Summer is here and everyone is gearing up for sunshine, adventures, and outdoor fun! But with a baby in tow, summer also means prepping for heat, hydration, and safety. However, you plan to spend your summer – on the beach or at the local park, having the right summer baby gear can make all the difference to keeping you and your little one cool, comfortable, and happy. In this blog we will share all the gear you need to make the summer season fun and comfortable.
Lightweight and Breathable Clothing
Make sure to stock up on summer-friendly baby clothes. Look for light-colored, breathable fabrics - 100% cotton or bamboo fabric are ideal – and good skin coverage. Aim to buy the best quality fabric so that it’s airy and moisture-wicking. UV-protective clothing can offer added sun safety, especially for kids with very fair skin. You can find UV-protective rashguards in gorgeous styles for water fun. Remember – even if it’s very warm, babies should still be wearing one more layer than you would wear comfortably.
Summer is also the time to switch your baby’s sleepsack to a lighter fabric. This will depend on how cool you keep your home, and your baby’s preference. The general rule is that a simple light onesie is enough together with a sleepsack rated 0.5-1.0 for temperatures of 75°F (24°C) or higher.
Sun Protection
Babies have delicate skin that burns easily, so sun protection is non-negotiable. For babies under six months, it isn’t recommended to use sunscreen – the best sun protection is shade and good fabric coverage, so head for the trees when you have a baby in tow or bring your own shade. Many strollers offer sunshade add-ons, and you can also pick up foldable mini-tents which you can use at the park or family-sized portable tents for the beach.
Sunscreen is essential for babies aged 6 months and over. Pick up a few types of baby-safe sunscreen so that you can stash them in easy-to-reach places – your diaper bag, your handbag, under the stroller, in the car, on the back deck. Sunscreen is the kind of thing that you always need and can never find at that very moment. We love Sun Bum Baby Bum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion. Get SPF 50 at a minimum, and you may want to do a skin test before applying sunscreen. It can be handy to have a cream or stick for the face, and easy-to-apply spray for legs and arms. Pay attention to easy-to-miss areas – ears, neck, and yes – even their scalp! Apply carefully around their eyes.
To complete the look in the sun protection department, make sure to stock up on a few wide-brimmed hats (at least one will get lost, inevitably!). You can also try sunglasses for the 0-2 set – it always looks adorable, but we can't promise they’ll stay on!
Staying Cool and Hydrated
Adults, kids and babies are all prone to overheating and dehydration if they don't take the right precautions in hot weather.
To prevent overheating in babies, a few simple summer-friendly solutions can make all the difference. The most important is, of course, a well-shaded stroller. Handy accessories to extend the shade include UV covers and umbrellas, as well as baby-safe stroller fans and cooling pads which slip under stroller seats and car seats. Don't forget that your little one’s legs and toes often stay exposed to the elements, so slather on the sunscreen!
If you’re going to be stroller-free, pick up a light and airy baby carrier to lighten the heat load. Artipoppe's beautiful Zeitgeist range are made from light and airy natural fabrics, and they are a gorgeous way to get around.
To prevent dehydration in babies and toddlers, keep the thirst quenchers coming. Babies under the age of six months should only be given breastmilk or formula, even in hot weather. If your baby is older than 6 months, water in a sippy cup is OK in small amounts between feeds. For babies who don't use a bottle, it can be a bit trickier to keep them hydrated. Offer them sips of water from a baby-friendly cup, even if it's a little messy at first – it’s actually best for them to learn how to sip, rather than suck. You may find that older babies who exclusively breastfeed will want to nurse more frequently, and this is perfectly sufficient in place of water. Always follow local guidelines for water quality and consult your pediatrician if you are unsure how much water your baby can consume.
For older babies, icy puree pops or cold chunks of fruit are a delicious way to stay cool, as are sugar-free smoothies. Reusable snack pouches for purees and smoothies are handy when you’re on the go. Fruit is jam-packed with healthy sweetness!
Outing-Friendly Baby Gear
Summer often means more outings and travel. It also means sand, sunscreen, spills! Keep your best stroller home if you’re headed for the beach – you’ll want something light, easy to clean and easy to dry. These nifty little beach chairs will keep your baby’s tush out of the sand and help avoid sand in their watermelon. They can also be strapped to a dining chair if you stop for dinner on the way home. (AND you can buy a matching hat and poncho!).
For water fun, there are some adorable flotation devices available. Companies like Sunnylife make summer fun for literally everyone in the family, so be sure to check out their amazing gear for all ages. Don't forget to pick up a few sets of baby swim diapers – reusable ones are best for the environment, but it’s always handy to have some eco-friendly and natural disposables too. A good quality UV rash guard is also a surefire way to keep your baby well protected.
And because it’s no fun to get your everyday diaper bag full of sand, treat yourself to an easy-to-clean and roomy tote. Keep wipes, spare bags and a kid-friendly first aid kit in your tote or in your car, just in case!
(PS - We can't say it enough times... Always supervise babies around water—even shallow or inflatable pools!)
Summer memories last forever
Everyone loves to lap up the sun but there are some serious precautions that all adults, kids and babies should be taking to keep it fun. The three major summer risks are heat exhaustion and dehydration, sunburn, and water safety – make sure you are aware and equipped as babies are especially vulnerable. It’s never too early to get kids started with summer safety habits.
Summer firsts become the summer fun that kids will look forward to each year. With a little preparation and the right gear, you can make the most of the season safely and stress-free. Whether you’re beach-bound or hanging in the backyard, having everything in check will mean that you’re always ready for warm weather fun. Now... dive in!
