HIT THE MATS: The JJ Cole Essentials Blanket unfolds to a comfy 5ft x 5ft waterresistant mat, giving you and your little one plenty of play space at the beach or the park. The detachable strap makes it easy to hang over your stroller bar when it’s time to pack up. $29.95. Available at jjcole.com.
KEEP IT COOL: Cold drinks are essential for a day at the beach. Skip Hop’s Triple Bottle Bag keeps as many as three bottles or sippy cups cold for up to four hours. It also makes a great bag for baby’s snacks and converts to a backpack for hands-free transport. $28. Available at skiphop.com.
GIVE IT A WHIRL: Frisbee on the beach just got greener. The Green Toys EcoSaucer Flying Disc is made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic milk containers and is BPA- and Phthalate-free. $7.99. Available at amazon.com and organicallyhatched.com.
LATHER UP: Highly water-resistant Supergoop Super Pump SPF 30 sunscreen protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays using only eco-friendly ingredients that won’t harm marine life. Parents will also love the convenience of the messminimizing pump, available in 15-, 24- and 52-ounce versions. $44 (15 oz). Available at supergoop.com.
SHADES OF COLOR: Your little one will feel pretty cool in her own sunglasses by Teeny Tiny Optics. With more than a dozen styles to choose from for infants and kids, the shades are not only stylish, but a smart choice, as they provide 100 percent protection from UVA and UVB rays. $8-$10. Available at teenytinyoptics.com.
STOW AWAY: Mr. B Spy Bags does your Ziploc one better. The sturdy, clear vinyl bags come in three different sizes perfect for storing wet bathing suits, sunscreen and baby food containers. The bags close with a real zipper and have a loop large enough to fit over a doorknob, stroller handle, or your wrist. $9 -$15. Available at whateverybabyneeds.com.
HAVE A SEAT: Older kids will feel like James Bond with their Kelsyus Kids Backpack Chair and Canopy Combo. The UV-protective canopy twists down into its own carry bag that you attach to the backpack, and the chair’s armrests become the backpack straps. $44. Available at portablefoldingchairs.com.
DIG IT: Every kid on the beach loves to dig in the sand. A personalized shovel-and-pail featuring your child’s name makes this classic combo stand apart from the others and makes it easier to find at the end of the day. $11. Available at Promises Fulfilled (1592 Second Avenue, 212-472-1600, promisesnyc.com).
Robin Saks Frankel is the founder of both Crib Notes (cribnotesnyc.com), a free monthly e-newsletter for parents of kids ages 0 to 2, and Facebook’s “The Greatest Friday Playgroup Ever,” a weekly playgroup in Central Park for uptown moms.
