Summer is right around the corner, which means there is only so much more time to gather all the seasonal essentials and must-haves that your kids. From sunglasses to hats to even a baby rash guard and diapers, we have compiled a list of gear to make your summer fun and easy!
The weather is not the only thing that changes when it comes to summertime; your kids gear and essentials also slightly change to cope with those HOT sun days!
The internet and stores are flooded with baby and kid products marketed to you as parents, which can be very overwhelming and cause some unwanted stress. Worry no more, below we have assembled a list of our favorite summer baby gear items to help you prepare for your summer activities and vacations.
For a full summer packing list + FREE printable, click here!
Our Favorite Summer Baby Gear Items
Baby Rash Guard – By Carters
On our pool days during the summer months we not only load up on tons of sunscreen, we also make sure that our kids have proper coverage from the sun. That said, rash guards are always a MUST to aid in protecting my kids from the sun!
Carters every year always have a great selection of baby rash guards for babies and toddlers that keep your little one protected from the sun! These rash guards have a UPF 50+ sun protection and are a perfect addition to your summer must-haves for your kids.
Rainbow Water Play Center – From Target
Water play centers are so fun to have during those hot summer months for your kids, especially if you do not have access to a pool. This adorable sun and rainbow play center from Target is designed with a quick easy set-up and includes a water sprayer that can be operated with a standard garden hose.
Sunscreen your babies up and let them have fun on the soft water slide and with the inflatable toys that are included.
Portable Pop N’ Go Play Yard – From The California Beach Co.
Having a place outside to safely set your baby down to play was such a lifesaver for me last summer! This Pop N’ Go portable kid play yard provides the ideal space for your kids in pretty much any location you bring them to.
Each tent is a portable pop-up that comes with a UV shade cover and carrying bag for extra convenience and comfort. It also includes a safety lock that keeps the pop-up tent securely in place until you are ready to pack it up! This is perfect for newborns, infants, toddlers, kid and even pets. Add this to your summer must-haves!
Mark & Graham Sunshade – From Pottery Barn Kids
Are you planning on heading to the beach this summer? You might want to invest in this sunshade tent from Pottery Barn Kids and take shelter from the sun and wind!
This lightweight and easy to assemble sunshade offers built in UPF 50+ protection and conveniently packs down small for easy packing!
Kid’s Sunscreen – From Hello Bello
No summer bag is ready without a bottle of sunscreen to protect your family from the harsh rays of the sun! Hello Bello is the brand that my family turns to when it comes to protecting our skin from that pesky sun.
This mineral and plant-based sunscreen not only protects and nourishes your family’s skin it also is reef-friendly, water resistant and SPF 50 protection! We love this sunscreen because it also is made without, oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, PABA, nanoparticles, parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, synthetic fragrance and common allergens (soy, gluten, peanut).
Rock the Locks
Of course, one of the best things about summer is all the time you get to spend outdoors, especially swimming at your local pool or days spent at the beach. However, all of this comes with one downside which is brushing through the knots and tangles in your little one’s hair after all the fun. You will want to keep a good detangler on hand to make this process easier on everyone!
Here’s what Rookie Mom Squad’s Lo has to say about Rock the Locks,
“As the mama of two toddlers far too passionate about their long (princess) hair, I am always desperate for products that make brushing and caring for their hair easier.
Enter Rock the Locks detangler. It smells good, its easy to open and use, my 4 year old instantly loved the packaging and we were both so excited that (maybe for the first time in a year) no one was crying during ‘hair-brushing’ time. Any product that truly makes even 5 minutes as a mama easier has my thumbs up.”
SwimWays Baby Spring Water Float – From Target
For both of my kids we used one of these floaties to let them enjoy the pool during the summer! We found that this was a great float to introduce our kids to the pool as well protected our babies from the sun with its attachable shade.
This floatie is super easy and convenient to store and transport for vacation travel and is ideal for babies age 9-24 months!
Nylon Sun Hats – From Pottery Barn
Hats for sun protection are so important to have on hand during the hot summer months for your kids. These sun hats from Pottery Barn not only protect the top of your kids heads, it also protects the back of their necks, which gives you that extra peace of mind that your kids are being protected from those harsh rays.
Beach Bag and Pool Bag – From Amazon
Personally, I am a bag addict! As a Mom, having that PERFECT bag can really be a game changer when helping us get through those busy days. Having a bag dedicated for summer activities can really change your mom game and be an easy convenient grab on the way out the door!
This summer beach and pool bag on Amazon has it all. This bag is 100% waterproof, which makes it safe to store your smartphones, tablets, credit cards and more! Machine washable and plenty of pockets included, this bag will quickly become one of your favorites to use during the summer!
Our Favorite Summer Baby Gear: Baby Rash Guards, Sunglasses and more!
- Beach Bag and Pool Bag – From Amazon
- SwimWays Baby Spring Water Float – From Target
- Kid’s Sunscreen – From Hello Bello
- Portable Pop N’ Go Play Yard – From The California Beach Co.
- Mark & Graham Sunshade – From Pottery Barn Kids
- Rainbow Water Play Center – From Target
- Baby Rash Guard – By Carters
About the Author
Ashland Hendrix from luvashland.com
You might also enjoy:
- The Best Baby Beach Tent
- Best Kiddie Pools To Beat The Summer Heat
- Pool Safety for Toddlers
- 25 Fun Summer Activities For Summer Preschoolers & Toddlers
- Baby Sleep Tips for Summer
Our Favorite Summer Baby Gear: Baby Rash Guards, Sunglasses and more!
Frequently Asked Questions about Summer Baby Gear & Baby Rash Guards
Do babies need rash guards?
A rash guard will prevent your baby from getting too much sun. Since you cannot put sunscreen on your baby until they are 6 months old, a rash guard will offer them important protection.
What does a rash guard do for babies?
Rash guards protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and can help to prevent sunburns.
Do babies need a bathing suit?
It is recommended for babies to wear bathing suits with a UPF rating for sun protection. In many public and resort pools, your baby will be required to wear a swim diaper. You can put this on under their bathing suit.
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