I’ve been a regular user of disposable swim diapers with all of my girls. Not only do I feel guilty about adding even more diapers to landfills, but I really don’t have confidence in them, even though they are “pool approved” everywhere we go. I find it suspicious that they remain very flat even after much swimming. I’d think that if diaper technology had really advanced that far, there would be no need to regular diapers to swell so immensely with size…

So, I’ve been on the lookout for a reliable, reusable, swim diaper for my infant. I am currently leaning toward this Sun Smarties model. It is made of soft microfiber with a  terry liner. They are available in several colors and can be purchased for $12.95 each at onestepahead.com. I’m hoping this will take a little of the worry out of my summer!

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.

How many hours can our kids play in the sand at the beach? Or at the local neighborhood park sandbox? If we wouldn’t bother them, I guess they’d be there until nightfall! Here’s a little extra protection from the sun with this four-way protection hat.

The Sun Smarties Custom-Embroidered Flap Hat shades delicate faces, heads, necks, and eyes. I like that the flap covers the neck area because, as you’ve probably experienced, while your child is bent over their sandcastle masterpieces the sun rays are bearing down on their backs. Those spots can become very tender from sunburn and easily irritated by clothing after a day at the beach. So this product provides a little extra prevention.This hat is treated with UPF 50+ sunscreen and made of quick-drying microfiber.

The hat is machine washable and comes in a variety of patterns, including 4th of July, Safari, Surfs Up, and Hibiscus. You can buy one for $9.95 at OneStepAhead.com.