10 Summer Essentials for Babies and Toddlers

Summer is the season of sunny days, backyard barbecues, family camping trips, and building sandcastles at the beach. With rainy days cooped up in the house long gone, summer is the perfect time to get everyone outdoors and make new memories with your kids. Since high temps and the blazing sun can cause their own set of problems—especially when your littlest ones are super little—you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to make this summer the best one yet. Here are 10 summer essentials that’ll help you beat the heat and keep the whole family safe.

1. Toki Mats Tutu + Cloud Picnic Blanket

Meet the newest addition to your outdoor family adventures! This picnic blanket is made from soft, plush 100% GOTS certified organic cotton with a water-repellent coating that keeps the damp and mess away. Roll it up and take it to the beach, park, woods, or wherever your family is headed for comfortable, easy-to-clean seating.

2. Hape Outdoor Kitchen

This durable wooden play set is the mud kitchen of your toddler’s dreams for sensory-rich, creative fun! Made from anti-corrosive wood, this kitchen comes with a pot, ladle, bowls, flowerpots, sieve, water tank, sink, faucet, oven plate, and menu blackboards so that your little one can stay busy for hours.

3. PackIt Freezable Snack Bag

This foldable and freezable snack bag keeps food cool for hours without the need for ice packs. Compact enough to fit in your bag, this handy little bag is perfect for keeping perishable snacks safe when you’re out and about during the summer. Just pop it in the freezer the night before, pack your snacks, zip it up, and take it on-the-go!

4. Toki Mats Mudcloth Vegan Leather Mat

This innovative play mat features a foldable design with built-in carry handles so you can throw it in the car and take it with you wherever you go. 1 inch of thick, soft latex foam provides a safe space for you to put down your baby for tummy time—no matter where you are. A waterproof cover made from soft vegan leather wipes clean for mess-free fun.

5. Itzy Ritzy Travel Happens Reusable Sealed Wet Bag

Whether you need to store wet swimsuits or soiled clothes after a potty training oopsie, this reusable wet bag is the best way to keep the mess to a minimum until you get home. Designed with sealed seams, a lead-free zipper, and a waterproof lining, this bag prevents leaks and odors from spilling out. When you get home, simply remove the clothes from the bag and throw everything into the washing machine for easy cleaning.

6. Smol Mini Splash Pad

Let your little ones cool off in hot weather with this inflatable splash pad that comes with a sunshade to protect them from harsh rays and heat. A moveable mini slide is perfect for your littlest ones, and you can rest easy knowing that this responsibly-made toy is lead, paraben, and phthalate-free. Simply attach a standard garden hose, add their favorite water toys, and watch your kids have the time of their lives!

7. Supergoop! Sunnyscreen 100% Mineral Stick SPF 50

For little ones older than 6 months, sunscreen is a must-have during the summer. Sun protection is non-negotiable, but what many parents forget is that sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours to be effective. This handy sunscreen stick is easy to carry around and easy to apply, and oh-so-handy for keeping your little one safe and healthy.

8. ezpz Tiny Pops

Popsicles are a summer staple, and babies shouldn’t miss out on these beloved frozen treats! If your little one is too young for solids, you can make popsicles from breastmilk or formula with these clever molds that are easy to hold and the perfect size for babies. For those older than 6 months, you can even get creative with blended fruits or Greek yogurt for a healthy and refreshing snack that also helps with teething woes.

9. The Noggle Rear Facing

Car seats get hot in the summer, and even blasting the air conditioner at the lowest temp and highest fan settings doesn’t cool the back of the car right away. The Noggle is an 8-foot tube that installs into your car’s AC vent and delivers the cold air directly to your rear-facing baby. Sure, it might not be discreet, but it works like a charm, keeping your baby comfortable, happy, and healthy.

10. Tushbaby Hip Carrier

Say goodbye to aching back and arms with this clever hip carrier that allows you to carry your baby or toddler for as long as they want to be carried. Simply wrap it around your waist, buckle it for a secure fit, and sit your baby on the seat. Storage pockets under the hip seat and around the waist hold your phone, keys, diapers, or anything else you might need!