Guest post by Joanna Kwan.

Summer is finally coming, along with the hot sun, and it’s time to head to the beach with your little ones. But before you do, there are some essential items you should bring along the trip.

Transportation in style

Your baby will need a well-equipped stroller to go over the sandy beach. We love the Bugaboo Cameleon (2-wheel option). With two wheels, it’s a piece of cake to maneuver around the sandy beach.

With the hot weather, you a removable stroller seat pad helps give your baby a breathable seat to relax in. My Monkey Moo is a local company that makes stroller pads with fresh prints and a splash of colour that’s perfect for the summer.
Time to play dress up

Beachwear

It’s okay to bring your baby out in the hot sun as long as your baby is dressed for the weather. Babies can easily get sun burned in just 15 minutes and are  susceptible to a heat stroke, so short exposure to sunlight and plenty of shade is recommended. Dress your baby in a hat, lightweight pants and shirts with long sleeves.

If you’re looking for the perfect beach outfit, try Sweet Peanut. They have a wide selection of lightweight and colourful baby clothes to choose a perfect outfit for the beach.

Sunscreens

Your baby can start using sunscreen at six-months-old. The best ones to buy are sunscreens made for babies with a high SPF (minimum 15) and preferably chemical-free made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as they start protecting your skin right when you apply it.

If you do choose to use a chemical sunscreen, apply it 15 to 30 minutes before you go under the sun, as it takes time for your skin to absorb it. And always be sure to do a patch test on your baby’s inside upper arm to see if there’s any allergic reaction.

Insect repellent

Just like sunscreens, your baby must be a minimum of six-months-old before using bug repellents (and only once a day). Insect bites not only irritate your baby, but mosquitoes can also spread West Nile virus.

The best precaution is to spend less time outside at dusk and dawn, dress little ones with protective clothing and use insect netting to cover the stroller or surround their playing area.

The ultimate beach toy

How can we forget the most fun item of all? Your baby will enjoy the Little Tikes Butterfly Beach Sandbox and Wading Pool as it has a side-by-side beach and pool altogether. The best option of this toy is you can either have it right in your own backyard or you can use it on the beach to keep your baby nearby.

Joanna is a professional writer that dotes on family values and environmental issues. She reviews products for strollerlife.com, helping parents find the perfect stroller for their family.