Summer is almost here! And as those hot summer days approach, it’s important to have a list of essentials needed to beat the heat with your little ones. Below are my top eight summer essentials for babies and toddlers.
Sunscreen. Did you know children’s skin is thinner than adults? Pediatric skin is actually 10 times thinner than adults. Because of this, it is important to protect your little ones with the use of sunscreen to prevent sunburns, premature aging, as well as skin cancer down the road. Many kids have sensitive skin, so it is important to test new sunscreen on a small patch of skin before applying all over. My kids have very sensitive skin, but I found a Coppertone hypoallergenic sunscreen that works well (see photo below). For those that cannot tolerate sunscreen at all, look for a full body sun suit and hat, to provide the most protection against UV rays as possible!
Lifejacket. A lifejacket is one of the most important summer essentials if you are going to be around water with your young children. I recommend a lifejacket over any other floatation device for children. As a former competitive swimmer, lifeguard, lifesaving instructor, swim instructor, and swim coach, a lifejacket is vital for children, as well as adults who are not strong swimmers. For more water safety tips, see my Water Safety Tips Blog here.
Swim Suits & Swim Diapers. Choosing a swim suit that helps protect against the sun is great in addition to sunscreen. One of the most frequent places I see kids getting burnt is their necks. Choosing a sun suit with neck protection gives added reassurance. For those who are still in diapers, purchase swim diapers to prevent any unwanted accidents!
Hats & Sunglasses. Hats help protect the scalp from the beaming rays of the sun, and sunglasses are great for those hot summer days – especially when you’re by a body of water. Look for ones that fit your child’s head well. You may need to get a hat you can adjust to fit your child’s head snug, to ensure they keep it on.
Water Shoes. Sand, docks, grass, rocks, and cement can get very hot, very quickly in the summer. Protect your little ones feet by finding the appropriate beach/water shoes. There are many different types to fit every preference!
Portable Fan. This one is a favorite of mine for my kids – they each have their own. You can attach it to a car seat, stroller, or simply bring it with you on the go. It is USB chargeable, and has an LED light as well.
Water Table/Splash Pad/Wade Pool. Keeping your little ones entertained and cool during the summer months can be challenging. But, there are lots of options to help your kids beat the heat while enjoying the beautiful weather. My son loves to pour water, so a water table is a must. He also loves running through water, which is where our splash pad comes in handy. We also have two wade pools for the kids to cool off in. *It is important to note, no matter how comfortable your child is around water, never leave them unattended around it.
Portable Pack & Play/Tent. We travel a lot in the summer months. Having a pack and play is essential in providing a safe space for our 11 month old daughter to play in, and doubles as a bed for her as well.
Additional Items:
- Water Bottles
- Portable High Chair
- Hooded Towels
- Outdoor Mat
- Beach Toys
Do you have a summer essential I missed? Let me know in the comments below!