Green People
Scent-Free Sun Cream SPF30, £25
This water-repellent sun-screen is gentle enough to use on even eczema-prone skin and is reef-safe too. Containing 84 per cent organic ingredients, the packaging is even plant-based. Buy it here.
Bigjigs
Silicone Bucket, £9.99
These genius silicone buckets from Bigjigs are ‘crushable’ so can be folded up and popped in luggage to take on holidays. No more cracked plastic buckets! Buy it here.
Biosunnies
Kids Sunglasses, £20
We protect our kids’ skin with sunscreen, but what about their eyes? These sunglasses from Biosunnies have UV400 polarised lenses to provide full protection from UVA, UVB and UVC radiation. We love the colourful flexible frames made from sustainable wheat straw, a bi-product of the food industry. Buy it here.
The Nice Fleet
Float XL, £45
If your pool inflatables never seem to last more than a few swims before popping, or you’re looking for a chicer alternative to a neon flamingo this summer, these pool floats from Parisian brand, The Nice Fleet, are all hand-printed on BPA, recyclable PVC. Buy it here.
Kidly
Jelly Sandals, £12
These jelly sandals from Kidly feel like a modern upgrade on the retro classic. In sun-bleached brights, they’re made from 100 per cent silicone – perfect for rock-pooling adventures. Buy it here.
Liewood
Swim Fins, £40
Liewood’s range of beach toys come in beautiful modern classic shades, made from durable silicone – including their swim fins, which are perfect for underwater explorers. Buy it here.
Muddy Puddles
UV Protective Surf Suit, £30
Independent outdoor kids’ company Muddy Puddles has branched out into a summer range of UV sun-suits to protect delicate skin. With the equivalent of SPF50 protection, you can ditch the hassle of trying to apply sticky sun cream to a wriggle toddler. We’re sold. Buy it here.
Mori
Striped Terry Towelling Zip-Up Romper, £26
Perfect for beach days, Mori’s organic cotton and bamboo towelling sets are comfy and chic and moisture wicking. They’re great to pop on post swim when the day is done. Buy it here.
Frugi
Hayden Reversible Hat, £17 - £19
If you prefer classic designs to bold summer brights, this smart reversible hat is charming. Made with organic cotton, it will keep them cool and comfortable, too, plus they can go in the washing machine (the hats, not the kids). Buy it here.
Roarsome
Cub the Lion Swim Shorts, £36
It takes nine plastic bottles to make a pair of Roarsome’s swim shorts. With SPF50+ sun protection, they have a clever spandex inner short to keep out the sand and come with a waterproof pouch to store them in, too. Available in a bold range of stripes and animal designs, they’re the perfect mix of practical, conscious and summer fun. Buy it here.
Folpetto
Penelope One Piece, £54
If you’re looking for a Euro-chic twist on a sustainable summer wardrobe for little ones, Italian eco brand, Folpetto has beautiful classic designs, including the ruffle-trim Penelope, which is made from regenerated fishing nets. The fabric is quick-drying, ultra-chlorine resistant and brilliant at keeping its shape. Buy it here.
SunnyLife
Cotton Sun Parasol, £130
Keeping little ones safe in the shade doesn’t have to mean plastic windbreakers and brollies. Aussie brand, SunnyLife has a beautiful range of classic cotton canvas beach parasols with retro tassel trims. With a carry bag and shoulder strap, they’re a breeze to carry for those sunny summer days, just on the horizon… Buy it here.
By Lydia Mansi
Updated June 2023
