Summer is a great time for parents and their babies to play and have fun in the sun! Summer does come with its own challenges though. The heat and strong UV can pose safety issues for your little one, so it’s important to take extra care of your baby during the hot weather. It doesn’t mean though that you can’t have fun outdoors or splashing around with your precious baby. This list of must have summer baby items will keep your little one cool, comfortable, and entertained all summer long. If you’re lookiny specifically for baby beach essentials, read my baby beach packing list essentials here! [*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for items purchased through these links at no additional cost to you. You can read the full disclosure here.]
Must Have Summer Baby Items
SHOP MY BABY SUMMER RECOMMENDATIONS HERE!
Sun Protection
1. Sunscreen:
(For babies 6 months and over) Choose a mineral, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for your baby’s skin. Look for mineral-based sunscreens that are free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can be harmful to sensitive skin. Apply sunscreen liberally to your baby’s exposed skin 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 2 hours or every 90 minutes if your baby is sweating or swimming. For babies under 6 months, use shade and lightweight clothing as sun protection instead.
2. Sunhat:
A wide-brimmed baby sunhat will help protect your baby’s face, neck, and ears from the sun’s harmful rays. Look for a hat made from a breathable material like cotton or linen and that has UV protection.
3. Sunglasses:
Protect your baby’s eyes from the sun with sunglasses that offer UVA and UVB protection. Look for sunglasses made for infants that are comfortable and have an adjustable strap. Baby sunnies also look absolutely adorable!
4. Lightweight Clothing:
Clothing is a huge form of sun protection, especially for babies under 6 months old. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton and muslin to keep your baby cool. Items you’ll want to have are Lightweight onesies, rompers, shorts, and dresses. These are perfect for hot, summer weather.
5. Backyard Pop Up Tent:
A pop-up tent is an easy way to provide sun Protection and for your little one. This one has UV protection with a UV sun canopy with UPF 50. It is also spacious, ventilated with mesh to keep baby cool, and super easy to put up.
Outdoor Cooling ESSENTIALS:
6. Sun Shades for Car:
The last thing you want is for your baby to be uncomfortable in the car. Get a pair of sun shades for your pasengar window so baby can stay protected from the sun while you’re traveling.
7. Stroller with Canopy:
A stroller with a sunshade canopy is so important! Make sure to get a stroller that already has an attached, adjustable canopy you can keep up or down as it’s safer than attachments or add on piec
8. Stroller Fan Portable Fan:
A portable, battery-operated stroller fan can be a lifesaver during hot summer days. Attach it to your stroller or car seat to help circulate the air and provide a gentle breeze to keep your baby cool.
9. Fisher Price Portable Bassinet and Play Space:
This portable on the go baby play dome bassinet is perfect for the summer! This portable bassinet is perfect for outdoors or to take with you on the go. It has a sun shade canopy to protect baby from the sun (or bugs!), padding on the bottom to keep baby comfortable, and removable toys that baby can play with. It also folds up and has handles for super easy storage and convenience!
10. Beach Tent or Umbrella
If you’re heading to the beach, a pop-up beach tent or umbrella provides essential shade. Look for options with UV protection and enough ventilation to keep your baby comfortable. A beach tent can provide your baby with a shady spot to relax and play at the beach. This family tent is well-ventilated and has a UPF rating to protect your baby from the sun.
11. Baby Beach Personal Pop Up Tent w/ Portable Pool
You can also get a pop up tent just for baby. We love this baby pop up tent with baby wading pool! It has a canopy, floor, and little built in baby pool so your little can still enjoy splashing in the water.
12. Baby Carrier with Breathable Fabric
A baby carrier made from lightweight, breathable material can be more comfortable for both you and your baby during summer outings. This baby carrier has mesh panels for added ventilation to keep you and baby cooler in the summer heat and is suitable to use even with a newborn.
Hydration Gear
13. A spill-proof sippy cup
Sippy cups and straw sippy cups are essential and handy for on-the-go hydration. Babies NEED to stay hydrated in the summer heat. For babies under 6 months, offer extra breastmilk or formula. Babies 6 months and older can also have water in a sippy cup. This weighted straw cup is out absolute favorite one! It can be used at all angles so baby isn’t slurping up gas. Even if your baby isn’t showing signs of thirst, offer them sips of cool water throughout the day.
