Top 10 Must-Have Baby Gear for Summer Adventures

Vittoria Allen
2026-03-26T11:34:54-04:00

Summer adventures beckon families to embrace the outdoors, from sandy beaches to shaded parks. For parents with babies, having the right gear ensures that these excursions are enjoyable and stress-free for everyone involved. This blog will guide you through the essential baby gear for summer.

1. A Good Quality Stroller

Why It's Important: Navigating summer venues with a baby means you’ll need a good quality stroller that’s easy to maneuver, protects your baby from the sun, and is comfortable in warm weather.

How to Choose: Opt for strollers with UV-protective canopies, lightweight frames, and breathable fabrics. An easy fold mechanism is also essential for travel.

Ergobaby Recommends: The Ergobaby Metro 3 Stroller features an adjustable canopy, a breathable and comfortable seat back, and a compact, easy-to-fold design for maximum convenience.

2. Portable Sun Shades

Babies' skin is particularly vulnerable to UV rays, making sun shades an essential component of your outdoor baby gear.

Choosing the Right Sun Shade: Look for shades that offer broad UV protection, are easy to attach to various baby gear, and are adjustable to shield your baby as the sun moves.

Ergobaby Recommends: Veer Gear has an easy-to-use pop-up sun shade that can go with you anywhere and shade your little one in a pinch.

3. UV-Protective Swimwear

Why UV Swimwear is Essential: UV-protective swimwear shields your baby’s skin from harmful rays without the constant need to reapply sunscreen on covered areas.

Choosing UV Swimwear: Ensure the swimwear covers a significant amount of skin and is made from a fabric rated UPF 50+.

Ergobaby Recommends: SwimZip develops sun-protective products that are stylish, functional, and affordable. Their matching family sets are a favorite!

4. Lightweight Baby Blankets and Swaddlers

Even during summer, evenings can get cool, especially in breezy beachside towns or air-conditioned environments.

Selecting the Best Blankets: Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo that offer warmth without overheating.

Ergobaby Recommends: Ergobaby’s Swaddler is made from a soft and breathable material, ensuring your baby stays comfortable during cooler summer nights without overheating.

5. Baby-Friendly Insect Repellent

Why It's Necessary: Protecting your baby from insects is crucial, especially during outdoor summer activities.

How to Choose a Safe Repellent: Look for natural, DEET-free repellents that are safe for infants and provide effective protection.

Ergobaby Recommends: Products like Babyganics and California Baby offer plant-based, DEET-free solutions that are gentle on baby’s skin and safe for all-day use.

6. Cooling Teething Toys

Teething can cause discomfort, which is amplified by the heat of summer. Even if your baby isn’t teething, these toys can be a refreshing treat and help keep your little one hydrated.

Choosing Cooling Teething Toys: Select toys that are easy to chill, safe to chew, and free from harmful chemicals.

Ergobaby Recommends: Green Sprouts has a great natural teether.

7. Baby Carrier or Wrap

A carrier allows for hands-free movement and keeps your baby close, which is especially useful in crowded summer spots.

Selecting the Right Carrier: Choose lightweight, breathable materials. For summer, a wrap or carrier that allows for airflow is ideal.

Ergobaby Recommends: Ergobaby Omni Deluxe uses SoftFlex™ Mesh fabric to maximize airflow, keeping both you and your baby cool and comfortable on warm days.

8. Reusable Swim Diapers

Why Choose Reusable: They are more eco-friendly and cost-effective than disposable options, and they can be adjusted to fit as your baby grows.

How to Select: Ensure the swim diaper fits snugly but comfortably around the waist and thighs to prevent leaks.

Ergobaby Recommends: We love the Charlie Banana reusable swim diapers. They come in a variety of fun prints, are certified Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®, and donate 1% of their sales to environmental causes.

9. Sun Hats for Babies

Sun hats protect your baby’s head, eyes, and neck from direct sunlight, which is crucial for preventing sunburn.

Criteria for Selection: Look for hats with a wide brim, chin straps, and fabric that offers UPF protection.

Ergobaby Recommends: Rylee and Cru Collective has some of the sweetest clothes and accessories, and their swimwear and hats offer UPF protection!

10. Baby-Friendly Sunscreen

Importance of Sunscreen: Sunscreen is a baby summer essential for protecting areas not covered by clothing or swimwear.

Selecting Safe Sunscreen: Choose mineral-based sunscreens that are formulated specifically for babies and free of harmful chemicals.

Ergobaby Recommends: Sun Bum is an absolute favorite. They have a spray, lotion, and even a face stick with a variety of SPF options. PRO TIP: Use a makeup brush to apply sunscreen lotion on wiggly little ones! The soft feel of the brush makes it so fun.

Preparing for summer adventures with your baby is all about choosing the right gear to ensure safety, comfort, and convenience. From Ergobaby strollers and carriers to protective swimwear and sun shades, each summer baby item on this list is designed to enhance your summer experience while keeping your little one happy and healthy. Enjoy your adventures with confidence, knowing you’re fully equipped to handle the sunshine and smiles.