10 Essential Green Items for Beach-Going Kids & Babies

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Beach-going with kids is a ton of fun, but it also takes a great deal of preparation and a lot of schlepping to get all of the necessary gear packed and toted to hit the waves with little ones. Summer is around the corner, and it’s time to get all of the green essentials lined-up so you and your kids can leave small footprints in the sand. Here’s a list of ten items that will help streamline your seaside excursion!

Badger Sunscreen

I personally use Badger SPF 30 sunscreen on my two-year-old, and in my opinion it’s the best sunscreen on the market. It contains certified organic, all natural ingredients, is safe for kids of all ages, and blocks both UVA and UVB rays. It goes on smooth, (requires some rubbing in), and my outdoor loving toddler has never had a sunburn as we use Badger all summer long. It’s $16 for a 2.9 oz tube.

Kate Quinn Organics Sun Hat

Even with sunscreen slathered on, the more you can get your child to wear a sun hat to shield against the sun, the better. This adorable Kate Quinn Organics sun hat is made with 100 percent organic French terry, provides great coverage and comes in a variety of colors and sizes for boys and girls of all ages. Priced at $18.

Bummies Swimmi Diapers

Ditch the disposable swim diapers and opt for eco-friendly Bummies Swimmi Diapers, which come in a plethora of cute patterns. These swim diapers are reusable, comfortable, and fit babies from 9-30 pounds. Bummies swim diapers cost around $15 per pair.

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Green Toys Sand Play Set

Kids love playing in the sand and building castles, so equip your little architects with this Sand Play Set from Green Toys. Made from 100 percent recycled materials, the set includes a bucket, shovel, rake and sand castle mold. Directions on how to dig your way to China, not included. Priced at $19.99.

Organic Polka Dot Beach Dress

This sweet little 100 percent organic cotton polka dot beach dress ($38) will make your little girl the belle of the beach. It is lightweight, and soft and fluffy on the inside, so kids won’t overheat, and they’ll easily dry off after slipping it on. It also has a hood lined with interlock cotton to keep little noggins protected from the sun.

Recycled Board Short

It will be easy to spot your small surfer in these bright and colorful board shorts ($42). Made from 43 percent recycled polyester and featuring a mesh interior liner, little dudes will be doing their part to be green while riding the waves.

Kate Quinn Organics Terry Bikini

It is itsy-bitsy, and teenie-weenie, but it’s not a yellow polka dot bikini. Kate Quinn organics terry bikini ($36) is a grape and rose hued two-piece little number sized for babies 3-6 months to girls size 3T. It is made from 100 percent organic French terry cotton and has a halter tie at the top and bottom of the bikini top.

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Kid Kanteen Sippy Cup

Keep kids well hydrated at the beach and anytime you’re on the go this summer with a Kid Kanteen sippy cup from Klean Kanteen. These cheery, perfectly sized for small hands reusable bottles are BPA-free, and totally non-toxic. Made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, they have no questionable plastic, epoxy or aluminum liner to worry about. The Avent sippy cup spout is also BPA-free and enables kids to drink without worry of spills or messes. They are $17.95 for a 12 oz size.

Wide Insulated Klean Kanteen (for parents!)

Klean Kanteen’s new wide insulated stainless steel bottle will be every green parent’s new best friend. It’s double-walled construction and vacuum insulation keeps iced drinks cold for up to 24 hours, and hot drinks cold for up to 6 hours. No more having to toss a full mug of the freezing cold coffee or tea you got sidetracked from into the sink! Filler up with Klean Kanteen insulated and drink at your leisure. This bottle is perfect for beach jaunts because it will keep your drink refreshing and ice cold all day long. $22.95-$27.95

Organic cotton/bamboo beach towels

Let your kids wrap up a long day at the beach in a nice and soft organic cotton/bamboo super-sized beach towel. These vibrant towels feature festive Hawaii style floral patterns and are the perfect topper to a day at the shore. Priced at $39.

Image: Stevie Lee, Green Toys, Klean Kanteen