Summer Essentials
Pharmacist picks for sun, water, and outdoor days with little ones.
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As a pharmacist and a mom, I think about summer days the way I think about formulations: sun protection, hydration, and gear that holds up to real-life kid chaos. The picks below are the ones I generally reach for on pool days, hikes, and long afternoons outside.
Blue Lizard Kids Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Why I picked it. My reliable kids’ mineral sunscreen for long outdoor summer days.
What it does well. 100 percent mineral SPF 50 with zinc oxide and a water-resistant base.
Good for / not for. Generally great for active kids; reapply after swimming and toweling off.
Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel from freshly cut 100% Pure
Why I picked it. Simple pure aloe is my after-sun staple for soothing warm little cheeks.
What it does well. High-purity aloe vera gel with a short ingredient list.
Good for / not for. Good for gentle after-sun care; not a sunscreen substitute.
TYR Swimple Tie-Dye Kids’ Swim Goggles
Why I picked it. A practical, kid-friendly goggle that actually stays put, which matters more than it sounds.
What it does well. Comfortable fit designed for children with adjustable straps.
Good for / not for. Good for pool and lessons; check the fit on smaller faces.
SwimZip Boys’ Long-Sleeve UPF 50+ Swimsuit for Baby, Toddler
Why I picked it. Sun-protective clothing is the easiest win in sun safety, and this covers the most exposed area.
What it does well. UPF 50+ long-sleeve swim top that physically blocks UV.
Good for / not for. Great for babies and toddlers; pair with sunscreen on uncovered skin.
UPF50+ Rashguard
Why I picked it. I always tell parents that fabric is the most reliable sunscreen you own.
What it does well. UPF 50+ rashguard that maintains sun protection even when wet.
Good for / not for. Good for all-day water play; sizing tends to run close, so size up if between.
KEEN Kids’ Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandals
Why I picked it. A closed-toe water sandal that protects little feet around pools and rocky shorelines.
What it does well. Closed-toe design with a washable, quick-drying build.
Good for / not for. Good for active water days; allow a short break-in for stiffer straps.
KEEN Unisex-Child Newport H2 Closed Toe Water Sandals
Why I picked it. The unisex version of a water sandal I trust for protecting toes on summer adventures.
What it does well. Closed-toe, quick-drying construction that handles water and trails.
Good for / not for. Good across a range of kids’ activities; check sizing as fit can run snug.
Babymoov Anti-UV Baby & Toddler Beach Tent (UPF 50+)
Why I picked it. Shade is one of the most reliable forms of sun protection for a baby, and a pop-up tent makes it easy to actually use.
What it does well. UPF 50+ canopy that blocks most UV, with a pop-up system that sets up and packs down fast.
Good for / not for. Great for beach and park days with little ones; it is shade, not sunscreen, so still cover exposed skin.
i play. Baby Flap Sun Protection Swim Hat
Why I picked it. Babies can’t tell you their neck is burning, and sunscreen misses spots, so a flap hat is the mechanical backup I always pack.
What it does well. UPF 50+ coverage over the head, ears, and neck; machine washable and stays on reasonably well for a baby hat.
Good for / not for. Sized for 0 to 6 months; size up as needed, as it tends to run small on bigger babies.
SwimZip Wide Brim Sun Hat UPF 50+
Why I picked it. A Skin Cancer Foundation certified wide brim hat with a breakaway chin strap and one detail I appreciate: it floats.
What it does well. UPF 50+ structured brim with adjustable straps and quick-dry material rated for both beach and pool use.
Good for / not for. Good for babies through big kids (0 months to 14 years); the size range means you can grow with it.
Hydro Flask Kids Water Bottle 12 oz
Why I picked it. Kids drink more when the water stays cold, and stainless steel with no plastic lining is the cleaner choice.
What it does well. Vacuum-insulated stainless steel keeps drinks cold for hours; the straw lid makes sipping easy without stopping to play.
Good for / not for. Good for toddlers and preschoolers; the 12 oz size is well matched to smaller hands.
Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle 32 oz
Why I picked it. The mom pick to pair alongside the kids’ bottles, BPA-free with a built-in straw that works while chasing kids.
What it does well. Double-wall insulated stainless steel keeps drinks cold all day; the FreeSip lid lets you sip through the straw or swig from the opening.
Good for / not for. Sized for adults; the 32 oz capacity means fewer refills on a long beach or park day.
Gorich Beach Tent UPF 50+ Family Shade
Why I picked it. A family-size shade option to pair with the Babymoov baby tent when the whole crew needs a break from direct sun.
What it does well. UPF 50+ canopy that blocks most UV; lightweight and designed for easy setup.
Good for / not for. Great for beach and park days with the whole family; not a substitute for sunscreen on exposed skin.
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