Summer is right around the corner, and for moms, especially new moms, keeping little ones entertained during the hot and sticky months can be a bit of a challenge. It’s not practical to schedule several playdates a day for three months, so we have to find ways to make sure our babies and toddlers get the most out of summertime at home without driving us crazy! Here are our summer must-haves we recommend to all families!
24 Summer Must-Haves for Babies and Toddlers to Keep Them Active and Happy All Summer Long:
Kiddie Pool
Tiny inflatable pools and splash pads are a mommy sanity saver on hot days and on every summer must-haves list. Babies love to splash around in the water, and you don’t have to go anywhere but your backyard.
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Floaties
When your kid is really small, this float activity center with a canopy or this float ring are awesome options. But once your child gets a little bigger, these puddle jumper floaties are essential.
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Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an absolute summer must-have. Most sunscreen is full of harmful chemicals not suitable for baby skin. Luckily, there are a few more natural sunscreen brands that are baby safe and effective, like this Babyganics SPF50 lotion.
Swimsuits
Obviously, swimsuits are summer must-haves. You’ll need a few swimsuits for your kiddos, and Ruffle Butts and Coolibar suits are some of the very best. They help keep your baby’s skin safe from the sun while keeping them cool.
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Beach Canopy
Whether you’re spending a day on the beach, at the lake, at big brother’s soccer game, or just out for a picnic, this baby beach tent is a must-have for keeping baby cool and shaded.
Swim Diapers
Swim diapers are an absolute must, duh. The disposable swim diapers are good, but I really love these reusable swim diapers.
Sunglasses
These baby sunglasses are the cutest! I love that they are flexible and durable and have a comfortable strap to keep them on your baby’s face.
Bug Spray
Insect repellant is about as bad as sunscreen when it comes to harmful chemicals that you don’t want to put on your baby’s skin. YAYA Organics Baby Bug Ban is one of the best I’ve found for a more natural alternative that’s actually effective.
Portable Playard
This ultimate portable playard can be a lifesaver when you want to include your little one in all the outdoor activities, but also don’t want him crawling into a parking lot when your back is turned for half a second. It might look like a baby jail, but I’m okay with that.
Portable Booster Seat/High Chair
It’s lunchtime, and you have to simultaneously feed yourself, your toddler, and your infant outside in the wilderness without anyone being eaten by ants or dropping food in the pool. Having this portable booster/high chair just may save your day.
Baby Carrier
When you have multiple kiddos, and only two hands, wearing your baby in the pool just makes life easier. Baby K’tan Breeze Wraps are amazing for doing just that! Plus, you can wear them outside the pool on those hot days when you just need a breathable baby carrier to wear your baby without you both having a heat stroke.
Water Shoes
I learned the hard way that baby feet are super sensitive, even when walking around at the pool. My kiddos would get blisters on their poor feet just from the bottom of the pool, so I started having them wear water shoes, and it helped a lot! These are my favorite water shoes for little feet.
Sprinkler
Once your baby becomes more mobile, you know there’s no way she will want to sit in one spot in a baby pool. This is the time to bust out your kid-friendly sprinkler and let the kids run wild in the backyard.
Water Beads
Every now and then, playing outside is just not going to happen. Whether it’s a summer rainstorm, a ridiculously hot day or you’re just too busy, having these water beads and other sensory play goodies on hand can be a sanity saver.
Sand/Water Table
Sensory play is important to a child’s development, and summertime is one of the best times to let the kids go to town with messy fun. A sand/water table is a staple for any family with kiddos because it lets them experience sand, water, jello, foam, or other messy play with reckless abandon.
Hooded Towels
Keep the kiddos dry with a cute and functional hooded towel. One size fit’s all with this super soft towel that doubles as a coverup. With adorable prints and amazing quality, this towel is the perfect summer must-have addition to any pool or beach trip!
Sun Hat
Protect that precious face from the sun! Always keep a sun hat on hand when you are out and about in the summer. With built-in sun protection and a wide brim, this lightweight and adjustable hat is the easiest way to shield your little one from those rays.
Outdoor Blanket
Whether you are heading for a family picnic at the park or a fun-filled day at the beach, an outdoor blanket is always a great idea! It’s a perfect and easy-to-pack place for your crew to play, snack, and relax when you are on the go this summer.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated in the heat is a must. Don’t forget to pack a kid-friendly water bottle for all of your summer adventures! These adorable and spill-proof bottles are the perfect addition to your summer lineup.
Portable Fan
Keep baby cool and breezy in the warm summer months with a portable fan. Small enough to take anywhere with the versatility you need when you are on the go! Attach it to the stroller or car seat and let your baby cool down and feel the breeze.
Popsicle Mold
It’s a win-win with this summer find! Grab a popsicle mold, fill the morning with a great activity creating some flavorful treats, and then you have the perfect afternoon snack. The possibilities are endless!
Bubble Machine
Every day is a party when you have a bubble machine in your backyard! This machine will provide endless hours of entertainment, giggles, and happiness for your whole family. Turn this cute dolphin on and you may just be the most popular house in the neighborhood!
Wet Bag
Keep your bag dry and contain all those wet swimsuits with a stylish wet bag. This waterproof and easy-to-clean bag can be used over and over to ensure you have a mess-free summer!
Sidewalk Chalk
Let their imagination run wild with some sidewalk chalk. It’s a fun and easy way to get the kids outside and let their creativity shine without leaving your home!
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Having a few (or all!) of these options available to your kiddos this summer will make your lives easier and more fun-filled. Remember, you only have about a dozen or so summers with these little people before they don’t want to hang out with you anymore, so try to make the best of it with these summer must-haves!
And here is everything we recommend for moms this summer!
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