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    Attention Parents, These 42 Things Will Help Solve So Many Summer Problems

    Bug bites, sunburns, and post-swim hair tangles — there's something on this list to make your life as a parent easier this summer.

    1. A coconut and shea butter moisturizing detangler with 12,000 5-star reviews (!!!) raving that it's the BEST STUFF ON THE PLANET. Just a few spritzes will combat summer hair woes — from making knots vanish after a swim to taming frizz when humidity is *through the roof.*

    Reviewer's before photo showing tangled hair
    Reviewer's after photo showing smooth hair after using the detangler spray

    BTW, it's not just for kids, adults love it too.

    Promising review: "All I can say is WOW!!!!! This is by far the best conditioning spray I have purchased. I have spent a lot of money on the expensive 'miracle detanglers' and 'miracle brushes,' coconut oils and hours combing out big knots in my daughters hair when this is all that’s needed! Her hair is a disaster full of knots after the beach. I sprayed this on before going to the beach and it made all the difference in the world. Goes to show that the expensive stuff is NOT always the best. PLEASE DON’T EVER STOP MAKING THIS!!!!!" —G

    Promising review: "Best detangler ever for our 4c hair! I bought this originally for my daughter who is starting to comb her own 4c hair. I knew from experience what an arm-breaking task it was. But she managed with no problems so I tried on my hair. Comb just glides through and leaves your hair so soft. Best of all, no sulfates, parabens, or phthalates! Love this product. Highly recommend." —Kindle Customer

    Get a pack of three from Amazon for $13.47.

    2. A 3-in-1 swim shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for kids that'll gently cleanse and repair damage to hair and skin caused by chlorine, saltwater, and the sun.

    the swim shampoo, conditioner and body wash for kids
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Will never go swimming again without this. I am so incredibly impressed with this shampoo/conditioner/body wash. My daughter has super sensitive skin and goes to swim class once a week in a heated, super chlorinated pool. Her hair and skin feel horrible after class, despite a shower. I used this one time, and I am a believer. Her hair and skin were so much softer and not irritated. Love, love, love!" —Jennifer Conicella

    Get it from Amazon for $11.99.

    3. A deet-free, plant-based bug repellent made with lemon eucalyptus oil that *actually* works to keep mosquitos at bay — even if your kiddos are absolute bug magnets.

    The bug repellent in a spray bottle
    Amazon

    Promising review: "After an endless amount of North Carolina spring/summers searching for a 'safe for the family' repellent, I stumbled upon this. I had ordered a bottle of Skedattle repellent and a three-pack of this because the reviews for both were high and seemed like a sure thing. The three-pack of this was the same price as one bottle of the other. Well, the Skedattle didn't do anything for those freaking mosquitoes, they still swarmed us like we weren't even wearing anything. But this product, OMG! It actually worked, and not only did it just work, it worked GREAT! I tried a few different trips with this stuff on, and the kids use it every time they go out, and we hadn't had a single bite with it on. I will say though, it has a VERY strong smell, and you definitely want to make sure you reapply this as needed, but other than that, it's a great product. I won't use any other spray from now on." —Will M.

    Get it from Amazon for $4.97.

    4. Or a bug bite suction tool invented by a mom that's worth the Shark Tank hype. This ingenious device sucks out all kinds of bug bites, instantly relieving itching and swelling, so your kids aren't left scratching all day.

    A BuzzFeed editor's arm with a bite on it, the editor holding the suction tool and an after photo of the swelling reduced on the editor's arm.
    Rebecca O'Connell / BuzzFeed

    Promising review: "This is a MUST-HAVE in our household. I was a huge skeptic but decided to try it out of desperation. My youngest daughter is highly allergic to mosquito bites and gets huge welts that itch horribly after being bit. This product drastically reduces her swelling and itching. All of my girls (and myself) immediately ask for it after being bit. It takes away, or at least drastically reduces, the itching immediately. We also used it on fire ant bites, and my daughter said they felt better almost immediately!" —Reyka Smith

    Get it from Amazon for $9.90 (available in two colors).

    5. A TikTok-famous Tushbaby hip carrier to spare your back and do all the heavy lifting while you hike around theme parks this summer with a baby or toddler who clings to you like a Koala. The best part? It has a ton of storage pockets for your snacks, phone, wallet, and more!

    reviewer holding their child in the hip seat carrier at Disney
    another reviewer holding their child in the hip seat carrier at Disney

    Tushbaby is a small biz run by three California mamas and specializes in products that bringing a little more ease to everyday parenting life.

