Sun Protection
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"Puddle Jumper" Life Jacket
The water wings we all grew up with aren't considered safe anymore since they can slip off slender arms or deflate while a child is in the water. On the other end of the spectrum, a full lifejacket seems to cumbersome for most situations. This Puddle Jumper Life Jacket is a happy medium for kids who want some independence in the water, but aren't strong swimmers. My own kids are happy to wear them, and they're also used in our swim classes at the YMCA to help kids build confidence in the water.
Baby Banz Sunglasses
The best way to protect your young child's eyes is to keep him or her out of bright sunlight. However, when that's not possible, be sure to buy only sunglasses that block 99% of both UVA and UVB rays. There are lots of options out there, but I like this brand's fitted glasses that keep sun rays from entering the top or sides of the glasses.
Coolibar UPF 50+ Kids' Chlorine Resistant Bucket Sun Hat
For older kids, this hat is a great choice. It washes up well, has a nice wide brim, and comes in a wide selection of colors.
iPlay Babywear Brim Hat
This wide brim hat is made of nylon, making it easy to wash, relatively stain resistant and quick-drying. I like the chin straps that make it easy for young kids to keep the hat on their head.
iPlay Girls Tanksuit with Built in Swim Diaper
These girls tanksuits have a built in swimdiaper that works better than most disposables.
Iplay Swim Diaper Pocket Trunks
These cute swim trunks have a built in swim diaper that really works!
iPlay White Ultimate Swim Diaper
All three of my kids used iPlay Swim Diapers instead of disposables. They're durable, easy to clean, and a single swim diaper costs less than a pack of disposables. Best of all, they save a ton of room in your suitcase vs. disposables. And if your child does have an accident in the pool, they do a better job of keeping it contained than other diapers - in fact, our local school requires iPlay diapers. If you don't like the look of white, you can cover it up with a cute swimsuit or look for printed options.
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock SPF 60+
Though this product does not rub in as easily as Vanicream, I like to keep a stick in my purse (or even my front pocket if we're on the go) because of its small size. It's also easy for the kids to apply themselves, and works great on faces since there's no risk of it dripping where it shouldn't.
One Piece Sunsuit
It's hard to keep sunscreen on little bodies - especially when they're getting in and out of the water. I prefer to use UPF 50+ swimwear coverups when we're outdoors. This one-piece suit is reasonably priced and works great (no more gaps at the belly button) for children 2+ and fits nicely over a swim diaper.
Pedialyte Powder Packs
If you're traveling to a climate that's much hotter than home, and especially if you'll be out in the sun all day, it's important to stay well hydrated. For us, that means more juice, Popsicles, shave ice and other liquid treats than I would ever allow at home, but I also pack a few packets of powdered Pedialyte in my suitcase just in case one of us does get dehydrated.
San Diego Women's Ribbon Large Brim Hat
Is it cheating to share what I'm wearing? This wide brimmed woman's hat is cute, packs well, and reasonably priced. Everything I love in a travel hat.
Vanicream Sunscreen
Most sunscreens on the market either contain chemicals that aren't considered safe for young kids or don't contain complete sun protection. Vanicream does everything it is supposed to and has a great rating from the "Skin Deep Cosmetics Database" for safety. I like it because it also rubs in easily and doesn't stain our clothing.
Water Shoes
The soles of baby's feet may not be at risk from the sun while your toddler is walking, but small feet can be much more sensitive to hot walkways than adult feet. A pair of water shoes works well on the poolside or in the sand, and if baby does venture into the water there's no harm done.
Waterproof Camera
If you are planning on snorkeling with your kids, an inexpensive disposable waterproof camera is a great way to capture your experience without investing in a waterproof case or waterproof camera.
