Beach Babes: 10 Essentials for Hitting the Beach with the Small Set

Between sunscreen re-applications and the exhausting effort of keeping bums and tums sand-free—the reality of bringing baby to the beach can sometimes make you feel like the fun police. Infants and toddlers require extra care, but with proper planning and the right gear, your family can still enjoy a day at the beach. Here are our picks for ten essentials to help you shore up for fun in the sun.

JJ Cole Travel Blanket

An essential for hitting the beach with baby is a good blanket to keep sand at bay. JJ Cole’s Travel Blanket offers five square feet of water-resistant, hose-it-off, machine-washable surface area where little ones can lay and play without getting half the beach in their suit or stomach. The best part? It folds into a lightweight tote you can easily throw over your shoulder leaving hands free to carry your tot and toys. $29.95 at Amazon.