    Promising review: "I cannot speak highly enough about this product!!! My 6-month-old wants to be held constantly and this is the answer! I can seriously hold him for long period of time (being an hour or more) and not feel any pain or discomfort!!! I LOVE the added pockets, I keep wipes, a diaper, toys, cellphone and wallet in there. It is amazing the ease and accessibility that they provide. I ordered the leopard print and its so cute!! I have already used this not only at home, but at a theme park and outdoor festival all day. I can NURSE my baby easily with him sitting in front and keep walking! Seriously amazing and such a game changer for a mom with 2 other children to keep up with!" —MamaShops

    Get it from Amazon for $84.99.

    6. A two-pack of truly spill-proof Contigo Trekker Autoseal water bottles if you're fed up of dripping wet backpacks and car seats because the kiddos don't properly close water bottles. This bottle (aka the answer to every parent's prayers!) boasts an ingenious one-touch lid that automatically seals between sips so you can say goodbye to spills — en route to sports practice, summer camp, or school!

    A child holding the water bottle on the playground
    reviewer's gif showing how the water bottle works

    Promising review: "I love these. The design is perfectly simple. They fit in cup holders and backpack pockets. The button is easy to use. Closing the lid is one turn. They don't have weird straw contraptions that are hard to clean, go missing or get chewed through. They don't leak. I can throw them in a lunch box, backpack, my own purse, and never have to worry about there being water issues. The fact that I get two for $12 is a bargain! I bought one set for kindergarten, which lasted all school year and summer. My son has motor delays, so we've been through a lot of types of water bottles. I wish we'd found this sooner. Highly recommend." —Wendy

    Get a pack of two from Amazon for $17.25 (available in four color combos and also in three-packs).

    7. An SPF 50+ "sport-brella," boasting a 360-degree swivel and a universal clamp that can latch onto nearly anything — making it the perfect solution for creating *instant shade* for your wagon or stroller!

    reviewer's photo of a red umbrella attached to a wagon
    reviewer's photo of a blue umbrella attached to a wagon

    Promising review: "Best baby product I've ever come across. This umbrella is AMAZE-BALLS! I have a radio flyer wagon with the roof, but I hate that I having to stoop and bend to see my daughter. So I don't use the roof usually, and use this instead, so I have her in my sight all the time. I also use it on our stroller, for when the sun is off to the left or right or in front of us. I used to finagle with a blanket to drape and block the sun, but this is so much easier! I also use it at the beach, where my daughter decides to set up camp with her sand toys. I usually hook it on a beach chair and set it next to her while she's playing near the water, to provide some shade. I'm sure I'm forgetting some uses, but I think I'm going to start gifting these at baby showers to anyone who even remotely enjoys the outdoors." —Molly

    Promising review: "I can't even rave enough about this umbrella!! It is awesome! I was looking for something I could clip onto my kids' foldable wagon, and this is PERFECT! It has so many pivot points; you can make it work pretty much anywhere. We attach it to one end of the wagon, and it covers the entire thing, but as the sun moves, we can adjust it to keep them in the shade at all times. We get stopped all the time by people asking where we got this umbrella!" —SCHMLL6

    Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in two sizes and eight colors).

    8. Or a bestselling stroller wagon hybrid with *built-in sun shades* and all-terrain wheels that'll give your back a break by hauling all your stuff and your too-exhausted-to-walk babies all at once at the beach or playground. Reviewers swear it'll put any double stroller to shame because it maneuvers like a dream *AND* it's much more roomy and comfy for the kids (who will be so thrilled to sit facing each other!).

    The stroller wagon
    Reviewer's photo showing two kids sitting face to face in the wagon

    Promising review: "Need a wagon? Have two kids? Look no further! I’ve been trying to find a functional wagon for my kids that will work with them sitting but also having leg room and space. This wagon is a godsend. I used it at our state fair, and it was AMAZING. We push it like a stroller, and it is effortless but VERY durable. I told my husband I’d be willing to have another kid just to use this wagon. Is it pricey? NOT FOR THE QUALITY. Trust me. I don’t review anything, but this was worth its weight in gold." —Amanda U.

