Ultimate Summer Must-Haves for Baby and Toddler
Summer is upon us, and it’s time to soak up the sun, splash in the water, and create unforgettable memories with our ultimate summer must-haves! As parents, we know that keeping our toddlers entertained, protected, and comfortable is no easy task. Fear not, dear parents! We scoured the vast expanse of Amazon, researched, and tested (some items for years) to bring you the ultimate summer must-haves for your tiny tots. Get ready to kick back, relax, and let the adventures begin!
Solar Buddies Roll-On Sunscreen Applicator
With Henry’s red hair, blue eyes, and pale skin, I need to apply sunscreen all the time and it’s a battle. That is until I found this gem! I fill mine with the Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen (but you can use any kind) then you brush it on like a dream. No longer do I have to wrestle with my toddler to protect his skin. He sits happily while I brush this all over his little face, neck, arms, legs, and ears. I advise ordering early as shipping can take a while since it is coming from the UK. Mine arrived in 2 weeks. 1000% percent worth the wait!
Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen
I researched baby sunscreen for hours for Henry (I wish I was kidding). Since we would be using it daily, we had to have something that would be safe, reliable, and non-irritating. Thinkbaby was the clear winner! Thinkbaby is the first sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care requirements, it contains no PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, or toxic chemicals. We are on our 3rd bottle as I keep them everywhere. I even put it on myself and my husband.
SwimSchool Baby Splash Play Mat with Adjustable Canopy
Last summer we had zero yard shade and this splash pad with canopy was a lifesaver! Henry would sit and happily splash in there all afternoon. This whimsical, yet practical, invention is perfect for introducing your little water baby to the joys of water. With built-in seat and play rings, your baby will feel like the captain of their own mini-pool. Plus it comes with an attachable canopy that protects baby’s skin from the sun’s rays. My only regret is that I didn’t get it sooner. I even used this indoors. Get the camera ready for some serious squeals and giggles with one!
Durio UPF 50+ Beach Baby Sun Hat
Even with sunscreen, we still need the extra protection of this adorable baby sun hat. It’s comfortable enough that he doesn’t rip it off his head and he will wear it all day. It also keeps the sun out of his eyes so he can focus on the important things in life, like putting everything in his mouth. Plus it makes him look absolutely adorable while providing much-needed shade. He gets SO many compliments wearing this one!
RUGGEDBUTTS Baby/Toddler Long Sleeve Rash Guard Swim Shirt w/UPF 50+
We get so many compliments on this rashguard. If you want a QUALITY rashguard this is it. Say goodbye to sunburn nightmares and hello to beachside fashion! RUGGEDBUTTS Baby/Toddler Long Sleeve Rash Guard Swim Shirt (wow that’s a mouthful) is not only stylish but also provides UPF 50+ protection against harmful sun rays. Whether your toddler is splashing in the waves or building sandcastles, this swimwear will keep their delicate skin safe while making them the envy of the shoreline. It’s easy on, easy off and SO SOFT! I bought Henry the blue in 3 different sizes because I am obsessed with them and they tend to sell out quickly. They also have adorable matching swim trunks!
i play. Unisex-Baby Snap Reusable Absorbent Swimsuit Diaper
This was yet another item I spent way too many hours researching. Who does that for a diaper??? I tried disposable ones and that was a hard pass. They sag, leak with number 2’s, and a lot of the public pools we went to disallowed them. This i play swim diaper was exactly what we needed. I tried other brands but they were too tight around his chunky little thighs. This one is soft, easy to clean, and is so darn cute!
Maleroads Soft Cotton Baby Bath Towel Beach Towel Bathrobe for Kids 0-8 years
Picture this: Your kiddo is out of the pool. The wet rashguard is off but the sun is still beating down and they are soaking wet. Enter our favorite Beach towel for kids! It’s super easy on and off and the hood gives extra sun protection while your kiddo enjoys an after-water snack and drink. Plus they look absolutely adorable!
Battery Operated Stroller Fan
Meet my best friend. This battery-operated fan was my constant companion during labor and delivery (check out this post for a free hospital checklist and delivery essentials). Now it keeps my little nugget and me cool on hot summer days. You can wrap this fan around just about anything. It has different speeds and it’s powerful enough to cool me down when I’m overheating! It is rechargeable and includes a USB cable. 2 years later it is still going strong. I love you little fan.
