Regardless of which stage of parenting you’re in — whether building your registry or stocking up for some summer fun — it is crucial for your baby’s health and your peace of mind that you gather the newborn baby essentials for summer. From sun hats to stroller cooling liners and sunscreen to UV-protective swimwear, you can invest in plenty of gear to help you keep your baby safe. Keep reading for parents’ top picks.
1. Sun Protection
There is no shortage of creative gear and products for babies regarding sun protection. How can you know which items are truly worth your money and offer more hype than protection? The best place to start is with items that can protect not just your little one but you, your partner, and your older kids as well:
- Sun umbrella
- Sun tent
- Sunshades for car windows
- Sunglasses (both baby and adult-sized!)
- Sunscreen
Of the items on this list, sunscreen is the most important, as it can help reduce the risk of skin cancers by between 40% and 50%.
2. Accessories for Baby
When gathering newborn summer essentials, pay attention to the power of accessories. Sure, the sheer number of baby accessories available today is overwhelming — and, honestly, many of them are nonessential — but you should not overlook those that claim to provide sun protection. For instance, though nothing new, sun hats are one of the best accessories you can adorn your little one with. Hats with wide brims protect your little one’s head and face from UV rays and their neck and shoulders. When shopping for sun hats, look for ones with strings that help keep them on your baby’s head. For ultimate protection, look for a hat with SPF protection.
Another essential for sun protection is an SPF blanket. Babies under six months cannot wear sunscreen, so you must protect your newborn creatively, such as by covering them up. This summer, a lightweight blanket with built-in SPF protection may be your best friend. It also does not hurt to invest in a lightweight baby swaddle.
Keeping your baby cool during the blistering summer months is just as crucial as protecting them against harmful UV rays. A stroller fan can allow you and your family to get fresh air without putting your baby at risk of overheating. Consider investing in a car seat/stroller cooling liner for double protection. If you’re breastfeeding and want to pump ahead a bottle cooler can help keep milk fresh for longer, regardless of where you are.
These are just a few summer essentials for newborns that can help make parenting easier this summer. Some other items that may help are as follows:
- Washcloths
- Outdoor blanket
- Travel playpen
- Not-too-cold-to-hold teethers
- Sunglasses
- Car seat cover
Thanks to many of these items, you can have fun in the sun without worrying too much about your little one’s UV exposure or comfort.
3. Vitamin D
Though your baby is bound to get plenty of sun this summer, the truth is that your efforts to protect them against harmful UV rays may prevent them from absorbing the amount of vitamin D necessary to thrive. You may have to supplement with vitamin D drops or supplements to boost vitamin D intake while simultaneously reducing your little one’s sun exposure.
Understandably, finding vitamin D supplements for newborns you can trust can be challenging. Though a few safe options are on the market today, Wellements Organic Vitamin D Drops provide the daily dose of recommended vitamin D for breastfed babies and promote healthy bone growth and development. They are easy to use and can be mixed with milk, juice, medicine, or food. You can bundle vitamin D drops with other baby essentials, such as probiotic drops, tummy soothing supplements, sleep aids, and more.
4. Suitable Summer Clothing
Finally, when stocking up on summer essentials for newborns, it’s vital to consider clothing. Not all baby clothing is created equal, especially regarding summer gear. The best baby clothing for summer is lightweight, provides ample coverage, and offers SPF protection. Some items to stock up on when shopping for your baby or preparing for their arrival are as follows:
- Swaddle blankets
- Thin sleepers
- Short-sleeved onesies
- Cotton blanket sleepers
- Sun protective swimsuits
- Sunzies
The best clothing for your baby will provide ample coverage and, ideally, SPF protection.
When shopping for summer essentials for newborns, there are a few categories to consider. As you add items to your registry or stroll the aisles, consider sun protection for the whole family, baby accessories, vitamin D protection, and suitable summer clothing. If you shop with these items in mind, you should be set to help your little one enjoy a safe and carefree summer of fun in the sun.