14. Mesh Fresh Food Feeder
This mesh fresh food teether is a must have for any time of year because it has so many uses! Adding cold fruit inside is a great way to give baby some extra hydration and is a safe way to introduce fruits or veggies when starting solids. Its also amazing for teething! This was the absolute best thing for my teething baby! Just put in some cold fruit like cold watermelon or cold mango and let baby gnaw away. The mesh allows only small digestible pieces of the fruit, so you can use this with piece of mind.
Baby Pool and Swim Gear
15. Baby pool:
A small inflatable baby pool is a great way for your baby to cool off on a hot day. Just be sure to ALWAYS closely supervise your baby all times while they’re in the pool! NEVER leave your baby unattended in any amount of water, not even for a second!
16. Swim School Infant pool And Splash Pad:
This baby pool with sun canopy is perfect for backyard water play and is also easily portable. It includes a backrest to help babies sit up, and built in inflatable ring stacker. My baby loved this!
17. Swim Diapers:
If you plan on bringing baby in a pool or to the beach then swim diapers are a must. Just make sure to only put it on your baby right before going in the water because they are not the same as diapers!
18. Hooded Towel:
A soft, absorbent hooded towel is a summer staple. If your baby will be engaging in water play then you’ll a hooded towel or hooded towel poncho to try them off with.
19. Bathing suit with long sleeve rash guard:
Bathing suits with long sleeve rash guards offer more sun protection for your little one. This is especially important for babies under 6 months as they can’t wear sunblock yet.
20. Anti Flip Rubber Baby Pool Float:
This pool float is a great choice for babies! It’s non inflatable so it can’t pop or deflate! It has a safety harness and baby can use it in different positions. It also has a removable sun shade canopy. ALWAYS closely supervise your baby in the pool, even when using this float! Babies need to be supervised in any amount of water at all times. Never leave baby alone in any amount of water, not even for a second!
21. Wet dry bag
This wet dry bag is a great summer addition to your summer essentials arsenal. It’s an easy way to keep wet bathing suits, or soiled clothes separate from clean ones. This is great for beach trips, pool days, an any other summer eventsl
For Fun and Other Items
22. Cooling water sensory mat:
A cooling sensory mat is a fun way you can help keep your baby comfortable in the heat. These mats are often filled with water and are perfect for tummy time. Your little one can cool off and engage in a fun sensory experience!
23. Water sensory bin:
Any clear, shallow bin or large tupperware can be a water sensory bin for your baby. Just add water, some floating toys, or water stacking cups and let baby splash and explore. This is a great tummy time activity and so easy to do outside.
24. Baby Ice Pop Mold:
Making ice pops is another great way to keep your baby cool, give them extra hydration, and soothe sore gums when teething. Fill the ice pop molds with breastmilk or formula and freeze. This can be used for babies 4 months and up. You can also try this mess free ice pop mold. I loved keeping breastmilk pops in the freezer for my little one, and once he started solids, I blended breastmilk, frozen fruit, and baby fruit puree to make ice pops. He loved them!
25. Bug spray:
Baby safe bug spray can be used on babies over 2 mobths old. Summer often brings bugs and atrocious mosquitoes. Choose a bug spray that is safe for babies. Products containing picaridin are generally effective and safer than DEET. We use and love this one. My baby and I both have extremely sensitive skin and this bug spray hasn’t cause any irritation, and works well! Always follow the product guidelines for age and application. If you’re unsure about usage, ask your pediatrician before using.
Summer baby must have items
See my entire list of summer baby items on AMAZON!
Additional Summer Baby Tips:
- Limit your baby’s time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, typically between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Schedule outdoor playtime in the early morning or evening when the temperatures are cooler.
- Find shady spots for your baby to play whenever possible.
- Be aware of the signs of heatstroke in babies, such as fever, excessive sweating, lethargy, and irritability. If you think your baby may be overheating, cool them down immediately and seek medical attention.
- Try to avoid bringing baby out during a heat advisory or air quality alert. Also limit baby’s outside time to 30 minutes in the shade if the heat index, or feels like temperature, is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit or, if the temperature is 84 degrees Fahrenheit and above with a humidity level of 70% or higher.
Baby Summer Final Thoughts:
Preparing for summer with your baby involves a mix of sun protection, hydration, comfort, and fun. With these baby summer must have items and summer safety tips, you’ll be properly prepared for summer! You can enjoy all the sunny summer days while keeping your little one safe, cool, and happy.
Don’t forget to read my Must Have Baby Beach Essentials to know exactly what to pack for a day at the beach with your little one! I’ve also included a baby beach packing checklist to make things easier for you.
This is such a detailed and insightful post. I really appreciate the effort you put into explaining everything so clearly.
Thank you; I’m glad it was helpful!