    Promising review: "In love with our new swagon! After much research on double strollers best suited for an infant and a toddler, I came across the concept of a stroller wagon hybrid. I was sold and so happy I found the Evenflo Pivot Xplore! We've owned it for almost a week, and my husband, toddler, and I are all pretty geeked about it! First impressions: It's everything you could want in a 'swagon' — it's durable, comfortable, easy to maneuver, and easy to fold. To top it all off, it comes with all the bells and whistles like sun canopies, snack tray, drink holders, and a storage basket included! We ordered the car seat adapter directly from Evenflo and can't wait to tote toddler and baby around!" —Kelsey

    Get it from Amazon for $319.99 (available in three colors).

    9. A pack of silicone dino ice pop molds if the kids won't stop begging for ice pops all day but you don't wanna give them sugar-infused store-bought ones. Just fill these with juice, yogurt, or smoothies to make more ~dino-mite~ versions.

    Four dinosaur ice pops
    reviewer's photo of a dinosaur popsicle they made

    Promising review: "These are unbelievable. We have the dinosaur ones and they are absolutely adorable. The mold peels off beautifully, and the size is just right for my preschoolers. I'm making healthy smoothies (frozen spinach! Chia seeds! Ground flax!) and making popsicles with them, and my kids think they're eating a fun dessert. Brilliant. I'll be giving these as gifts for a good while." —LucieBlue

    Get a pack of four from Amazon for $13.25.

    10. And a pack of dishwasher-safe ice pop sleeves so your little one don't get frostbite (JK!) while enjoying cool treats ~and~ aren't covered head to toe in a drippy mess. Win-win!

    Ice pop sleeves in a bucket
    reviewer's photo of a child holding an ice pop in a pink sleeve

    Promising review: "You guys! This product right here is a GAME CHANGER! I was going through so many paper towels a day to wrap said popsicle. As you all know, we were in a paper product shortage, so these babies were life! I just throw them into the washer and pull them out, and they dry fast! You can add vinyl and put a name on it, too. We have two packs of these and travel with them as well. We probably eat 10 popsicles a day 😂, and my toddler's hands don’t freeze, so it’s a 100% in my book." —Rose W.

    Get a pack of eight for $12.97.

    11. A set of lunchbox-sized reusable ice packs that might make you think Elsa ~put a spell~ because these will keep kids' lunches, snacks, drinks, and even breastmilk basically ❄️Frozen❄️, even on a 90+ degree day.

    A set of three reusable ice packs
    reviewer's photo of the ice packs in a lunchbox

    Promising review: "These ice packs work great and stayed frozen solid for 8 hrs in my kids insulated lunch boxes. I originally bought them to travel with a frozen breastmilk and they worked great for that as well. I was hoping that I could empty, refill and freeze again so that I could travel with these packs but when they say 'reusable' they do not meal refillable - once you seal them the first time you fill them, they can be frozen and defrosted, but not emptied." —Marie M.

    Promising review: "These freezer packs are the bomb! They kept all of the drinks and snacks in the cooler ice cold for the entire day that we spent on the lake in 90 degree weather. It was so nice to not have to deal with ice and draining the cooler. I highly recommend these to anyone." —Joan Benson

    Get a pack of three from Amazon for $28.99+ (also available in cooler and all-purpose sizes).

    12. A extra large mesh bag capable of holding a ton of beach toys but draining out all the sand because "I want to bring that sand home as a memento" — said no parent, ever.

    Promising review: "Ok. I never leave reviews but I HAD TO on this!!! MOMS.....BUY! BUY! BUY! we have six kids ranging from 2 months to 13 and our annual beach trip was coming up this past June. I wanted a beach tote that sand wouldn't collect in. I saw this and thought I would try it. I figured it wouldn't be as big as I needed. Fast forward to the day it came in...OMG it is was HUGE in person. Guys, I fit four sand buckets, four sets of beach toys, four small boogie boards in this thing and still had a TON of room to fit more! My only regret was that I didn't buy more than one! This would also be great for laundry, or anything!!!!!"—Amazon Customer

    Get it from Amazon for $10.99.

    13. A stroller fan with bendable foam legs that'll wrap around a stroller, car seat, or pretty much anything to keep your lil' munchkin cool as a cucumber, even when it's a gazillion degrees outside.

    reviewer's photo of the stroller fan attached to a car seat
    reviewer's photo of the black fan attached to a stroller

    Promising review: "Absolutely love this thing! I didn’t expect much of it but after reading the awesome reviews I decided to give it a shot. It has flexible tripod legs that are able to wrap around things and stand upright as well as a moveable head. It is super efficient for its size and I love that it also has an LED light that I was unaware of. My little girl has a low heat tolerance so this is just what I needed to keep her cool in the heat. Thank you for an amazing product. Worth every penny!" —Olga

    Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in three colors).

