1. Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen, a must-have for parents and their littles — it's unscented, moisturizing, 100% mineral based, vegan, cruelty free, and dye free. It'll certainly get the job done!

Amazon

I use this on my kids all the time! In a pinch, I've used it on myself as well. It rubs in easily (thankfully because putting sunscreen on kids is a TASK and a half) and smells nicely of coconut. I also use Sun Bum's Sunscreen Stickon my son's face, which is equally fantastic, because it's easier to apply in a pinch than a cream.

Note: Based on the AAD Guidelines all sunscreens should have an SPF of at least 30 and protect against UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, sunscreen is only made for children over the age of 6 months.

Promising review: "This is the only mineral sunscreen I will use or put on my children. It's the only brand I've tried that goes on smooth and not super thick, and doesn't leave a white residue. Works great and no harmful ingredients, what's not to love!" —Natalie Anderson

Get it from Amazon for $16.49.

2. And a sunscreen applicator that'll make covering your mini-me from head to toe a whole lot easier — especially if they're squirmy! Pour the lotion inside this travel size container, flip it upside down, shake it, and apply. No mess and no stress.

Amazon

Check out how easy it is to apply sunscreen with this clever gadget in this TikTok.

Solar Buddiesis a small business based in the UK, founded by two moms, who set out to develop a product that would make applying sunscreen on kiddos easier. As a parent myself, I can confirm this gadget is fantastic. During the summer I'd keep one in my diaper bag to ensure my son was protected from the sun at any given moment. He loved being "painted" and I loved knowing applying sunscreen wasn't going to be a fight.

Promising review: "I hesitated, but I originally saw this item on TikTok and knew it would make life SO MUCH easier when it comes to putting sunscreen on myself and my kids, and I have to say, I am NOT disappointed!! The sunscreen goes on so smoothly and evenly, and I feel like I will be saving so much sunscreen now that I'm not just squirting a huge glob in my hands and spending so much time trying to rub in a ridiculous amount into mine and my children's skin. My only regret with buying these is that I wish I would have bought a couple more so that I could have different ones for each of the sunscreens we use! But I will be recommending these to everyone!" —Carmen

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $27.98+ (available in four colors and in three-packs). 

3. Plus Supergoop Glowscreen for *your* exposed skin — it actually protects skin (hellooooo SPF 40👋) while making it shimmer just like Edward freakin' Cullen in the sunlight.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

I adore this sunscreen! I'm very fair skinned and prone to getting sunburnt, so I have to stay very on top of applying SPF at all times. This one isn't greasy at all, blends in immediately, and LITERALLY adds shimmery sparkles wherever its applied. I truly don't even mind putting it on — it's a welcome addition to my skincare routine.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this sunscreen. I’m always wary of 'for everyone' tinted products because they aren’t usually made with us in mind. But this one hits the mark. It looks amazing on my brown skin. Non-streaky, no white cast. It gives my skin a subtle shimmer. The video and pics are in direct sunlight so you can see it in full effect. For reference, I have combination, thirty-something-year-old skin. Glowscreen is officially in my skincare rotation." —Lovely91

Get it from Amazon for $38.

4. Playful clipsthat are as practical as they are pretty — they'll hold your towel in place on your chair so you won't have to chase it across the pool deck and can focus on more important things like sipping on a Diet Coke and making sure your tyke isn't peeing in the kiddie pool.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "This set comes with four clips. Two are shells and two are flamingos. I used them at the beach today and they worked great. I use clips every time I go to the beach because even if it’s not windy, they keep your towel in place instead of having to tuck it between slats in your chair. The clips were nice and tight without being so tight you couldn’t open them. Definitely recommend it!" —Darlynn

Get them from Amazon for $9.99+(available in five styles).

5. A pop-up beach tentcomplete with a splash pool and UV protection that'll keep your baby cool — can't promise they'll be calm and collected, but it's a start.

www.amazon.com

This item is noted for children under the age of 3 — and please never leave your baby unattended in it since there *is* a shallow body of water present.

