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Your guide to a disrupted world
Sunscreen, shades and a raft of gear to keep the kids safe – and amused – on a summer vacay. Here’s our essential countdown of the 20 best water-friendly must-haves:
Aquasphere Vista Junior Swim Mask
The generously sized and comfortable seal won’t dig in like some goggles but is still watertight. These are good for children aged six years plus, but there’s also a Seal Kid 2 model made for kids from the age of three. £20.50, uk.aquasphereswim.com
A brilliant back-to-basics suction-powered water blaster, made even better when you have a pair of them for parent and child. €26, liewood.com
Business & Pleasure Co The XL Beach Blanket
This generously sized 2.2sq m cotton blanket has a central umbrella hole so you can pair it with a shade. It’s also quick-drying, machine-washable and rolls up neatly into a carry strap. £118, businessandpleasureco.com
With a carrying capacity of over 150kg and passenger seating for two kids, this all-terrain wagon will carry all the gear needed for a day out, and as it’s a robust premium model – designed for clocking up hundreds of miles of trouble-free use – it’s capable of tackling sandy beaches before collapsing down to fit the boot of a car. £532, goveer.com
Not only pleasing on the eye – particularly in the new Alpine Yellow – this tote is also hugely practical: it’s made from a tough and waterproof material with an EVA moulded base, so you can hose out sand and debris after use. £150, uk.yeti.com
Liewood Florence Beach & Garden Set
This complete beach set is made from silicone, which not only has a wonderful tactile finish but makes the pieces all slightly malleable, giving them an extra-long life. €64, liewood.com
When your child is determined to dig the biggest hole on the beach, this is a great choice – and it’s made from sustainable plastic. £25, kidly.co.uk
Terra Nation Rua Kiri Plus umbrella
A contemporary umbrella with a two-metre span and some rather nifty under-canopy storage – good for stashing valuables, sunscreen and sunglasses. There’s a tilting mechanism for adjustability and the lightweight, aluminium, three-pole system breaks down easily to fit into the convenient carry bag. €98.90, terra-nation.com
Ideal for five- to seven-year-olds, these child-specific sunglasses are made from impact-resistant and lightweight polycarbonate, sit securely on the face, and are fitted with high-quality, 100 per cent UV-filtering lenses. £30, cebe.com
Jan & Jul cotton floppy hat
Available in four sizes – fitting newborns up to 12 years of age – this hat has an adjustable head drawstring and chin-strap for a secure fit, and the brim is well proportioned to provide shade from the sun. From £16.99, amazon.co.uk
This two-piece swimsuit, made from recycled materials, provides UPF40+ sun protection, and the elasticated waistband ensures each size will fit well with room for growth. From £17.40, boden.co.uk
Fatboy Miasun portable beach tent
This Swallows and Amazons-style cotton-canvas canopy creates the perfect beach base camp with three square metres of shade (enough for two adults and two kids). It’s very simple to set up and packs down easily for transport. £119, fatboy.com
Konfidence The Original Konfidence Jacket
Made for use from 18-months-old, this buoyant, snug-fitting swim vest is available in three sizes (up to the age of seven), is warming, and is UV protective. £24.99, konfidence.co.uk
The ideal, go-anywhere summer footwear that can be worn as slip-on sandals or with the heel strap for a secure fit. Customise with your kid’s favourite Disney character or animal with these Jibbitz Charms. £24.99, crocs.co.uk
These sticks are thrown into the water and slowly sink to the bottom where they stand to attention to be retrieved by diving children, keeping them occupied for hours. £12, zoggs.com
Hydro Flask 28oz insulated food jar
At 828ml, this one is the largest food jar option, which will store a main dish for a couple of kids and keep it warm for hours. £45, thebrokedownpalace.com
This thick-cotton towelling robe is perfect for a child to change behind or curl up in after splashing around. For colder and more windswept beaches, the brand also has a waterproof and fleece lined Advance version. £40, dryrobe.com
O’Neill Reactor II 2mm back zip spring wetsuit kids
A stretchy and durable shorty kids wetsuit that is wholly suitable for Britain’s chillier summertime waters but is easy on the pocket – and ideal for fast-growing toddlers. £39.95, uk.oneill.com
This 4.35m windbreak has sturdy steel poles and a high-quality waterproof fabric for screening and privacy. £62, vango.co.uk
Hydro Flask 20l insulated tote
This cool bag can be thrown over the shoulder like a tote. It doesn’t do the job of heavy-duty alternatives but is easily adequate for a day out on the beach, and its wipe-clean fabric is very practical. £55.75, absolute-snow.co.uk
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