As the summer holiday season begins long lazy days on the beach lie ahead. Be the hottest family on the sand with our guide to beach essentials.
1. Swim Suits – Mini Boden is the one-stop shop for all your colourful beachwear. Stocking everything from Rash suits, to trunks and comfy towelling ponchos. We particularly love this printed swimsuit for girls. Age 18months plus. Mini Boden, £18. 

 2. Swim Nappy - There’s no need for disposable swim nappies with one of these colourful and comfy nappies. From JoJoMamanBebe, £12.

3. Swim Aids - I’m a big fan the SwimFin buoyancy aid. Kids love the shark fin design and with their arms free they are encouraged to swim. £19.99.

4. Snorkelling Swim Trunks – These Ej Sikke Lef surf shorts are made for summer days out. Made from fast drying polyester and from Nordic Kids, £25.50 from age 3.
 

5. UV Protection Sun Wear – great for little ones and easier than slapping on endless rounds of suncream. Choose all-in-ones of tops and bottoms. The Beach Factory has a great range of suits for all ages. Legionnaire’s hats which protect tot’s faces and sensitive necks are perfect for keeping little heads cool. Choose ones that can be worn in and out of the water such as the sweet Lion in the Sun range, from £11.
6. UV Pop Up Tents – Useful as a base on the beach and can be used for playing, feeding and naps.  My kids often curl up for a little snooze in the shade after hours of fun in the sea and sand. They are also for perfect protection from the British Summer weather hazards such as blowing sand, rain and wind. The Beach Factory, £27.95
7. Suncream – UV sunwipes are great way to safely cover on the move. Also recommended are coloured spray creams as you can see where you’ve creamed avoiding missed patches. I’m a fan of the sticks and roll-ons for busy little tot’s sensitive ears, necks and cheeks.  Available from all good chemists and supermarkets.

8. Anti Mosquito Gizmos – Anti-Mosquito T Wipes -  Uses Chinese Eucalyptus instead of DEET but has been proven to be just as effective in field tests. Safe for pregnant women and children, even newborns. Comes in handy five-tissue packs, cost £4.99 and each wipe can be used up to 10 times. Also DEET free are the Squeeze and Stick Anti-Mosquito patches, £5.99 from Green Baby.
9. Cooling Spray – These spray cans provide instant relief in hot sticky weather. Perfect for little ones and grown-ups you can use them directly on your face or body in the heat. Find them in chemists and travel shops.
10. Olympus Mju Tough 3000 Digital Camera – Having ruined at least 3 mobile phones and 1 camera on the beach, this Olympus has been one of the best purchases I’ve recently made. It’s protected against all the beach elements as it’s waterproof up to depths of 3m and shockproof to 1.5m. Available from John Lewis, £169.95.

Gone are the days when festivals were dangerous, edgy experiences. You’re more likely to trip over a Phil and Ted buggy than an acid casualty as today’s family friendly summer festivals. Modern festival going is geared up for families and there’s plenty to keep busy pre-schoolers entertained. If the idea of lounging in a field surrounded by friendly faces with brilliant music, arts and delicious food just a short stroll way sounds good, then get booking now for the summer.

Here’s the BFB guide to the top 5 family festivals of 2010:
(Listed in date order)
Latitude – 15 – 18 July, Henman Park, Suffolk. Latitude is back for its 5th year, mixing pop with poetry and renowned for its kid friendly atmosphere. Tickets on sale from 9 March.
Port Eliot – 23 – 25 July 2010, the festival for literary lovers on a grand stately home in Cornwall. This year they’re planning a huge play area featuring magic and puppet shoes for kids, along with an eclectic mix of music and the arts.
£130 adult, £50 for child 8-15 years
The Big Chill – 5 – 8 August, this iconic multimedia festival, set in the beautiful Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Herefordshire is a fixed date in many festival-goers summer diary, many of which are now returning with their kids in tow. The Big Chill is a firm family favourite. Tickets not on sale yet
Camp Bestival – 30 July – 1 August, Lulworth Castle, Dorset. Expect to see everything from Calvin Harris to Billy Bragg, the English National Opera, to an insect circus and even Mr Tumble. Camp Bestival’s Castle Stage, Magic Meadow and huge Kids Fields wows both parents and kids with their eclectic, imaginative and inventive line-up. The best festival for young families.  £155 adult, kids 11-17 £77.50
The Green Man - 20, 21, 22 August is a mellow, alternative, folk-ish festival set in a breath-taking setting in the Brecon Beacons. The Green Man has always welcomed families and there’s masses of action for kids, from walking with the Druids, to wishing on magic trees.  £150 adults, children under 12 for free.