It’s sunny and hot. That means, sooner or later, that you’re headed for the beach. Don’t let the hassles of traveling with small ones in tow scare you off — you can make it work with the right gear. You’ve already got a bathing suit, sunscreen, hats, and wee sunglasses, right? Here’s what else you need.

A warm-weather-ready carrier

Babywearing is perfect for a situation where you need both hands, but many traditional carriers can make both baby and you sweat like crazy. Beachfront Baby offers a baby carrier that is perfect for the hot weather and a trip to the beach. This carrier, created by a mother of four, is made of performance athletic mesh, which allows just the right amount of stretch while letting the air flow through. The fabric is lightweight for swimming and dries quickly. It is a great idea for moms who want to enjoy the water while holding baby.

Ergobaby also makes a mesh version of its popular carrier, as does Baby K’Tan. And Moby Wrap makes a bamboo version that offers UV protection.

A source of shade

On a beach, you need more than sunscreen to protect young skin from the punishing rays. Since there’s no shade to be found, bring your own. A pop-up tent is a great answer, as is any kind of canopy.

Earlyears has a Baby Shade Beach Pool that does double duty, keeping baby both cool and occupied on long summer afternoons. It offers shade for baby, while still allowing them to have fun splashing in the water (and maybe you can get a break, too).

The Summer Infant Ultimate Pop ‘n Play is a play yard with a canopy, and it’s light, compact and easy to fold. It’s a safe place for play or nap, and it protects baby from the sun and wind. Plus the floor is water-resistant, so she’ll stay dry.

The Guava Lotus Everywhere Crib is another easy-fold option; this one can even be carried like a backpack. You can get the optional sunshade for SPF 50 sun protection, too. Like the Pop ‘n Play, the Lotus works well for other types of travel and is also handy at home.

Someplace to sit

For the toddlers that want their own chair for the beach, Hayneedle has a great solution: a beach chair and umbrella for kids. It’s perfect to keep the hot sun off of your child while they relax on the beach. This compact chair and umbrella is durable, washable and folds up easily. It is recommended for ages 2 to 5 and weighs less than 3 pounds, so older kids can carry it themselves.

Wondering how to feed a baby without him ingesting more sand than food? Eating on the beach is a snap with the Ciao! Baby portable high chair. This free standing chair requires no assembly, and it’s lightweight. It unfolds and folds back up within seconds, for a no-hassle day. It’s got a lap belt that will safely hold children up to 35 pounds.

A mode of transportation

Some strollers are fine for a quick trip across the sand, but if you’re dragging kids and gear very far, you’ll need a wagon. If you’ve got one at home, odds are it will work, but consider a lightweight, folding model like the ones offered by Frontgate and Radio Flyer. If you’re carrying a young baby who can’t sit up, use your mesh carrier and save the wagon for your stuff.

Photograph via Canva.