15 Summer Essentials for Baby

A baby sun hat is a must when packing your little one's travel bag. It is advised to keep babies younger than 6 months old out of direct sunlight, but when going from A to B on a sunny day, it is important to protect their head, face, neck and eyes with a hat.

Our UPF50+ swimwear will add an extra layer of protection for your baby when in the sun. Fabric with this sun certification blocks 98% of harmful UV rays, but it's also important to add extra coverage to the equation in the form of long sleeves and legs and high necklines. For the bare bits, be sure to add a high-factor broad-spectrum suncream and don't forget those often-forgotten areas like under the edges of their swimwear.

Whilst babies can overheat quickly, they can also lose that heat just as rapidly — up to four times faster than we do, in fact! For a day on the beach or in the paddling pool, have a hooded baby towel to hand, ready to wrap them up and dry them off when they come out of the water.

If you're holidaying with a baby in tow, it's a good idea to pack some of our baby swim nappies. Splash About has designed a range of reusable swim nappies which are approved by swim schools. The UPF50+ outer layer is designed for a secure fit, with a special trim to minimise the risk of leaks, whilst the Silver Lining inner layer provides antibacterial protection. You can also add the brand's nappy liner for double the protection.

A baby float suit is a fun and safe way to introduce babies to the water from 6 months old. The added bouyancy will keep your little one bobbing happily on the surface, letting them get a feel for the water, kicking their legs and splashing with their arms. Remember: babies should be supervised at all times in and around the water. Float suits are a swim aid, not a life-saving device.

A pair of baby sunglasses is not only an adorable addition to their sunshine wardrobe, but these designs from IZIPIZI also provide 100% UV protection. These mini shades are adjustable and have elasticated straps to fit around your baby's head comfortably, and they also come in lots of colours to suit baby boys and girls.

Our bodysuits with short sleeves are the perfect alternative to babygrows as the weather gets warmer. They can be paired with shorts and skirts, or worn alone with a nappy, and thanks to naturally breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, your baby will stay cool and comfy. These handy all-in-ones are also a great summer nightwear option for babies — a thin layer of clothing can actually help regulate body temperature, as opposed to sleeping only in a nappy.

On a hot day, going barefoot is the best route to a happy baby. Whether they're enjoying tummy time in the shade, cruising around the garden on all fours or taking their first steps on the beach, there's nothing better than feeling the grass (or sand) between their toes and the water splashing their feet. However, if you're heading on an excursion, you may want a roomy pair of baby sandals or aqua shoes for extra support and protection on rougher terrain. And we've got lots to choose from!

On a hot day, the last thing you want to do is spend time indoors picking out a look. That's where our all-in-one baby outfits come in! Choose from lightweight materials — cotton is one of the best fabrics for hot weather — and floaty silhouettes. Some even come with matching hats. 

A good quality insulated cool bag will keep your family's drinks and snacks fresh when spending time outdoors in the sunshine. In addition to using a cool bag, a thermal baby bottle bag is a great option for ensuring your baby's milk is at the desired temperature when on the move. 

A waterproof baby changing bag is a must for those summer day trips where there is water involved. Save your nappies and baby changing essentials from getting wet and keep them safe in a bag that is as practical as it is stylish.

If you're a lover of family trips to the beach or simply like to enjoy spending time in your garden, a children's sun tent is a great addition to your summer essentials. Whether used for daytime naps, feeding time or seeking some shade, it will be a much-loved investment. Some day tents are also made with UPF50+ fabric, which will provide added protection from the sun. 

Sunscreen is generally considered safe for babies aged 6 months and over. Choose a broad-spectrum lotion (this means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with a sun protection factor of at least 30, and ideally 50. When it comes to the first application, it's a good idea to do this before you dress your baby to make sure every inch of skin is covered — the spots under sleeve edges and necklines often get forgotten — and then be sure to reapply every two hours and after every dip in the sea or pool.

During the summer months, you are going to want to swap your thick woolly winter blanket for a suitable summer alternative. These will come in handy for nursing on the go, tummy time in the garden or as a light cover for sleeping. We recommend opting for bamboo or cotton, as we know these are best for regulating temperature and wicking moisture away from the skin and cellular blankets, with their loosely woven structure will allow air to circulate.

Due to their naturally breathable fibres and lightly wovenwarps and wefts, our bamboo and cotton nightwear, swaddles and 1.0 tog sleeping bags make for the coolest sleeping experience for babies. Cotton, especially, is one of the best temperature-regulating materials out there thanks to its moisture-wicking properties.