Moms tote about 20 pounds on average! With this and other issues in mind, CafeMom searched, played with, and tested the best beach sun, fun and gear essentials to make a mom's life easier within a budget she can afford.
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SPF clothing
Slathering sunscreen was the other big beach complaint of CafeMoms — they want stuff that's long lasting and easy to apply. To cut down on the chore, many are dressing their kids in sun-protected suits, hats and cover-ups, like those from Cabana Life ($20-$50), with a built-in SPF 50. Or, for the pint-sized superheroes out there, there’s also the Superman-style one-piece suit for boys and girls made by SunSmart ($35).
Water shoes
\"Mom! The sand is too hot!\" \"Eww, Mom, the seaweed is touching me!\" Mamas love lightweight, flexible, non-slip shoes by One Step Ahead ($13) and other makers for these among other reasons. For a lighter alternative, try non-slip, SPF 50 surf socks, also available at One Step Ahead ($10).
Play tents
Meltdowns during a day of fun and sun are common. Some toddlers need to nap, and they can snooze safely in a cabana like the SPF 30 Moon Beam Lil Nursery Tent ($40).";
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Squirt toys
What's a day at the beach without a good water fight? Kids of all ages love squirt toys, but almost half of all moms prefer their kids play with the non-pistol shaped kind. The Max Liquidator ($13 for the larger size) is a pool noodle fashioned as a suction device that shoots water.
Game towels
All kids love checkers, tic-tac-toe and Twister! The towels printed with classic board games ($15 each or 3 for $10 each) come with lightweight waterproof game pieces inside a mesh bag.
Sand molds
An old bucket and garden trowel is sufficient to spark the imagination for hours, but if you want to get a bit more educational try Alphabet and Number Sand Molds, $22 for three sets (upper and lower case letters and numbers).
Underwater telescope
The 4x magnification scope ($28) is waterproof, but your kids don't even have to get wet if they don't want to. Just aim the telescope lens at the creepy crawly a few inches away above the surf. For kids ages 6\+.
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Beach Cart
Daunted by the thought of getting everything onto the beach? A beach cart can fit all your gear and make for easy transport in one trip, and this version by Wheeleez ($99) folds up to fit in your trunk when space is tight.
Wagons
If you usually walk to the beach or have room in the car and can afford one, moms swear by big-wheeled sand-gliders like the Radio Flyer All Terrain Wagon ($140-$160).
Sand-proof bag
The Sand Away Beach Bag ($15) has room for all your kids' game towels as well as a football or Frisbee. It has a built in security pocket for your wallet and keys. At the end of the day, effortlessly shake the sand out and fold into a pocket-size pouch.
Chairs
CafeMoms said in a poll they bring at least two adult chairs, and they don't want anything fancy — just something lightweight and easy to carry. Brookstone sells a lightweight, quick drying mesh chair that folds up into a shoulder carrying bag for $30.
Cooler/tote bag
Kids expend a ton of energy beach-side, so mom needs triple the amount of juice boxes, goldfish, cheese sticks and yogurts to keep them going. The soft-sided River Cooler ($39) lets you hold all that and is easy to clean, waterproof, and well-insulated to make sure all those snacks stay nice and cool during your day in the sun.
Visit CafeMom for more beach tips, and for a chance to win some of these beach essentials.";
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