Nothing says “summer vacation” quite like a trip to the beach, especially if you’ve got kids with you in need of an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and be a kid for a bit. Going to the beach does require some preparation, however, so make sure to be prepared to bring these 3 essential items with you to maximize fun and safety while you’re out enjoying the waves.

1. Fresh Monster Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must if your kids spend any extended period of time outside, but it’s worth noting that not all sunscreens are created equal. Some sunscreens, for example, contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin and cause discomfort. Others tend not to hold up well when coming into contact with water, washing away almost instantly.

Fortunately, Fresh Monster sunscreen avoids these issues and excels as a sunscreen for children. Its gentle formula prevents skin irritation while also remaining water-resistant, meaning less time spent reapplying and more time playing.

Fresh Monster sunscreen is also safe enough for regular use on babies and tidy enough that it doesn’t leave behind that messy white residue like most other sunscreens. Additionally, it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, whereas many other sunscreens only cover one or the other. Finally, for those concerned about its production process, Fresh Monster sunscreen is reef-safe, cruelty-free, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and doesn’t contain any GMOs.

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2. Coterie’s “The SwimSuit” Diaper

Many swim diapers face problems with leaks and ballooning, leading to an all-around uncomfortable experience for the babies stuck lugging them around. Coterie, a diaper company dedicated to helping parents through every step of their baby’s journey, has come to fix these problems and more with its “Swimsuit” disposable swim diapers.

Coterie is confident that its swim diapers are some of the highest quality and most comfortable diapers out there, stating, “This super soft, disposable swim diaper is perfect for all types of water activities. Whether you’re headed to the beach, pool, or even the sprinklers, you’ll feel hassle-free knowing your baby is comfy, cool, and secure throughout the adventure.”

These diapers come with a number of features designed to keep your baby happy while out on the water. One of the most impressive features is the pull-on design with a 360-stretch waistband made of ultra-soft, breathable material to keep skin cool and comfortable on summer days. According to Coterie, they also have “leak-guard leg cuffs to ensure a secure fit and prevent blowouts and floaters” and have a “plant-based core that won’t swell, balloon, or sag in water.”

Since safety is always a concern, Coterie has made their swim diaper hypoallergenic and free of the over 200 potentially harmful chemicals sometimes found in other diapers.

3. Wide-Brim Sun Hat

Although sunscreen will always remain absolutely necessary as the best defense against sunburn, it also helps to have physical barriers like sun hats—the wider the brim, the better.

There are many different brands of sun hats out there, so make sure to look for one that’s both breathable and able to float on water while keeping a wide brim. More breathability means your kid’s head won’t get as hot, and floatability will help you from losing the hat in the water. Perhaps most importantly, a wider brim will help cover more of the wearer’s face and reduce the likelihood of getting sunburn.

Hats like these help keep the sun out of your kids’ faces, further protecting them from sunburn alongside their sunscreen. Additionally, it helps keep the sun out of their eyes, though you’ll also want to consider sunglasses to help in this regard.