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 summer must-haves for babies and toddlers on hand can make all the difference. Whether you’re spending time at home, in the backyard, or by the water, the right gear can help your whole family enjoy the season a little more.
26 Summer Must-Haves for Babies and Toddlers
From outdoor toys to sun-safe gear, these baby and toddler summer must-haves will help keep your little one happy, active, and protected all summer long.
1. Kiddie Pool
Tiny inflatable pools and splash pads are a mommy sanity saver on hot days and are 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. These will keep your little one entertained for hours!
2. Floaties
When your kid is really small, this float activity center with a canopy and this float ring are great options. But these puddle jumper floaties are essential once your child gets a little bigger.
3. Sunscreen
Baby sunscreen is another one of my absolute summer must-haves. Most sunscreen is full of harmful chemicals and not suitable for baby skin.1 Luckily, there are a few more natural sunscreen brands that are baby-safe and effective, like Kiss My Face SPF50 lotion and 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 summer must-haves. You’ll need a few swimsuits for your kiddos, and we love 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!
6. Beach Canopy
Whether you’re spending a day on the beach with baby, 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. 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. The disposable swim diapers are good, 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; these lenses are BPA-free and provide your baby with 100% UV protection.
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 to provide more comfort, and they have 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.
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.
11. 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 them crawling into a parking lot when you turn your back for half a second! It might look like a baby jail, 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/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 wear your baby without both of you having a heat stroke.
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 wild in the backyard. This will provide outdoor fun for the entire family!
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 go to town with messy fun. A sand/water table is a staple for any family with kiddos because it allows them to experience sand, water, jello, foam, or other messy play with reckless abandon, which actually supports healthy development. This one has an easy-release plug at the bottom to empty it once you’re done.
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 coverup. And with adorable prints and fantastic quality, these are the perfect summer must-have addition 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 and adjustable hat is the easiest way to shield your little one from those rays.
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.
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 the perfect addition to your summer lineup. They come in so many colors and even have a carrying handle.
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. Be sure to check out these easy popsicle recipes for kids. The possibilities are endless and yummy!
24. Bubble Machine
Every day is a party when you have a bubble machine in your backyard! This machine will provide endless entertainment, giggles, and happiness for your whole family. Turn this cute shark 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 and easy-to-clean bag over and over to ensure you have a mess-free summer! 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 fun 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.
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 they grow up and want their own plans — so soak it up while you can, and make the most of the season with gear that helps everyone enjoy it.
