Beach gear test spotlights products that make kids’ trips easier
NBC Select said it tested more than 50 beach and pool products and found 25 that helped families with young children cut down on hauling, cleanup and stress.
By Tom Brennan · Health & Medicine Correspondent
3 min read
NBC Select said a summer test of more than 50 beach and pool products found 25 items that made outings with young children easier to manage. The review focused on practical problems for parents: water safety, shade, snacks, hauling gear and keeping kids comfortable on long days near sand and water.
The testing covered three beach trips and additional pool days, according to NBC Select. The reviewer said the trips included a 4 1/2-year-old, a 21-month-old and a 9-month-old, a mix that made packing, unloading and cleanup a major part of each outing.
NBC Select said the strongest picks were the items that stayed in the beach bag after repeated use. Some products were dropped after one trip, while others became regular gear because they reduced reminders, extra trips to the car or sandy snack breaks, according to the review.
Safety gear led the list
For children who resist traditional floatation gear, NBC Select highlighted the Line and Cleat Life Jacket, listed at $88. The review said the vest was lighter and less bulky than many alternatives, and that the reviewer’s preschool-age child wore it while swimming, digging and running on the beach without repeatedly asking to remove it.
NBC Select also named the SwimWays SwimSteps Life Vest as a lower-cost option for toddlers and backup use. The vest was listed at $29.92 at Amazon and Walmart, and the review said its adjustable design made it useful for families who need an easy item to keep in the car for pool visits or other unplanned water outings.
Wagons handled the load
Hauling children and supplies was another focus of the test. NBC Select said the Radio Flyer Voya 2.0 XT 4-Seater Stroller Wagon, listed at about $589 to $589.99, helped on longer walks from parking areas because of its power assist feature.
The review said the Radio Flyer wagon also included a snack tray, a UPF 50+ canopy and a peekaboo window, features that helped when the baby needed shade or a nap. NBC Select said the wagon is a large purchase, but may make sense for families that also use a wagon for walks, parks, errands, vacations and children’s sports.
NBC Select also pointed to the Veer All-Terrain Cruiser XL, listed at $799, for families that want a wagon to carry both kids and gear. The review said its beach wheels handled soft sand better than a standard stroller or wagon, and that the unit folded flat enough to avoid taking over the trunk.
The review noted a cost drawback for the Veer: accessories such as trays, baskets and sidewalls are sold separately. NBC Select said the regular Cruiser seats two children, while the Cruiser XL seats four.
Chairs and coolers rounded out the gear
For adults, NBC Select included the Yeti Hondo Beach Chair, listed at $300. The review said the chair stayed stable on soft sand, reclined easily and felt sturdy, while also serving beyond beach days at t-ball games, backyard gatherings and other outdoor activities.
For kids’ snack breaks, NBC Select highlighted the Izimini Portable Booster Chair V2, listed at $59. The review said its removable tray kept food off towels, while a built-in harness helped with toddlers and wipe-clean surfaces made spills easier to handle.
NBC Select also included the Yeti Hopper M20 Backpack Cooler among the products covered in the guide, with the cooler listed at $325 at REI. The review placed it in the broader category of gear meant to reduce the number of loose bags and awkward items parents carry to the beach.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.