    14. Or a rechargeable handheld fan because — just like the reviewer below says — it'll become the MVP of your day and save many camping trips and sports events from being ruined by sweltering heat. The only downside is the entire family will be fighting over it.

    Here's why BuzzFeed editor Ciera Velarde loves this:

    "I bought this to take on a summer trip to Disney World and let me tell you — it's the only way I survived!! Every day got well into the 90s, but I kept this pointed at my face whenever I wasn't soaking up air conditioning. I was seriously impressed with how powerful it was and how I instantly felt less sweaty. The charge lasts about a day if you use it sparingly (or a few hours of continuous use), so make sure to charge it nightly if you're on a trip. The fan has three speed settings, and it folds so you can prop it up on a table."

    Promising review: "ABSOLUTELY AMAZING PURCHASE! I wanted to carry the least amount of things in my tiny backpack to Disney World and this was my #1 most used item in the middle of Sumer (JUNE) in Florida 90+ degree heat and 80% Humidity. What a game changer, I’m mad at myself for not buying this sooner. The heat/humidity is absolutely horrendous either way, but this made it WAY MORE bearable. I used it almost 8 hours a day outside walking Disney World and the battery NEVER DIED. I recharged it each night and it was good to go the following day. BUY THIS!" —Lisa

    Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in five colors).

    15. A Tagalong, aka an ingenious handle that can be attached to a stroller letting your older and (stubbornly independent!) kiddo hold onto it and walk by your side — so you'll have peace of mind knowing that they won't wander off and get lost in the crowds, no matter where your summer adventures take you.

    A child holding onto a handle attached to a stroller
    reviewer's child holding onto the handle

    Tagalong Kids is a small biz based in Pennsylvania started by parents who wanted to make it easier for parents to get around with multiple kids.

    Promising review: "This thing is magical. We had one on a rented stroller when we were in Disney World and it blew our minds how our 'wild toddler' was staying next to us at all times while we had the Tagalong attached. When we got home, we knew we needed one for our everyday lives too. I wish we didn’t wait so long to make this purchase! We use it everywhere and it makes our little guy feel like such a big boy!" —Jennifer M.

    Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in five colors and in a two-pack).

    16. A cult-favorite stain remover that'll tackle the toughest stains — whether it's ice cream or BBQ sauce — so effectively it might make you say, "Whoa, what a difference."

    Reviewer's photo showing a stained swimsuit
    Reviewer's after photo showing a clean swimsuit without stains

    Promising review: "This stuff is magical! It’s super easy to use, and it works on almost any stain! My daughter made fluffy slime today, and by the time she was done, there was purple fluffy slime all over her dress. I scrubbed it with this stain remover, and threw it in the wash thinking there’s no way the stains will get out. I was pleasantly surprised when I pulled the dress out, and there wasn’t a single remnant of the slime on it. It was a laundry miracle! Love this stuff and will continue to use it for everything!" —Amazon Customer

    Get a pack of three from Amazon for $12.19.

    17. Or an enzyme-based laundry stain remover because it knocks out stains so effectively in one wash, several reviewers have exclaimed, "this stuff is magic." I mean if it can make this kid's stained baseball pants look brand spankin' new again, imagine how handy it'll be for all your kid's fave summer outfits.

    Reviewer's before photos showing their child's stained pants
    Reviewer's after photo showing their child's clean pants after using the stain remover

    Puracy is small biz based in Texas specializing in plant-based, chemical-free, hypoallergenic home products, with a donation made to local families in need with a portion of every purchase. 

    Promising review: "I've tried several stain removers and have to say this stuff really does remove stains. It has removed: blood, grape juice, baby barf, chocolate, grass stains, sweat stains, melon, pretty much everything. I have to say I was almost shocked at how well this worked. My wife says they should rename it 'chill mom,' because she no longer worries about stains at all. That's priceless when you have a very curious and adventurous little boy who keeps finding new ways to get dirty." —Martin Isaksen

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

    18. A pack of ingenious collapsible pails for your next fam vacay because there's *never enough space* in your luggage. You'll thank me later when you don't need to shell out $$ on an overpriced set at the hotel gift shop.

