just want to be done and out of the sun. UV shirts and coverups are really the way to go to stop that sunburn you may have gotten. 😉
This is a nice option when you need to keep the kiddos warm after time at the pool/beach/splash pad. They are so soft and adorable.
Old Navy has the best kid and toddler hats! I keep checking back every few months for new options!
My son loves this stylish and functional rash guard with a stretchy neck so the on/off isn’t too hard. Hanna Andersson swimsuits are great quality, the material Blocks 97% of UVA/UVB rays, and their their suits are Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, which means they are certified free of over 100 harmful chemicals and are safe for human use.
We love the Hanna Andersson swim trunks and they come in some many fun prints! Keep an eye out for their great sales!
This hat is great for toddlers as it stays stiff enough to block a lot of sun but doesn’t flop in their face. And it coordinates with all the other i. Play gear!
23. i. Play Long Sleeve Rashguard Shirt
This rash guard is made of a mesh and is super lightweight, so it’s very versatile and great from longer play, it will dry quickly on the kid. Definitely unisex!
24. i. Play Baby Boys Trunks with Reusable Swim Diaper
Love the quality and simplicity of the i. Play swim diapers and trunks, and these all-in-one versions are really awesome!
25. Hanna Andersson Sunblock Swimmy Sun Hat
These hats are floppy with structure and don’t get soggy with water. Super adorable and bright, fun colors and patterns!
26. Sunblock Swimmy Rash Guard Suit
I love these little zip-up suits for toddlers and babies! So adorable and durable, I can’t get enough of them. The quality is exceptional, the material Blocks 97% of UVA/UVB rays, and their their suits are Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex, which means certified free of over 100 harmful chemicals.
Such an adorable mini-me hat for girls! There are lots of ball caps but for the fashion-conscious kiddo this is a great option.
28. Rash guard swimsuit for girls
J. Crew suits are excellent quality with stylish prints, and I love that they are making fun rash guard suits for girls. Fewer fights over sunscreen for the win!
29. Coolibar UPF 50+ Girl’s swim cover up
This is adorable and protects her from the sun, so this is a win-win for sure.
This hat is fabulous and great for everyday sun protection. I basically wear a hat almost every day from spring to early fall. Love this!
I love a UV coverup when you’re done with getting sun but still will be out and about. The style and the hood on this is awesome and my favorite is the white with navy stripes!
32. Mac Sports Collapsible Folding Outdoor Utility Wagon
This wagon is a workhorse. Use it for the beach, the park, the neighborhood, the zoo—it does it all. It can haul kids or gear or both! I wish I would have started using one of these sooner to save on 100 trips back and forth from the car to the beach.
YETI is the Mercedes of coolers. Not a must have, but if you can make the investment then you’ll be in love for life. So many great features and it looks like a million bucks. The Coleman Xtreme Cooler is also excellent with a much lower price tag.
34. Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera
This brand uses organic aloe vera gel (yes it is clear) and I find it to be more cooling and refreshing than other brands for whatever reason. Love this stuff and I buy a couple bottles a year.
35. TOURIT 30 Cans Soft Pack Cooler Bag
I like having multiple small cooler bags sometimes as it’s nice to separate drinks and food. This one has fun features like a bottle opener and side pockets. LOVE the pockets! Check this one out for sure.