Promising review: "Found this after our first experience with our 9-month-old at the beach. He wanted to crawl straight in the beach so I wanted to find something that would keep him busy but yet be able to play with sand and water! This was perfect!!!! He loved it and it kept him occupied all day, on and off. We didn’t use the shade since we had a canopy up already for shade so not sure how strong the shade part of it is." —Brittany

Get it from Amazon for$25.23.

6. A bug bite suction tool, invented by a mom, that sucks the irritating part right out of an insect bite with a pull of the plunger. You and your mini-me can continue to enjoy your pool day without worrying about any future itching and scratching.

Rebecca O'Connell / BuzzFeed

Check out a TikTok of the Bug Bite Thing in action and how it can be used to remove splinters too!

You may have seen this product featured on Shark Tank! It is chemical-free, reusable, and safe to use on all ages, including children, toddlers and babies. Be sure to use light pressure. If you do it too forcefully, you can leave a mark on your skin!

Promising review: "I saw this product on TikTok and had to get it. I’m super glad I did. My daughter and I always get a ton of mosquito bites, and this helps alleviate the itching as soon as you pull the suction back. It’s great." —Rebekka Talley

Get it from Amazon for $9.95+ (available in four colors and multi-packs).

7. A battery-operated fanwith a flexible handle so you can adjust it as needed to keep your little the perfect temperature while kicking back on a towel at the beach.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Reviewers have also attached it to their little one's cribs and car seats for extra airflow. I personally used this in my stroller during my son's first summer (he was about three months old at the time) and still use it to this day!

Promising review: "As summers get hot I knew I needed a fan for my newborn. This was perfect for his crib side, stroller, and car. It's quiet, and I love the three settings. I don't use the light but it's nice to have. I can leave it on all night on low on a hot night so my son has some air movement in his crib and a breeze on our walks when his stroller gets stuffy. I fully charged it before I used it, so the battery life isn't bad, but it will only last maybe two hours on the highest setting before dying. Battery life is short but not bad if you use it on the low setting. I charge it every few days, and it's held up nicely. Not too bad for the price." —Queen Sweetnez

Get it from Amazon for $21.32 (available in four colors).

8. Polarized toddler sunglassesthat fold up super small so when your tyke decides they no longer want to wear them, you can stash them in your pocket or diaper bag without accidentally snapping them in half.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "We purchased the foldable sunglasses for our 7-year-old grandson, and they’ve exceeded our expectations. The foldability is incredibly convenient, making them easy to store in a small bag or even his pocket. The sunglasses are very well made, with a sturdy frame that has stood up to quite a bit of rough handling. They’re also very comfortable, and my grandson loves wearing them. The vibrant colors are a big hit, and he enjoys wearing them each day. Overall, the sunglasses are a fantastic purchase, combining convenience, durability, and style in one package." —Victor X.

Get them from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in sets of two and a variety of colors).

9. Plus round sunglasses for the parent who is constantly losing their favorite pair while chasing their kiddo up, down, and around the playground and is sick and tired of spending far too much money on replacements. These are stylish and *so* cost-effective you can stock up for the summer!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "The real deal. I bought the 2/$20 and couldn't be happier! Seemingly good quality for the money, with much better light protection, is polarized, and has a nice shape and fit. MUCH better than any name-brand glasses I've ever purchased — and I buy a LOT. I spend a lot too. Not anymore. I plan on buying more of them soon just because I love sunglasses. These are my new favorites! And, they don't have the nose piece that gets caught in your hair when you wear them on your head." —Lyndsay Marie

Get them from Amazon for$10.39+ (available in 31 styles).

10. A sand removal bag filled with a talc-free, reef-friendly powder to help remove the pesky particles your kiddo will likely have all over them after rolling around in the local playground's sandbox....lovely.

Amazon

See it in action on TikTok. 

Shakalo is a San Diego–based small business that started to figure out a way to help people, especially parents remove sand before leaving the beach. The soft fabric pouch allows the powder to remove the sand without scattering everywhere.

