The season of summer recess, BBQs, picnics and family vacation is finally here. Both kids and parents look forward to family vacations all year long but parents have the burden of packing for the trip. We know you’ve got the basics, like your outfits and your toothbrushes but here are some things that make traveling with family a lot easier that you may not have known you needed.

1. Baby Elephant Ears ($21.95+)

You can’t travel without your Ears! Baby Elephant Ears is an infant support pillow that keeps your baby comfortable in the car seat or stroller. They are soft, comfy and save you from worrying about your baby’s poor neck.

2. Butterbean Sunscreen ($10-26)

Sunscreen may already be in your suitcase, but Butter bean is a natural alternative that offers maximum skin protection. Its water resistant formula uses organic ingredients to offer broad section protection against UVA rays.

3. ZipTowel ($20)

An ordinary towel just won’t do when traveling with family. The ZipTowel is made with deep pockets to carry your valuables along with you to the beach. This way, your room keys, glasses and cell phones are in safe keeping while you hit the gym, the spa and beyond.

4. Swimlids ($12.45 – $14.95)

Swimlids are a spinoff of your every day baseball and sunhat. They are designed to stay stationed on your head during active water play activities. Swimlids uses UPF 50+ fabric that survive your most adventurous water adventures, from relaxing at the beach to surfing. The brand caters to everyone in your family so you’ll never forget to pack this one for your future trips.

5. Sand Gone ($12.95+)

If you are familiar with the frustrating sand between your toes trouble then you will love this travel product. Sand Gone gets applied to the sandy parts of your body to remove the sand and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. This product is a lifesaver for all who encounter it. It makes clean up time after the beach a whole lot easier.

6. SwimZip ($29.99 )

This brand isn’t a celebrity favorite for no reason. It is a stylish swimsuit collection that offers UPF 50+ sun protection so that your little one doesn’t get burned in the sun. SwimZip is also available for adults so you can benefit from the sun protecting benefits as well. The creator of SwimZip is a cancer survivor, so she knows the importance of protection! Come back from vacation refreshed instead of burned this summer!

7. Bogg Bag ($59.99)

Let’s be honest, traditional beach bags don’t cater to the needs of traveling families. We’re packing for more than one and we need a beach bag that can handle it. The Bogg Bag is a large tote that can withstand anything you throw into it. What we love most about this vacation staple is its ability to keep things from spilling over and making a mess.

8. Sphinx Personal Lounger ($58.95+)

The Sphinx Personal Lounger is ideal for all things travel from resorts, beaches, camping trips to reading. The inflatable lounger is made of durable high-quality materials yet weighs only weighs 2 lbs. The lounger features a place to put sunglasses, cell phone, water bottle and other things. It inflates within 12 breaths, and deflates to the size of a notebook.

Are there any travel products that you tried and now can’t live without? Let us know on Twitter at @BabyElephantEar.

Written by Alicia Overby - Founder & President of Baby Elephant Ears

Alicia is wife, mother, and creator of Baby Elephant Ears. Baby Elephant Ears was created out of parental concern, not financial desire. In 2005, when their second child was an infant, he cried all the time and just couldn't seem to get comfortable.

After seeking advice and suggestion from the medical community and alternative medicine, they eventually ended up in the chiropractors office where their baby was successfully treated for asubluxation, discomfort most likely the result of the strain during labor, which was now being exacerbated by the normal lack of infant neck strength. Only proper neck, head, and back alignment would offer him relief. When they couldn't find a product to give their baby the necessary support, Alicia took matters into her own hands and crafted her own infant support pillow. The first Baby Elephant Ears was born!

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.

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