    Reviewer's photo of a child playing with the collapsible pails on the beach
    Reviewer's video showing how to collapse the pail

    Promising review: "BEST BUCKETS EVER! I’ll be buying more! I love that they collapse! I bought them for the beach, and I loved that they didn’t take up room during travel. And now they don’t take up room in our outdoor toy bin!" —KB

    Get a pack of three from Amazon for $15.99.

    19. Wet Brush that'll glide through knotted hair after a swim to turn your kiddo's hair-brushing ordeal into a painless experience without *ouchies or tears* (for both of you). Just trust the 40,000+ people who gave it a 5-star review.

    reviewer's photo of the hairbrush in Hello Kitty print
    reviewer's before photo of wet, tangled hair
    reviewer's before photo of the tangles gone after using the brush

    Promising review: "No more tears. Wet brushes take the tears out of brushing and detangling long wet hair, whether it is at the beach, river/lake, pool, or after a bath. It works well on dry hair, too!" —Babette C.

    Promising review: "Great product. I have thick, straight hair. I have one son with thin 3c hair that very easily becomes matted, and a second son with 4c hair, and this brush works great for all of us! Just make sure to use a spray bottle with some water in it or a detangler if you are using it on dry hair" —M. Sloane

    Get it from Amazon for $12.29 (available in 43 styles).

    20. A two-pack of Munchkin Brica car window shades — a must-have for summer because they'll only doing a fab job of shielding your kids’ eyes from the sun during car rides, but also indicate when the car is too hot for little ones.

    A child in a car with the window shades on
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I love these so much! We live in Florida and have a bit of a commute to school/work, so I needed something to make my little one's ride a little more comfortable. The feature for when it is too hot is nice, not that I'll ever leave him in the car alone...and they are very durable on the windows. I wish they were a little wider for my window, but every car is different so not a huge deal. Great buy." —Amy Carber

    Get a pack of two from Amazon for $15.41.

    21. A Bissell multipurpose carpet and upholstery cleaner that parents (and pet owners) swear by — this small but powerful machine is shockingly effective at pulling out all the dirt and gunk uses warm water and a special formula. Especially useful for obliterating all kinds of pesky summer stains from milkshake and ketchup to grass and mud!

    Promising review: "This is a game changer!!!! I have kids, two dogs, and a white couch. Prior to buying this, I was so stressed about trying to keep the couch clean. It had some stains I had tried everything on that just weren’t budging, and I was contemplating buying a new couch all together. Then I found this, and, let me tell you, it got the allll the lingering stains out and has tackled every mess that I’ve tested it on. I’m talking marker, mud, pudding, and coffee, just to name a few. Money well spent." —Jessica Gilman

    Get it from Amazon for $123.59.

    22. A Burt's Bees sunburn soother if — despite using sunscreen religiously — your kiddos still tend to get burnt after a day in the sun. It's made with aloe vera and coconut oil to gently alleviate pain, redness, and swelling.

    A model holding a tube of the lotion
    Reviewer's before and after photos showing a sunburn on the back and a back without the sunburn after using the lotion

    Promising review: "Throw away your plain aloe and buy this immediately! I will never not have this on hand in the summer/on vacation. It works miraculously well, and by the next day you’re totally good. Approved by my kids too!" —KMR

    Get it from Amazon for $7.31.

    23. A pack of cooling towels that'll feel like a *chilly slice of heaven* in sweltering heat and keep the little ones from overheating whether at Disney or sports practice.

    The towels folded in a pile and in storage bags
    Reviewer's photo showing the family using the cooling towels at Disney

    Just soak the towel in cold water, wring out and give it a couple of snaps to feel instant relief.

    Promising review: "We could not have survived Disney World without these handy dandy 'Chilly' towels! They helped keep us cool all day. We had them around our necks, my kids wore them as bandanas around their foreheads LOL, at some point I wrapped one around my thigh to relieve my hot legs!!! LOL I'm sure people thought I was crazy. They also served as a 'blanket' in cool seating areas inside the restaurants with high AC for my kids." —Sayra Lugo

    Get a pack of four from Amazon for $19.99.

    24. Speaking of Disney, a pack of family rain ponchos because there's a 99.99% chance you'll be caught in a torrential downpour at least once during your visit to Orlando.

    reviewer's photo wearing rain ponchos with their child at Disney
    reviewer's photo of the whole family wearing rain ponchos at Disney

    The family value pack comes with 20 individually wrapped rain ponchos: 10 for adults and 10 for children with a unique color for each set (5 colors in total).

