Here’s a fun beach towel that is the perfect size for infants and toddlers. Made by Pottery Barn Kids, it features a great fish print that works well for both boys and girls. Velour on one side and looped terry on the other, this towel is luxuriously soft and absorbent. The bold colors will definitely stand out at the pool or beach. You can purchase one for $16 at potterybarnkids.com. Have it personalized for an additional $6.50. Your little one can continue to use it for bath time fun even when the warm weather ends.

Here is my second pick: Why Not a Beach Party?

Beg, borrow, or steal (okay, maybe not that last one) a few beach umbrellas and head the beach party.  Make sure you instruct all your guests to bring a beach blanket, but provide a cooler full of drinks, a lawn chair for the mama-to-be, and appropriate party foods (sandwiches, cookies, popsicles in either blue or pink).

In case the pregnant mama doesn’t feel comfortable lounging in a fold-up chair (I know I didn’t), provide a gorgeous Hawaiian flower print 70 inch Red Velour Towel (or blue, if she’s having a boy) from www.sunfitters.com for $18.95. Grab a few others for everyone else for a really festive look. Pick up very inexpensive necklaces from Sunfitters as well (I spotted some bamboo and glass flower chokers for $2.75) for party favors. You can even set up the presents inside the backs of large toy dump trucks borrowed from friends’ sons’ sandboxes.

Why not fill a beach tote with your presents for the party mommy? You could throw in swim diapers (either cloth or disposable) in the size her baby will be for beach season, baby sunscreen, and a beachy change pad along with whatever else you were planning to give her. It’ll be a bright and colorful party no one will forget.

Most beach tents are usually too big, bulky and heavy to carry across the sand. But this pop-up tent looks very family-friendly and it’s quite attractive. The Sun Smarties Family Beach Cabana Tent provides plenty of view space for keeping an eye on your children, yet it’s private enough for diaper changing or napping.

A feature I really appreciate is that instead of using stakes to secure the tent, it has pockets that you can fill with sand (stakes are also included). This tent adds a touch of “tropical vacation” to the normal day at the beach.

The Sun Smarties Family Beach Tent measures 86½”L x 49¼”D x 47¼”H and costs $79.95 at OneStepAhead.com.

I’m trying to remember if my kids had a habit of kicking off their blankets at night? I’m pretty sure they did but I don’t think I would have used this wearable blanket for every-night use because children tend to get overheated more easily than we adults.

The Blankeaze wearable blanket would have been good for family campouts or bonfires at the beach! An interesting idea worth trying. It comes in blue or pink, sizes 12-18 months, and costs $19.95 at onestepahead.com.

This sweet little bikini from Baby Dior is sure to be a hit at the pool or on the beach. Some designer kids wear can be a bit over the top with large logos everywhere. I like the simple elegance of this two piece suit.

The Baby Dior Polka-Dot Bikini is luxurious without being obnoxious. I am impressed by the little details such as the gold accents on the bottom of the suit.  On a more practical level, two pieces are, in general, are a great solution for infants and toddlers who still require diaper changes.

I’ve always hated trying to wrestle my daughters in and out of a wet one piece at changing time. This suit looks like it would be very easy to get on and off.  The only downside to this suit is its price. At $116, it may be more than many people are willing to pay for an infant toddler suit that is likely to be outgrown quickly.

If you are interested in purchasing one, check out raffaello-network.com.

Trips to the beach were a highlight for my children during the summer months but I remember trying to think of everything I needed to take along to ensure they had a safe and fun day, including that all important sunblock cream or spray!

This all in one swimsuit looks sporty and comfy but has an added feature that helps protect delicate skin - Fabric UV Protection! The fabric’s weave, color and stretch are elements that determine its UV Protection level as well as the addition of UV absorbers in the manufacturing process.

This beachware just makes good sense. Check out the swimsuit by Snapper Rock and accessories at babybox.com. Available in three sizes from 0-2 and priced at $37.50.

You know how we’re always looking for that perfect and unique gift for nieces, nephews, or our children’s playmates? Well the Takeway gift sets by Best of Chums fit the bill! Each set comes with a cotton tee, pants, and sun hat all neatly packed in it’s own little matching gift bag. Handy and practical, it’s the fun choice for the summer days ahead! And of course - everything is machine washable.

There are four styles to choose from at artebebe.com with sizes ranging from 6-12 months and 12-18 months. Takeways by Best of Chums are currently sale priced at $40.