9 Beach Essentials Every Parent Needs in Their Bag

To the park! To the playground! To the splash pad, the beach, the ice cream shop, and then to grandma’s house. We adore summer, but it does involve a lot of get up and go, and a carefully curated parent tote with all the necessities required to maximize fun and minimize frustrations is a serious bonus. Luckily there are some fab new products out there for us and the kiddos to ensure we have a summer of fun, not tantrums.

We're okay with bug spray of the traditional variety, but we're also fans of slipping this divine product from Saje into our “mom” bag. Its essential oils ward off the bugs, giving new meaning to the term “au natural”. Who knew that lavender, eucalyptus and catnip could bond together to produce something so fine? $15

We never leave the house without snacks, and in addition to the healthy stuff, we like to pack a bit of sweet to negate the requests for ice cream, chocolate and popsicles. We love Surf Sweets gummy worms because they are free from gelatin, corn syrup, nuts and lots of other allergens. Plus, they’re made with organic fruit juice. Pop a worm or two, and everyone is in a good mood. $3.50

This versatile piece of cloth is exactly what we need for a plethora of “emergencies”. It functions as a hair elastic, headband, head covering to keep off the sun, cooling neck wrap when soaked in water, and even a summer top in case of an ice cream disaster down the front. Just like the Survivor buffs (but a lot cleaner), this is a seriously helpful clothing item, and it comes in cool camo and other neutrals, too. $13.00 USD

In the summer time we need to protect our pouts and the whole family swears by Sun Bum lip balm. We’re happy that it’s SPF 30, water resistant and lasts for 80 minutes and the kids love the three flavours: coconut, key lime and banana. Plus, instant giggles for saying “bum”. $5

White noise is amazing for blissful naps, and is even more important when out visiting over naptime. This portable sounds machine ensures that the wee babes and tired toddlers can still get some regenerative shut-eye, lulled to sleep with the soothing shushing, heartbeats and white noise sounds. $30

The masterminds who gave us the Knot Genie have now produced a brush that is smaller and easier to take everywhere with us. The Teeny Genie has all of the detangling powers of its big sister, and a cute name, to boot. This smaller size is perfect for slipping into a bag for on-the-go excursions, and is a big help in dealing with snarls from a day at the splash pad. $15

With this awesome little product, you can give any cup a straw top and prevent big spills. The silicone top stretches over and grips the top of glasses, making it spill proof! Ideal for restaurants or car rides, we love that this can work for the beach, too. Even better, you can also get sippy cup tops. $15

We adore the chemical-free nature of mineral sunscreen, but it can be a bit messy. That’s why we were super excited to find one of our fave green companies offers a mineral spray –easy, safe and effective. $22

Scratches, scrapes, bites and run-ins with prickles. These are all things that happen in the summer outdoors, and now there’s an all-natural balm to take the sting out of the ouchies. Made with calendula, comfrey and tea tree, it packs some serious healing power and smells of lavender and other delicious herbals. It tucks into the bag and will have them back to running around in no time. $12