Promising review: "We recently moved to a beach area, and we are constantly there. This item has changed our entire lives! It lasts decently long (depending on how much you use it), it smells super good (not at all like baby powder), and it's super effective. It has saved me from vacuuming my car at least 1x–2x a week. I even use it on my dogs' paws and bellies to make sure they're taken care of. I will definitely be buying the refill and another bag to have exclusively in the car." —Gabbs Uresti

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in two sizes).

11. A leave-in conditioning spray for curly hair free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates you can count on to revive your mini-me's precious curls after a day at the pool. Summer tangles are not to be underestimated!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Reviewers say this spray will leave wavy or curly hair (from 2a–4c hair) shiny, soft, and bouncy. SoCozy is a small business!

Promising review: "You need this! My 2-year-old daughter has curly, frizzy hair. And I have tried sooo many leave-in conditioners to tame her hair. Nothing thus far has worked. But this stuff is amazing! Truly defines her curls without any hold or crunch. Soft, bouncy curls. The smell is quite strong, but it does smell good. If you are sensitive to smells, you might want to prepare yourself ahead of time for this. I will buy this again and again. So glad I found something that works for my toddler's curls." —mike

Get it from Amazon for $9.29.

12. A portable Hatch Rest Go sound machine that'll be your saving grace when it comes to getting your little one to sleep in an unfamiliar place like the beach. Go ahead, book that vacation and know that you'll be (somewhat) prepared to take on nap time.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I've purchased several Hatch Rests for each of my kids, and was excited to see them come out with a portable version! The Hatch Rest Go easily attaches to my stroller for naps on the go and its compact size makes it easy to travel with. It's SUPER easy to use — one press of the button toggles through various sounds, all equally soothing. Seems to have a long battery life and is easy to recharge. It's cute too! Highly recommend!!" —Katie R.

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in four colors).

13. Huggies Little Swimmers diapers you'll pat yourself on the back for purchasing when the opportunity to take your baby for their first dip in the pool or ocean arrives. These easily open at the sides, so they're a breeze to take on and off.

Amazon

I bought a pack of these for my son's first summer (when he was only a few months old), during which he really only went in a pool twice. Cut to a few months later, when we signed him up for swim classes, the diapers still fit! The smallest size fits babies from 16 pounds–26 pounds (huge range) so one pack will definitely last a while. I also really enjoy the cute Finding Nemo patterns on them — who wouldn't? A fun fact I didn't know about swim diapers is that they are only really designed to hold in poop — so don't plan to keep your kiddo in them all day long an expect not to get peed on. Lesson learned.

Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $9.49+ (available in sizes 3–6).

14. A sandwich cutter and sealer to make it easier than ever to make Smuckers Uncrustables copycats to pack for a day at the beach or pool. There are few things as disappointing as opening up a packed PB and J to discover the jelly has squished out all over — thanks to this tool, never again!

Heather Braga / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

I took the plunge and ordered this lil' kit and it was SO easy to use. My first attempt (pictured above) took literally two seconds to do. My bread was on the smaller side, but it still produced a perfect crust-less PB&J!

Promising review: "These have been a GAME CHANGER in this house!! My son has always begged me for Uncrustables but my wallet didn’t agree with them. I LOVE being able to make them at home and customize them to exactly what they would like them filled with! I make two weeks' worth of sandwiches at a time and store them in sandwich bags in the freezer so in the morning during the school year we can just grab and go! Love them!" —Katherine Smaczniak

Get it from Amazon for $15.96

15. A JellyCap you can pop onto most regular bottles and will magically transform it into a makeshift sippy cup — ideal for anyone planning to hit the beach with their kiddos this summer and *knows* their mini-me is going to want to drink out of their water bottle.

www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the cap in action. JellyCap is a small business that creates BPA-free caps that'll transform every cup into a sippy cup.

