CHILDRENSALON'S GUIDE TO . . .
15 Summer Essentials for your Baby
Whether you are taking a trip to the beach, going for a picnic in the park or pumping up the paddling pool, our list of summer essentials for babies will ensure you have everything you need for a hot summer's day with your little ray of sunshine.
Your baby's skin is much more sensitive than ours, so it's important to consider items of clothing and accessories that will protect them from both overheating and getting sunburnt. To get you set for a summer without any hitches, here are 15 of our top picks for keeping your baby cool, calm and covered in the sun.
Image by Petit Bateau
14 Mar 2025
1. Baby Sun Hats
A baby sun hat is a must for summer days out. We have plenty of adorable designs — remember the more it covers the neck, the better the protection!
2. Sun-Protective Baby Swimwear
Our UPF50+ baby swimwear blocks 98% of UV rays from reaching their skin. Remember to add extra coverage with longer sleeves and higher necklines.
3. Baby Hooded Towels
For a day on the beach or in the paddling pool, have a hooded baby towel to hand, ready to wrap them up when they come out of the water.
4. Baby Swim Nappies
For their first aquatic adventures, baby swim nappies are a great idea, and Splash About has created a range of reusable styles in fun prints.
5. Baby Float Suits
A float suit is a fun and safe way to introduce your baby to the water from 6 months. Remember, they should be supervised at all times in the water.
6. Baby Sunglasses
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.
7. Baby Shorties
Our lightweight baby shorties are perfect as the weather gets warmer. They can be paired with shorts and skirts, or worn alone with a nappy.
8. Baby Sandals and Swim Shoes
Whether they're cruising around the garden or taking their first steps on the beach, you may want a comfy pair of baby sandals or aqua shoes.
9. All-in-One Baby Outfits
On a beautiful summer's day, the last thing you want to do is spend time indoors picking out a look. That's where our baby outfits come in!
10. Insulated Cool Bags
A good quality insulated cool bag and thermal baby bottle bag will keep drinks and snacks fresh when spending time outdoors in the sunshine.
11. Splash-Proof Changing Bags
A splash-proof changing bag is a must for day trips where water's involved, saving their nappies and changing essentials from getting wet.
12. Outdoor Toys for Babies
No sunny day is complete without entertainment. Find everything from water books and playmats to their first bucket-and-spade set.
13. Lightweight Baby Blankets
Perfect for tummy time or as a light layer for naps, our summer blankets are a versatile essential. We recommend bamboo or cotton in a loose weave.
14. Baby Summer Sleepwear
Thanks to naturally breathable fibres, our cotton nightwear, swaddles and 1.0 tog sleeping bags make for the coolest sleeping experience.
15. Baby Sunscreen Lotion
And last, but most importantly, sunscreen. 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.
