The sun is finally out, and if you’ve got a little one in tow, it’s the perfect time to start making those sweet summer memories. I remember being pregnant last summer, waddling around in the heat, daydreaming about all the things I’d do with my baby once they were here. Now that this summer has arrived, I’m so ready to soak it all in.
Of course, part of kicking off the season is making sure we’ve got the right gear—because let’s be honest, summer activities with a baby take a little more planning (and stuff!). Thankfully, a quick Amazon scroll is all it takes to stock up without leaving the house. Fast shipping = more time for sunshine.
I came across some really helpful and fun baby summer essentials that make everything from park hangs to beach days a whole lot easier. Whether you’re navigating your first summer with a newborn or chasing a busy crawler, these finds are worth checking out.
Let’s jump in!
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Top Summer Baby Essentials
Baby Sun Hat
Keeping your baby protected from the sun is a must, and a good sun hat makes it so much easier—especially when sunscreen isn’t an option yet. Whether you’re headed out for a walk or spending the afternoon by the water, a hat with solid coverage can help keep the sun off their face, head, and neck.
Here are two great options I’ve found—one for girls and one for boys. Both offer UPF protection, have secure chin straps, and actually stay on (which is saying something).
Looking for more options? Browse baby sun hats on Amazon
Baby Swimsuit
You can’t have summer fun without a cute and practical swimsuit for your little one. Whether you’re headed to the splash pad, beach, or just setting up a backyard baby pool, having something that offers sun protection and comfort is key.
Here are a couple of my favorite finds:
Both of these are great picks, especially if you’re looking for something with UPF protection and easy on-and-off designs.
Want to see more? Browse even more baby swimsuits on Amazon
Sunscreen
If you’re spending time outside this summer (and let’s be honest, you probably are), protecting your baby’s skin from the sun is a must. A gentle, baby-safe sunscreen is essential once they’re old enough—and a face stick makes application so much easier when you’ve got a wiggly little one on your hands.
Not all sunscreens are created equal, so it’s worth doing a little research before you slather anything on that soft baby skin. We personally use Sun Bum Baby, and it’s worked well for us, but there are plenty of solid options out there depending on your preferences.
If you want to dig deeper into ingredients and safety ratings, the Environmental Working Group has a super helpful guide that breaks down the best sunscreens for babies and kids.
Important: Sunscreen isn’t typically recommended for babies under 6 months. Always check with your pediatrician if you’re unsure about what’s safe for your child.
Baby-Safe Insect Repellent
Warm weather means more time outside—which unfortunately also means more bugs. Mosquitoes and other pests can be relentless in the summer, especially during evening walks or park days.
To help keep your baby bite-free, it’s a good idea to have a baby-safe insect repellent on hand. Look for formulas specifically made for infants and toddlers, and always check the age guidelines before using.
Here are a couple of gentle, effective options to consider:
Mom tip: I like to keep a travel-size version in the diaper bag—just in case we run into unexpected mosquito trouble.
Baby Sunglasses
I’ll be honest—my son didn’t exactly love wearing sunglasses during his first summer. But on the rare occasion he kept them on, this pair really did the trick. The soft strap helped keep them in place without being too tight or uncomfortable, which made a big difference.
Hopefully you’ll have better luck than I did, because there’s just something about a baby in tiny sunglasses that’s almost too cute to handle.
Outdoor Blanket
Whether you’re heading to the park, beach, or just hanging out in the backyard, a good outdoor blanket is one of those summer-with-baby must-haves. It gives you a clean, comfy spot to sit, snack, or play—without stressing about grass stains or damp ground.
I love this oversized one from Amazon. It’s waterproof, folds up easily, and even has built-in handles so it’s super simple to carry around. It also comes in a few really cute colors, which never hurts.
Splash Pad
Turn your backyard into a mini water haven with a splash pad made just for little ones. It’s such a fun way to help your baby stay cool while getting some sensory play in at the same time.
These are especially great for babies who are crawling or just starting to walk, since they can move around and explore safely. If your baby is still learning to sit up, go for a splash mat style—they can sit and splash without getting overwhelmed.
Bubble Machine
Bubbles are such a classic summer favorite, and they’re almost guaranteed to keep your baby entertained for longer than you’d expect. They’re great for outdoor play and add a little extra fun to even the simplest backyard hangout.
Instead of having to dip and blow bubbles yourself, a bubble machine keeps things going while you sit back and enjoy the moment. Just switch it on and let the steady stream of bubbles do the entertaining.
Kiddie Pool
Going to the local pool is great, but sometimes it’s just easier to stay home. I loved having a small kiddie pool ready to go for those hot days when you need a quick and easy way to cool off.
Just fill it with a few inches of water and let your baby splash to their heart’s content. It’s the perfect low-effort way to enjoy some water play without packing the diaper bag, snacks, and everything else that comes with leaving the house.
![Intex Inflatable Stars Kiddie 2 Ring Circles Swimming Pool (48" X 10") [Assorted Styles]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41EI0hyHq4L.jpg)
Pool Float
If you do make it out to the pool, a good baby float can make the experience way more fun and way less stressful. I love this one in particular because it has a built-in sun canopy for extra UV protection, which is a huge plus during those midday swims.
The mesh area is perfect for tossing in a few water toys to keep your baby entertained while they float and splash around safely.
Water Toys
Speaking of water toys, they’re definitely a summer essential. Having a few simple toys on hand makes water play so much more fun for your baby, whether you’re using a splash pad, kiddie pool, or even setting up a little water sensory bin at home.
Bath toys work great outside too—think cups for pouring, floating animals, or anything they can grab and squish while staying cool.
Want to see more fun options? Browse more baby water toys on Amazon
Portable Chair
Taking your baby out and about is a whole lot easier with a good portable chair. This one works like a compact highchair and comes in especially handy at picnics, barbecues, or any outdoor gathering where you need a safe spot to set baby down for a bit.
We brought this one along on a camping trip, and it was such a lifesaver. It gave our little guy a comfy place to sit and eat, and honestly, it let us enjoy our meals without juggling a lap full of snacks and a wiggly baby.
What I love most is the removable tray—take it off, and it turns into the cutest little camping chair just for them. It also folds up easily and comes with its own carrying case, so it’s super simple to pack and bring along.
Amazon really does make it easy to stock up on everything you need for a fun and stress-free summer with your baby. From sun protection to splash-time favorites, having the right gear on hand makes all the difference when you’re trying to enjoy the season together.
Did you have a favorite from the list? Or is there something you swear by for summer that I missed? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you—drop it in the comments below!