Promising reviews: "Hands down one of my best Amazon purchases for my girl! I love finding hidden gems like this to make parenting a little easier lol. We go camping a lot, and these are lifesavers and save me so much time washing and re-washing sippy cups! Plus, my daughter can now be trusted with her beloved Danimal yogurt! A win for mom and a win for my very satisfied and not yogurt-covered 1.5-year-old! Great idea!!" —Ab223

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $14.99 (available in two color options). 

16. Somereusable pouch tops that'll fit any one you've purchased from the store — yes, even that VERY specific brand that's the only one your kiddo will seemingly CONSIDER eating. It has a no spill control valve you'll thank your lucky heavens for when your little one is eating in the car on the way home from the beach.

www.amazon.com

In addition to being dishwasher-, freezer-, and boil-safe, these tops are BPA-, PVC-, lead-, and phthalate-free.

Promising review: "My now 2-year-old has never, ever eaten more than a few sips out of these pouches, of any kind. I got this spill-proof lid to put on it.... she's on her second one in a matter of a minute. I think the problem was she didn't like getting messy or having me constantly pull it away. This gave her so much more control and It prevents them from being squeezed all over. Wish I discovered it a year and a half ago!" —Amazonian

Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.98+(available in five color options).

17. A Java Sok to keep your drink chilled, perfect for any parent who is tired of drinking watered-down iced coffee because they got caught up in the morning madness with their baby and didn't have a spare moment to sip on it.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

My cousin gifted me one of these for my birthday since she knows what a die-hard iced coffee drinker I am and I am obsessed. I keep it in my tote at all time for impromptu coffee runs. I love that my drinks no long drip all over tables and into my car's cup holder!

Java Sokis a small business that sells an array of reusable neoprene cup holders designed to keep drinks colder and eliminate condensation.

Promising review: "Obsessed! Great stocking stuffers or a gift to yourself! Will be buying more. I’m someone who takes a while to drink their drinks (mom life) so it keeps my drinks from watering down! Love this product! Feels like a coooozy." —Thumbs up

Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in a variety of prints and five sizes).

18. Plus a Brumate Era 40-ounce water bottle featuring a *genius* design with a metal straw inside but a silicone straw on top for drinking comfort that seamlessly locks in place so you'll never find yourself drenched after tipping it a bit too far. It'll also keep your drinks cold for 24 hours, so even if it takes you ALL day to hit your water quota, it'll still be as refreshing as when you first poured it.

Heather Braga / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com

I recently tried one of these bottles for the first time and I am SOLD. I adore my Stanley cup, but it's not the *best* option for the gym (unless you're planning to do some bicep curls with it). The locking lid really does work! I can twist it, toss it into a tote bag, and move on with my life, knowing it won't spill. I fill it with ice before bed, and when I head out to the gym in the morning, it's still cold!

This bottle is also BuzzFeed editor Maitland Quitmeyer's go-to, "It claims to keep ice for over 24 hours! The tapered base is also cupholder friendly, and the whole darn thing is dishwasher safe, too! Let me tell you, this is my new favorite water bottle. I can lock the lid with a quick twist, and throw it sideways in any tote and not even think *twice* about it leaking at all!"

Promising review: "I am so obsessed with this thing. I get an arm workout from how heavy it is. I drink way more water when I use it, and the leakproof straw is the real deal. I left it in a hot car for six hours, and the water was still cold. I bought them for my whole family; they are the only water bottles we use now." —Pen Name

Get it from Amazon for $38+ (available in 18 colors).

19. A rolling beach cartcapable of holding everything a parent may need when heading out for the day with their kiddos in tow (which is A LOT of stuff, TBH). The wheels can handle most terrains, including sand and dirt, and it'll fold up flat to easily fit in the trunk of your car.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "Absolutely love this! I have filled it up with everything but the kitchen sink and it just glides over the sand. Everyone watches and people ask where I purchased it. Definitely recommend if you take more than you can carry to the beach." —Danita

Get it from Amazon for $269.99+ (available in two colors and with two or four balloon wheels).

