Summer is right around the corner, and for moms, especially new moms, keeping little ones cool, safe, and entertained during the hot months can be a real challenge. It’s not always realistic to plan daily outings or endless playdates, so having a few reliable summer essentials for babies and toddlers can make summer outings and outdoor play feel much more manageable.
Whether you’re spending time at home, in the backyard, or by the water, the right baby summer gear can help little ones handle hot summer days more comfortably.
26 Summer Must-Haves for Babies and Toddlers
These toddler summer essentials can help kids stay busy, cool, and happy all season long.
1. Kiddie Pool
Tiny inflatable pools and splash pads are a lifesaver for parents on hot summer days and are on every summer essentials list. Babies love to splash around in the water, and you don’t have to go anywhere but your backyard. These will keep your little one entertained for hours!
2. Floaties
When your kid is really small, this float activity center with a canopy is a great option. But these puddle jumper floaties are essential once your child gets a little bigger.
Related: Best Outdoor Toys for Kids (Ages 1 – 8)
3. Sunscreen
Baby sunscreen is another one of my absolute summer must-haves. Most sunscreens contain harmful chemicals and are not suitable for baby skin.1 Luckily, there are a few more natural sunscreen brands that are baby-safe and effective, like Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF50 lotion.
4. Life Vest
Speaking of safety, it’s also essential to have a life vest for your child, especially when they’re learning how to swim. You’ll still need to monitor them in the water, of course, but a life vest can give you a little more peace of mind. This one has a safety strap in the crotch area and comes in so many cute colors!
5. Swimsuits
Obviously, swimsuits are one of the biggest summer essentials. You’ll need a few swimsuits for your kiddos, and we also recommend this neon rash guard and these neon swim trunks. (In general, neon swimsuits are a great option because the bright colors make it easier to see your little ones in the water, which can be helpful in case of any accidents.) Also, check out these matching family swimsuits we love!
Water safety and sun protection products can help make pool days and outdoor play less stressful for parents with babies and toddlers.
Related: 20 Fun Pool Toys for Kids This Summer
6. Beach Canopy
Whether you’re heading to the beach, spending the day at the park, or sitting through outdoor sports and activities, this baby beach tent is a must-have for keeping baby cool and shaded. It’s quick and easy to set up and has see-through mesh netting to keep bugs out. It also has a back window to help your baby stay comfortable and cool (and also so you can keep an eye on them).
7. Swim Diapers
Swim diapers are an absolute must. Disposable swim diapers can be convenient, but I really love these reusable swim diapers! They come in tons of prints, are machine-washable, and are easy to pull on and off with side snap closures.
8. Sunglasses
These baby sunglasses are the cutest! I love this flexible, durable pair with a comfortable strap to keep them on your baby’s face. We also love these Babiators sunglasses; the lenses are BPA-free and provide 100% UV protection for your baby.
9. Swim Goggles
To protect your child’s eyes in the water, you’ll also want to get them a pair of swim goggles or a swim mask. These adorable printed goggles come with a padded headband for added comfort and UV protection. If your child wants a better view underwater, you can get them a snorkel mask like this one, which also has UV protection and covers their nose.
Related: 30 Fun Outdoor Games for Kids and Families
10. Bug Spray
Insect repellent is about as bad as sunscreen when it comes to harmful chemicals 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 yet effective alternative. The Bug Bite Thing is also a neat tool to suck the insect venom out of the bite and help prevent it from itching.
A few simple outdoor essentials can help make backyard play, beach trips, and pool days much less stressful during the summer months.
11. Portable Playard
A portable playard can be a lifesaver when you want to include your little one in all the outdoor activities, but also don’t want them crawling into a parking lot when you turn your back for half a second! It might look like a portable play space, but I’m okay with that. It’s lightweight and folds up compactly, so it’s easy to take with you on the go.
12. Portable Booster Seat/High Chair
It’s lunchtime, and you must 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 or high chair just may save your day. It comes in many colors/prints and folds up compactly to take with you.