    Promising review: "My family and I bought these ponchos for our Florida vacation trip. I expected to use them just for the occasional afternoon thunderstorm. But the week that we arrived had heavy rains. Our first morning in Disney had torrential downpours. I was so thankful that we had bought these ponchos for my family of 8. We all stayed dry and it was great to have the colors to spot each other and the different sizes for the adults and teens and for the little kids. I wasn't sure how they would hold up as they feel thin, but we had to take them on and off as we went on the different rides and only one of them ripped where I think a kid tried to put an arm through the wrong spot." —E. Schantz

    Get a family pack from Amazon for $17.49.

    25. A Road Trip Box with 60 activity ideas and fun discussion questions that'll cut down on screen time on road trips and prevent nonstop cries of "Are we there yet?"

    Wooden coins in a box
    The Idea Box Kids / Etsy

    The Idea Box Kids is a small biz based in Wilsonville, Oregon, that specializes in kid-powered, secretly educational activities.

    Recommended for ages 3+.

    Get it from The Idea Box Kids on Etsy for $24.99.

    26. A TikTok-famous watermelon cutter that'll make a tedious job fast and easy by letting you cut a whole watermelon into perfect little kid-friendly chunks in five minutes flat. Plus, it's safe enough for older children to use 🍉.

    gif of reviewer using the cutter to easily cut up half a watermelon
    reviewer's photo of the cutter in a watermelon

    Promising review: "This is my new favorite kitchen gadget. I LOVE THIS THING!!! It works BEAUTIFULLY!!! EVERY TIME!!! I now buy whole watermelons without dread over cutting them up manually. This gadget does the work so fast it's unreal. Perfect little squares of watermelon. I wish I'd found this years ago. My kids love using it too! It's super easy, very little effort to use (elderly or those with upper body restrictions could do it). It's just wonderful!!" —Irishlawlass

    Get it from Amazon for $10.51.

    27. An ingenious Bunch O Balloons so you can rapidly fill up 100 water balloons at once and take all the hassle out of preparing for a water balloon fight.

    Promising review: "One of the greatest inventions of our time. Just buy them. You won't regret it. Your kids will love you. You ever fill up 100 water balloons with a beer in your hand? I did." —Jeff Jefferson

    Get a pack of 100 from Amazon for $10.03.

    28. Or a set of eco-friendly reusable water balloons to save you the agony of cleaning up broken balloons from your yard. The best part? They're made with a chenille-like yarn so they won't sting on contact.

    The water balloon in six colors
    Mama Love Boutique / Etsy

    Mama Love Boutique is a small biz based in Sellersville, Pennsylvania, owned by a mama of two, that makes balloons with an eco-friendly twist.

    Promising review: "Got them, opened them, used them in the same day. I have two boys with LOTS of energy and they had so much fun pummeling me with these water 'balloons' 🤣 and I had fun throwing them right back. Not just for kids. Very well made. So happy with this purchase!" —Carley Campbell

    Get the 12-pack from Mama Love Boutique on Etsy for $43.50 (available in three color combos).

    29. A plant based anti-chafing balm for preventing your kids' thighs from enduring the dreaded burn. Bye bye ruined hikes and beach days.

    The anti-chafing balm
    Reviewer's photo showing no film left on the hand after using the anti-chafing balm

    Promising review: "This product is absolutely amazing!!! My son typically hates going to the beach because within one day of being there he is miserable and can't go back outside because his backside and inner legs are so raw....not anymore!!! This summer we spent three weeks at the beach and he was outside in the sand and water everyday without one problem....he literally never even got red which is amazing for his skin! I will never try anything else again. Simply the best." —blindmolly

    Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (available in four sizes).

    30. And an anti-blister balm that your feet will be grateful for after you hit 10,000+ steps a day touring theme parks this summer (aka chasing after those little rascals, um, angels with unlimited energy.)

    Hiker putting balm on their heels
    Amazon

    Promising review: "This stuff is the BOMB! I remember the last time I went to Disney, my feet were done by the end of day one and my thighs hurt SO bad from chafing. I used this on my feet, no blisters, and used it on my thighs, no chafing. I used it every day, and after walking 40 miles in FOUR DAYS, no blisters, no chafing, complete comfort. BUY THIS STUFF." —Mary K Knight

    Get it from Amazon for $8.99.