20. Reusable water balloons made of eco-friendly material — sooooo easy to fill so you'll spend less time prepping and more time indulging in an intense water balloon battle alongside your kiddos. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "The adults in this house love water balloons but not the mess…plus with toddlers around, it didn’t quite make sense to have water balloons but we saw a random video on TikTok and HAD to find reusable water balloons to try out. These were the first ones we bought to try out, and WHOA we were blown away! Super easy too for the 2- and 3-year-old to use, which means more fun for all of us!! Do not think twice or continue with regular water balloons, you’ll waste precious time cleaning up and filling that could be used to make memories." —Taurus

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $14.99+ (also available in packs of 6, 12, and 16). 

21. Or a hilarious poop-shaped version your kids won't be able to stop giggling about all summer long. All they'll need to do is fill it with water and let the magnetic seal do the rest.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Good quality magnets, Easy to refill! Several rounds and still none have broken! Delighted at how many came a bag!" —Kess

Get a pack of six from Amazon for $10.99+ (also available in a pack of 10).

22. A set of sand castle moldsthat'll solidify your "cool parent" status when you break 'em out at the beach and help your kiddos craft a structure worthy of a prince or princess.

www.amazon.com

Top Race is a small business.

Promising review: "So glad we bought these for our beach trip this year. My 5- and 2-year-olds had so much fun making sandcastles using these. With the right amount of water and sand mixed, they were easy to use. Also great to use them as baskets!" —HS

Get a set of four from Amazon for $12.99.

23. And collapsible buckets you'll love because they won't take up precious cargo space in your trunk — which you and I both know is packed to the brim when you bring your kids anywhere, let alone the beach.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Easy to travel with, and clean off. Folds up easily and is very durable, with no holes or anything yet. Great value for the money, perfect for vacation." —Jillian

Get a set of three for $19.99 (available in four styles).

24. Crab-shaped mesh bags and sifters tykes can use to gather all the exciting treasures they find while strolling along the beach or, honestly, even in their own backyard!

Amazon

Promising review: "Bags held up great at the beach and the scoopers are very sturdy. My girls loved the cute bags to keep their shells in." —Kayla

Get a set of two from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four styles).

25. Waterproof playing cards so you can get a fierce game of Go Fish going without fear of the moment your kids inevitably spill their drink all over the table.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "These playing cards are a HIT. I take them out with me for social events and when visiting people, even to the beach. We just play and play. So you can get them wet and they won't soggy up and tear it just become a little hard to shuffle. It is so cool that they look like you can see right straight through them but you can't." —Tabs

Get them from Amazon for $6.97.

26. Spikeball, an easy-to-transport game that is kinda like volleyball and will have your kids asking you to bring it on every beach trip.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

My friends are OBSESSED with Spikeball. While I'm not super coordinated and prefer to be a cheerleader (I'm accident-prone, OK!), this game is one of the most fun beach activities I've seen in a minute. It has been described as "if volleyball and foursquare had a baby" and can be played in a variety of ways. Also, Spikeball is a small business!

Promising review: "This is a great beach game. Its simplicity as a spin on volleyball will have you and your friends be the envy of the beach. On many occasions I was asked where I bought this game. Great fun, and a great product. Assembly was simple enough. It's just plastic clips and then finding a way to get the net tight enough onto the hoop. You might think it isn't springy enough but it will be. Remember... This isn't a trampoline!" —Btschultz

Get it from Amazon for $69.99.

27. A sand-free blanket designed so that sand (or dirt) rolls right off it — because is there anything worse than finding debris in every crevice of your car after lounging at the beach all day? It can fit four adults on it and and folds up nice 'n' small, so you can carry it around with ease.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Got this blanket for the lake and it is great, sand comes right off. You can still fold it to fit in the bag that is attached so I do not lose the bag. Very durable, as I have had it for a couple of years, and the color has not faded. Functionally, I use it at the lake, beach, and just on the grass for a picnic." —William Williams

Get it from Amazon for $34.95(available in two colors).