13. Baby Carrier
Wearing your baby in the pool makes life easier when you have multiple kiddos and only two hands. Baby K’tan Breeze Wraps are excellent 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 keep your baby cool without both of you overheating.
Related: How to Play with Your Kids Outside on a Rainy Day
14. 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, which helped a lot! These first ones are my favorite water shoes for little feet. We also love these Native Shoes, which are lightweight and easy to slip on and off.
15. Sprinkler
Once your baby becomes more mobile, you know there’s no way they’ll want to sit in one spot in a baby pool. That’s the time to bust out your child-friendly sprinkler and let the kids run around and cool off in the backyard. This will provide outdoor fun for the entire family!
Outdoor toys and water activities are often some of the easiest ways to keep little ones entertained during long summer days.
16. Play Kitchen Sink
Every now and then, playing outside is just not going to happen. Whether it’s a summer rainstorm, a scorching day, or you’re just too busy, having this play sink with running water on hand can be a sanity saver. It comes with kitchen accessories and other cute toys to entertain your kids for hours!
17. Sand/Water Table
Sensory play is essential to a child’s development, and summertime is one of the best times to let the kids fully enjoy messy sensory play. A sand and water table is a staple for any family with kiddos because it lets them experience sand, water, jello, foam, and other messy play with reckless abandon, giving kids a chance to explore textures and water. This one has an easy-release plug at the bottom to empty it once you’re done.
Related: 100+ Fun Summer Activities for Kids
18. Hooded Towels
Keep the kiddos dry with a cute and functional hooded towel like these from Weezie. These towels are super soft, and the second one can even double as a cover-up. And with adorable prints and fantastic quality, these are the perfect summer beach-bag essential to any pool or beach trip — just don’t forget to brush up on pool and beach safety before you go!
19. Sun Hat
Protect that precious face from the sun! Always keep a sun hat on hand when you’re out and about in the summer. With built-in sun protection and a wide brim, this lightweight, adjustable hat is the easiest way to shield your little one from the sun.
20. Outdoor Blanket
Whether 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. The Little Unicorn blanket is also an excellent option that’s durable and water-resistant, plus it comes in several cute prints.
Portable summer gear can make spontaneous park trips, beach days, and outdoor outings feel much easier with young kids.
21. Water Bottle
Staying hydrated in the heat is a must. Remember to pack a kid-friendly water bottle for all your summer adventures! These adorable and insulated Owala bottles are a practical choice for your summer lineup. They come in so many colors and even have a carrying handle.
Related: Fun Summer Activities for a One-Year-Old
22. Portable Fan
Keep baby cool and breezy in the warm summer with a portable fan. It’s small enough to take anywhere with the versatility you need when you’re on the go! Attach it to the stroller or car seat, and let your baby cool down and feel the breeze.
23. Popsicle Mold
It’s a win-win with this summer find! Grab a popsicle mold, fill your kids’ morning with a great activity by creating some flavorful treats, and then you have the perfect afternoon snack. You can easily customize popsicles with different fruits, juices, and yogurt combinations.
Related: 6 Easy Popsicle Recipes for Kids
24. Bubble Machine
Every day is a party when you have a bubble machine in your backyard! This machine can keep little ones entertained for surprisingly long stretches of time. Turn it on, and you may just be the most popular house in the neighborhood!
25. Wet Bag
Keep your bag dry and contain all those wet swimsuits with a stylish wet bag. You can use this waterproof, easy-to-clean bag again and again to keep your summer mess-free! It comes in a bunch of fun prints to choose from.
26. Sidewalk Chalk
Let their imagination run wild with some sidewalk chalk. It’s a simple and easy way to get the kids outside and let their creativity shine without leaving your home! It comes in a handy storage container to keep the chalk in, too.
Some of the best summer memories are often the simplest ones spent outside together. Even simple backyard days can end up becoming some of the moments kids remember most.
Having a few (or all!) of these summer must-haves for babies and toddlers on hand can make your days smoother, safer, and more fun. You only get so many summers with little ones before these little summer traditions start changing, so soak it up while you can, and make the most of the season with gear that helps make summer days a little smoother for everyone.
