It seems that when you have kids in tow nothing is simple, not even packing a bag for the beach!  Remember the days when you'd just grab a towel and jump in your car with a hot date (who's now your husband) and off you'd go for a day at the beach.

You'd grab some hot chips from the local beachfront take away and just spend the day lazing around.  Well theres still no cheaper or fun way to spend they day but it just requires a little more preparation.  But its so worth it. Once you've got yourself organised and set up on the beach the kids will enjoy hours of endless play.  Whether they like to splash along the shore or if building a sand masterpiece is more their thing, most parents will agree thats its a great family day.  There's also nothing better at wearing out you're little bundle of energy, kids sleep so well after a day of playing on the beach.

So here's our byokids checklist for a day of surf, sun and fun

Of course no beach bag should be without the 30+ sunscreen. There are literally dozens of brands on the market now.  There are kids sunscreens, zincs, water resistant sunscreens, there are sprays, lotions, gels and more.  What you buy to protect your family is up to you, just make sure that you choose one with at least 30+ protection and reapply regularly escpecially if the kids are swimming.

A Sunshelter will make your day so much easier.  The good old umbrella will do the job but they can be a struggle on a windy day.  Sun Shelters are becoming a popular choice with new designs making shelters so easy to carry and set up.  There are a wide selection available at online camping stores such as Sherrys camping.  Priced from under $50 they'll provide your little ones with shade to sleep, eat or rest. 

Good quality sun-safe swimwear will help protect your kids from the suns harmful rays.  Kids rashies cover those easy to burn bits like, the back of the neck, shoulders and arms. Choose nice bright colours so you can spot your kids in a crowd or in the water.  A range of swimwear for kids and adults (including maternity swimwear) is available online at vivaswimwear.   

Dont leave home without a hat for every member of the family.  Yes, even you Mum, I know you'll get hat hair but it really is a necessity.  Not only does it stop noses and ears getting burnt but it will protect your heads from getting burnt and suffering from sunstroke. And take it from me, sunstoke is one of the worst things I've ever experienced, worse than childbirth (well ok, not quite).  A wide brim or legionnaire style hat is best as they offer the most coverage.  Vivaswimwear stock legionnaire hats in a range of colours.

Next is the beach towel.  These have been used in a million ways over the years mainly to dry yourself off but what about all those other uses.  Baby change mat, sun protection, table cloth, toy carrier, rug, skirt, roll the top and make an arabian style hat, its endless really.  A selection of affordable beach towels are available online at Metro Mum The fun designs and styles make them good gifts too for those nieces and nephews out there.

Child ID bracelets are a good idea particularly if you are heading to a crowded beach like Bondi Beach or one of the Gold Coast beaches. Child ID products come in range of styles and many include precious medical details. 

To carry all this gear you'll need a great beach bag.  There are lots of  fun and funky styled bags on the market. Try to get one with a zip pocket for your car keys and phone so they'll stay safe, dry and sand free.  Some basic first aid supplies are always a good idea to take anywhere with kids and another item we've always found very useful is a picnic hamper.  You just grab the hamper and go knowing you've got all your plates, cutlery and bits and pieces ready for a picnic lunch. These products can be found at great prices on Metro Mum

Have a great day at the beach and remember Swim between the flags!