Summer is fast approaching – finally! After everything we’ve been through this year, the warm weather and extended daylight hours are exactly what we need.
When you’re a baby mom, there’s so much to prepare for as summer approaches.
Back in the days before parenthood, you might have simply unearthed last year’s sunscreen, dresses and shades come summertime. But with a baby, everything’s new – and you might need to do a bit of shopping if you’re missing anything important!
Stay tuned for my top 10 baby summer gear picks that every mom needs in their lives.
1. Water Play Center
Is there anything more fun in the sun than a water play center? It ticks two boxes, giving your baby endless hours of entertainment and cooling them down on those particularly hot days. There are plenty of play centers to choose from, and they’re pretty affordable, too. No, you might not need one of these, but you can’t deny they’re pretty cool.
Target has a particularly cute, vibrant rainbow play center for $50. It features two little pools with a slide, and comes with a water sprayer that you can operate using your garden hose. There’s even a selection of inflatable toys included.
2. Sunshade
Keeping your little one in the shade on those hot summer days is important – but finding shade isn’t always easy. If you’re heading to the beach or your local park, a sunshade tent is essential for your baby. Most tents are lightweight and easy to assemble.
Look for sunshades that have built-in UV protection, like this tent from Pottery Barn Kids. Costing over $100, it’s on the expensive side – but it’s certainly a good investment.
3. Beach and Pool Bag
No mom can ever have too many bags. You might have once got by with a fashion clutch, but once you become a parent, you need a bag that has space for everything. Having a good bag with plenty of pockets that’s specifically designed for use at the beach and pool can be a lifesaver in the summer.
You’re certainly not short on options, here, but narrow down your search by looking for a bag that’s 100% waterproof and preferably machine washable, like this bag from Amazon. Considering how much use you could get out of it, it’s a great price at less than $50.
4. Baby Rash Guard
A baby’s skin is particularly delicate, and you might worry that sunscreen alone doesn’t offer enough protection. It’s worth looking for baby rash guards for that extra coverage, especially if you plan to spend most of your summer at the pool or beach.
Look in any store that sells baby clothing and you’ll probably find rash guards, but you’ll get the best selection online. Again, opt for rash guards that have UPF 50+ sun protection, like these rash guards by Carters.
5. Baby Sunglasses
Once your bub reaches the age where they’ll tolerate sunglasses, it’s time to invest in a few pairs. We’ve all felt almost as if we’ve been blinded by the sun on particularly hot days, and babies’ eyes are just as sensitive.
There are loads of fun options for sunglasses that your little one will love. Sunglasses with 100% UV protection are best here – like these fun dino traveler sunglasses from The Children’s Place.
6. Sun Hat
You can’t have sunglasses without thinking about sun hats. Hats are ideal for sun protection, and they’re really affordable, so definitely don’t miss these off your summer buys list. The best sun hats for babies will be designed to protect the top of a child’s head and the back of their necks, which, as we all know, is a super common burn spot.
When it comes to finding the perfect baby sun hat, we’re spoilt for choice! All your favorite baby stores will sell them, but these hats from H&M are particularly cute.
7. Play Yard
Maybe it’s not quite hot enough for your baby to play with water features – in which case, a portable play yard is the perfect alternative. If you want to keep your bub entertained while you relax outside, you need little pop-up play area that guarantees hours of enjoyment.
Most play yards don’t come with anything other than the basics – they’re a little like tents, except they provide a 360-degree safety enclosure as well as shelter. Your baby can safely play inside the yard without you having to keep hold of them. The California Beach Co. does a particularly smart pop-up play yard – find it here.
8. Hair Detangler
It’s inevitable: your baby will eventually grow hair. And the moment that hair reaches her shoulders, it’s going to start getting knotty and tangled after a day of fun at the beach. If you haven’t already invested in a decent detangler, I’d highly recommend it.
Detanglers are kind to toddlers’ heads, and they make the job of brushing much easier for you, too. Check out the Rock the Locks detanglers if you’re looking for inspiration.
9. Toddler Sunscreen
You might be happy putting any old factor 15 sunscreen on your own body, but for your kids, you probably want the very best of the best. We all know how essential sunscreen is for protecting our skin from the sun’s harsh rays – but not all sunscreens are equal.
It’s best to look for a sunscreen that’ll nourish and protect your family’s skin. Water-resistant sunscreen is also ideal for water babies, and SPF 50 protection will keep your kids safe. Hello Bello offers a sunscreen that doesn’t contain any of the nasty synthetic stuff that can be found in a lot of the sunscreens on offer today.
10. Baby Water Float
If you fancy a refreshing dip in the pool and don’t want to leave your little one behind, you need a baby water float. A float will keep your baby safe in deep pools, and make for an ideal water introduction experience.
You don’t have to expose your baby to the sun when they’re using the float, either. Look for a float with an attachable sunshade, like this floatie by Target.
So there you have it: my top 10 baby summer gear picks.
Before you launch yourself headfirst into summer, though, it’s worth keeping a few baby safety tips in mind.
To keep your little one protected from the sun’s rays, keep her in the shade as much as possible, and dress her in protective clothing. Sunscreen is a good option, but preferably only on babies older than 6 months.
Have a fantastic summer – and don’t forget to share this article if you found it helpful!
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