Beach and pool safety tips

Empty that blow-up pool
If you've got one in your yard, make sure you dump it every night  -- no exceptions. If it's too big for that, it needs a four-sided fence with a locking gate, says Don Mays, senior director for product safety at Consumer Reports. "With pools that are soft-sided, it's easy for a child to lean on the side and fall in," he says. "Covers don't keep kids out, and can even entrap them under water."

Protect little peepers Kids' eyes are especially sensitive to the sun, but it can be tough to get your child to wear sunglasses the right way (or not at all). The Julbo Looping Sunglasses are symmetrical  -- meaning there's no upside down  -- and with soft rubber on the bridge and temples, they'll stay securely and comfortably in place. ($25; Julbo).

Beat the bugs
Hate greasy, smelly insect spray? Try a DEET-free repellent with one of these new ingredients, both approved by the Centers of Disease Control: Off! Skintastic Clean Feel with picaridin ($5; at drugstores) feels like water and is safe for kids 2 months and up, and Repel (pictured), with the plant-based Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) ($5; at Wal-Mart and Target), smells like citrus and is safe for kids over 3.

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