    31. An ingenious tote with a built-in cooler so you can carry essentials, snack and drinks ~all in one place~ — without schlepping multiple bags to the pool or the beach. Just call yourself Mary Poppins.

    reviewer's photo of the beach bag in turquoise
    The turquoise beach bag with the cooler compartment holding food and drinks

    Promising review: "This is probably my new favorite beach/camping accessory. Well worth the money and love the teal color. When I posted pics online, my friends all wanted to know where I got it. The insulated bottom fits much more than I expected it to. I think I got like six cans of beer, four juice boxes, four sandwiches and some grapes and ice too. I suggest filling the cooler up before the bag. I like the side pockets too. I was able to fit my book, glasses and phone with room to spare. On the inside, I packed dry food and four rolled up towels. The large straps made it easy to carry down to the beach. The bottom leaked a little ice water at the top, but it was at the zipper and because i had it packed so full. I plan to use this for school sporting events and picnics too."—Stacia

    Get it from Amazon for $23.54+ (available in five colors).

    32. A machine-washable reusable swim diaper that reviewers say contains big and small accidents so darn well (without getting too bulky), you'll wonder why you were wasting your hard-earned cash on disposable diapers that end up in landfills.

    The swim diaper in aqua
    reviewer's photo of with baby wearing the reusable swim diaper

    Promising review: "My sister loaned me her reusable iPlay swim diaper and I fell in love! I had to purchase my own! This swim diaper is easy to use. The snaps on the side make it easy to put on and take off. The lining makes it lightly absorbent too! Most swim diapers do nothing for the urine, just contain poop. But I was able to put this swim diaper on my daughter before heading to the pool and it contained the urine while in her carseat and contained the poop perfectly! We had no mess in the carseat, nothing escaped in the pool! I LOVE that it is machine washable, just hang dry. I even took it camping and used it in the lake! I plan on purchasing this swim diaper in the next size when she outgrows this one. This swim diaper works so well, comes in a variety of sizes (more than the disposables), and is much nicer for the environment than disposable swim diapers. LOVE IT." —Dorothy

    Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in sizes 6 Months–5T and in nine colors).

    33. A pack of (nearly) indestructible Waterproof Uno cards because these will stand up to rowdy kids and water play *and* cut down on screen time.

    A pack of waterproof cards
    A pack of waterproof cards near a beach towel
    Amazon

    Promising review: "These are great to use at the pool, lakeside, or the beach. They can get wet!!!!! My kids love these! I actually want to buy a set for the house because the cards don't bend easily and they stay in mint condition. Would purchase again and again!" —LuluLoves

    Get them from Amazon for $9.97.

    34. A super absorbent, lightweight microfiber towel, an absolute godsend for camping. It dries at lightning speed and folds into a teeny carry bag so there's no need to try and stash a bulky towel into your backpack. 

    Promising review: "Perfect for camping! My son and I go camping a lot for cub scouts, and the less we can pack the easier it is for us to carry and keep up with everything we bring. These towels are easy to store for sure. Also, this is a towel that dries very quickly! We use this towel for drying off when getting out of the shower (when they are available at camp sites). They are long, very soft, and absorbs really well. I recommend this towel for sure!" —Cooper

    Promising review: "Bought two of these for my boys to use on pool days during summer camp. They worked out great and kept them from lugging a wet terry cloth towel in their bags. They carry them around their necks, and by the time they walked from the pool back to the park, their towels were dry." —RTVM

    Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in 10 colors and in six sizes).

    35. A budget-friendly 3-in-1 sprinkler, splash pad, and wading pool when taking the little ones to the water park just isn't feasible. This will not only have your munchkin *soaking up* their numbers and shapes but will also make you say, "dang, my toddler's living their best life."

    The blue splash pad
    reviewer's photo of their child playing in the splash pad

    Promising review: "Awesome for babies and toddlers. Sometimes I fill it up and then turn off the water. By the time the pool flattens out and most of the water is gone my son is ready to get out. It's been hot out here and my son loves to play in this and then he sleeps well — best money spent. We also have fun counting and learning our shapes and water creatures. It's very easy to clean up and put away and I love that I don't have to blow anything up." —Keet

    Get it from Amazon for $19.99.