Tommee Tippee Sippee Cup
I know what you are thinking. A sippy cup? Really? Here’s the deal with sippy cups: First, they need to be safe. Next, they need to be easy to use. Third, easy to clean. Fourth, SPILL PROOF. Fifth, insulated (if you’ve ever left water in a hot car you understand.) You would not believe how hard it is to find a Sippy cup that meets those requirements.
Sure they have the “no spill” straw ones but have you actually tried them? It’s like trying to suck a lemon seed through a straw! These Tommee Tippee Sippee Cups are the only ones I have found that hit all the checkmarks and put all other Sippy cups to shame. (I love you Munchkin 360 but ya leak everywhere.)
OXO Tot Grape Cutter
Do you ever get so excited about a product that you have to mentally tell yourself to calm down when talking about it? This. This is that product. There are many gadgets that sit in my kitchen drawer going unused, but this, this brilliant, efficient cutting machine sits on my counter for daily use. Need grapes for a snack? Boom! Safely quartered in seconds. Need tomatoes chopped for a salad? How about olives? BOOM! You’re done. No more knife sliding and nearly slicing your finger off as you attempt to cut up those slippery pieces of deliciousness. This is another item I wish I would have bought sooner. 10000% recommend.
Glow Sticks – 100pk – 8 Inches
ATTENTION all parents! If you’re planning evening adventures with your young children, listen up: Glow Sticks are an absolute must-have! Trust me when I say they’ve revolutionized evenings with my young kiddos, making them so much less stressful. Whenever you find yourself in a dark environment, be sure to snap some glow sticks and have your children wear them as bracelets or necklaces. This will help them be more visible in the dark.
This particularly saved me when my toddler and I went to an outdoor movie and I lost sight of him. I was able to find him quickly due to the neon glow of his necklace. They’re an absolute game-changer. Keep them in your diaper bag, purse, or the glovebox of your car for an added layer of protection and peace of mind on your summer night adventures.
Bentgo® 5-Compartment Bento-Style Kids Lunch Box
Introducing one of my all-time favorite items for young children: Bentgo Lunch Boxes! Perfect for outdoor picnics and summer adventures, these lunch boxes are so well-loved by our family. Whether we’re at the beach, park, school, or on road trips, Bentgo lunch boxes come with us everywhere.
What sets them apart? First, the compartments offer for a variety of lunch or snack items in ideal portions. Additionally, these lunch boxes are BPA-Free and the best part…the internal tray is dishwasher safe. This style lunch box is geared for children ages 3-7. See below for another amazing Bentgo lunch box option that we use for our older kiddo.
Bentgo Fresh – Portion-Controlled Meals for Teens and Adults On-The-Go
When my growing son’s appetite grew to where he needed a full sandwich at lunch, I knew I needed to invest in this lunch box. This style lunch box features four compartments with a removable divider, providing convenient options for a variety of food. Additionally awesome, the removable compartment tray reheats food safely in the microwave and cleans up easily in the dishwasher. The portion sizes are aimed for teens and adults.
Here’s another reason to go with Bentgo: they support Feed the Children, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization who helps provide hope and resources for hungry children and families. A Bentgo lunch box purchase also comes with an industry-leading 2 Year Warranty. Believe me when I say, you will not regret this purchase decision.
Step2 Water/Play Table
Henry and his little friends are obsessed with this water table. I didn’t realize how much you can do with this awesome toy! First I “hacked” it by adding this water pump so water falls down from the top. Next, I bought a tarp so we can use it indoors on rainy/cold days. You can add bags of rice or uncooked beans and turn it into a sensory table.
Currently, we added bubbles and it is now a car wash for all the toy cars. But do you know the best part of all? I can sit outside with a cup of coffee and relax and enjoy the day while they splash and laugh for HOURS. Yes, I said HOURS. At the end of the day, I throw a grill cover over it and it’s clean and ready to go for the next day.
With these Amazon summer must-haves, you’ll be fully equipped to embark on unforgettable adventures with your little ones. From stylish sun hats to protective swimwear, these essentials will keep your toddlers safe, happy, and ready to conquer the great outdoors. So, pack your beach bag, slather on some sunscreen, and dive headfirst into the sunny season. Don’t forget to cherish these precious moments, because before you know it, your tiny tots will be tackling summer adventures on their own! Happy summer-ing!
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