28. A swiveling UPF 50 plus protection umbrella with an adjustable clamp you can attach to a chair (or a stroller, parents!) to create some much-needed shade on hot summer days.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I LOVE this umbrella. I have used it at the beach, park, and at a random volunteer event where I fastened it to the fence! It's sturdy and easy to use. Great product!" —MummaBags

Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

29. A JBL portable speakerthat's both waterproof *and* dust-proof (incredible) and will help you *pump up the jams* during your next pool or beach day with your fam — it easily clips onto a chair, so no worries about having to physically carry it around.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is an amazing speaker for traveling or going to the beach. It's portable, and you can hang it so it doesn't get dirty with sand or dust around you. It is very useful in hiking because it is light, which makes it easy to carry as you can see in the picture. The battery life is really good. I've used it three times and still doesn't need to charge, so it's about 10 hours of music. I really liked the sound quality and my friends say that they liked it, too." —Tifanny Angulo

Get it from Amazon for $39.95 (available in 16 colors). 

30. A cooling towel you soak in cold water and place around your neck to keep you feeling refreshed even if you've been running after your toddler in the hot summer heat for hours. Reviewers also say you can use it to cool down your dog, as well!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This towel gets very cool and stays very cool. Instant relief. I love that it does not drip on your clothing when you are wearing it. It would be perfect if you are a spectator at a concert or sporting event, visiting a theme park (think standing in long lines), at the beach, or in a stroller for a baby to sit on if it's super hot out. I've also worn it getting back into a hot car, and it makes the ride bearable while the air conditioning kicks in. I can even see using this on someone that has a fever because it stays cool much longer than a washcloth or other fabric cooling towels." —Michelle Candocia

Get it from Amazon for $8.97 (available in two colors).

31. An insulated picnic basket that'll keep you fresh fruit, well, fresh! It can hold up to 65 pounds (wowwwwza), so fill it to the brim with all kinds of goodies and enjoy snacking the day away.

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This product is a must-have! I absolutely love it. It holds so much food/drinks and keeps everything cold with a few ice packs. I love that it’s collapsible for easy storage. My husband loves it too. It’s perfect for the ball field, a lake day, park picnic, or a day on the farm chasing cattle. One of my favorite Amazon purchases!" —Baylee Akins

Get it from Amazon for $58.99 (available in eight colors and patterns).

32. A portable lock box designed to be secured around two beach chairs, so you can stow your wallet/phone/keys away safely and enjoy a long swim without constantly having to poke your head up to check that your items are still there. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

You can also use this in your room to keep valuables protected. Safego is a small business!

Promising review: "I bought this to take on a vacation to the Virgin Islands because my husband is super paranoid about leaving valuables unattended on the beach. At first, he scoffed that this little plastic thing wasn’t going to stop a thief, and I had wasted my money. Then he admitted that the plastic was pretty sturdy, and it was cool that we could secure the cable to our beach chairs, a fence, or a tree (most petty thieves don’t carry around cable cutters). Next thing I know, he’s storing his wallet, phone, and room keys in it along with mine. He laced the cable through other things he didn’t want stolen, like the bags containing our snorkel gear. Neighboring beachgoers asked about it and where they could get one, and he was quick to demonstrate its features. And when we got home, I overheard him showing it to his friends, with as much approval as he could muster. Hate to say I told you so...OK, no I don’t." —Patsy

Get it from Amazon for $44.95 (available in five colors).

33. And Burt's Bees After Sun Soother lotion, because summer is here and so are the sun's harsh rays! This lotion is packed with aloe and coconut oil to help your skin feel cooler after a day of outdoor adventures.

www.amazon.com

It doesn't contain any parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS.

Promising review: "I bought this before I went on a cruise. We stayed in a hotel for a few days prior and I got a little toasty by the sun. Used this and it helped drown down the burn feeling and helped heal my skin within days. By the cruise I was fine with no pains from the burn. Continued to use it daily while on vacation. Works like charm. Love it! Smells great too! Its not a loud smell or anything. Would totally recommend and buy again!" —Victoria Ramsey

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.