    36. bubble machine if you wanna keep kids busy this summer without the hassle of blowing bubbles with a wand yourself. Literally, all you need to do is turn it on and voilà, instant bubble wonderland that'll keep them entranced for HOURS (while you kick back with a glass of wine).

    reviewer's photo of their child enjoying the bubbles
    reviewer's photo of the bubble machine pumping out bubbles on their deck

    Promising review: "This is so much easier than giving your kids bubbles only to have them spill all over their clothes and the ground. It is truly a 'set it and forget it' item that provides hours of entertainment, even for a little ones! Such a great investment." —Allison A.

    Get it from Amazon for $29.97.

    37. A clever pool chair designed to provide back support so you can indulge in some toe-dipping while supervising your little swimmers from close quarters.

    Four people sitting poolside on the chairs with their feet in the pool
    Two chairs, one yellow and one blue striped
    Peligo Chairs / Etsy

    Peligo Chairs is a small business based in Manhattan Beach, California.

    Promising review: "A great invention! My chairs came quickly and though I haven't used them yet, I am sure they will be great. They are attractive and made well. I got the navy blue." —diane pittman

    Get it from Peligo Chairs on Etsy for $58+ (available in six colors and in two finishes).

    38. A pair of aqua socks for both adults and kids with 5-star reviews from more than 20,000 reviewers. They'll protect your squad's feet from scalding sand, sharp shells, slippery surfaces and all the other boo-boos that can occur at the beach, pool, or waterpark.

    Reviewer's photo showing the whole family wearing the aqua socks in different prints
    Reviewer's photo showing two pairs of feet wearing the aqua socks in sunset
    Aqua socks in sunset rolled up

    Promising review: "My 9-year-olds love these water shoes. I ordered them just before we went on vacation to Seattle and my kids wore their socks whenever we ended up near the water. These shoes held up through a whole day of walking through parks, trails, low tide, sand, and even a bike ride."—tallak

    Get them from Amazon for $7.69+ (available in 38 colors, sizes XS–3XL).

    39. A set of cute starfish beach drink holders you can plop into the sand to prevent mishaps and complaints like, "Oops, I spilled my juice" or "Eww, my cup has sand on it" or "Hellllp, I can't find my water bottle."

    A set of startfish cup holders on sand
    Reviewer's photo showing the cup holder holding a Yeti

    Promising review: "These were such a great impulse buy and everyone we were with said they wanted some for their next vacation. Helps prevent sand from getting all over your cup and your drink from toppling over. I highly recommend to solve your 'first world problems' LOL." —Kim Sheek

    Get a set of four from Amazon for $9.99.

    40. A Scumbug that'll cruise around your pool or hot tub while lapping up all the yucky slime, grime and sunscreen oils lurking in the water.

    Need proof that it actually works? Check out these before and after photos. The Scumbug turned nearly orange after eating up all the oil and filth in the reviewer's hot tub in just 12 hours.

    Promising review: "This product is great for a small kids' swimming pool. I bought an eight sq. foot pool for my kids for the summer but didn't want to waste water refilling it every two to three days. With this Scumbug and vinegar, I only have to change the water once a week. It absorbs all the sunscreen and yuck that fills the pool. Great product." —This Guy Teaches

    Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

    41. A reusable waterproof bag perfect for toting soaking wet clothes back from swim lessons or summer camp and saving your car seats from falling victim to leaky messes.

    The wet bag with a towel in it
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I love this bag! It super light weight but durable that I shove a wet pair of water sneakers and a wet swimsuit and a wet sun guard shirt in it every day after my pool time and it never leaks! I’ve done this ever day for about two months now and the wet bag looks like it’s brand new. When I get home, I empty the bag, rinse it with soap and water and hang it to dry inside out from the attached strap and it’s ready to go the next day. I tried a bunch of different bags before this one — double lined, supposedly extra durable, etc but they all leaked after awhile. This bag is thin and lightweight but I stuff it full and it’s never ripped or torn or leaked!"—AnnieR

    Get it from Amazon for $11.95 (available in 16 prints).

    42. A two-in-one chair towel cover that converts into a tote bag with side pockets that will def become a permanent fixture on fam vacays.

    The towel in blue covering a lounge chair
    Twillow Towels / Etsy

    Twillow Towels is a small biz based in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania.

    Promising review: "I received my Twillow towel beach chair cover as a gift back in December and I loved it so much I knew I had to get it as a gift for my fellow beach lovers!! It’s the best!" —jackiejoeym 

    Get it from Twillow Towels on Etsy for $45 (available in three colors).

    The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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