I had never seen snow fall from the sky or autumn leaves change colors until my first year of college seven years ago. As a native Floridian, I spent the first 18 years of my life in perpetual summer. Now that I call Ohio home, I’ve learned to truly appreciate the changing of seasons, especially the time of year when the days get longer and the sun shines brighter!

Moms are more ready than anyone for the days when the ground isn’t frozen, and they can finally send their littles out to play or take them on a walk in the park. To make summer even more fun and easy for our mama readers, we’ve collected all of our favorite summer baby essentials so you don’t have to do all the hunting. Your only job is to get outside and enjoy the sunshine with your sweet babies!

At Home

Here are a few products you should always keep on hand, whether you keep a stash in your car or have some at home. 

aden + anais 4 Pack Swaddle Muslin Blankets

These blankets are a must. They’re lightweight enough to keep baby snuggly yet cool, and they can act as a great makeshift shade or nursing cover if necessary. The material is also perfect for drying and cooling off your little one.

Summer Infant Pop n’ Play Deluxe Playard

Keep your tiny tot in the shade no matter where you are. This play yard and tent come with a travel case that makes transporting it a snap, and setting it up is even easier. 

Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table

While baby brother or sister is occupied in their newly set-up Pop n’ Play, keep your other little ones entertained with a fun water table like this one by Step2. Kids will love to pour water into the top tier to “make it rain.”

AKEfit Kids Water Table Cover

For a bonus, add a cover. Because nothing is worse than washing mud and leaves out of this table before use, simply plop this on top of your table and avoid the mess altogether.

On-the-Go

Chances are, you’re often on the go—from pool parties to park play dates. Make sure your baby stays comfortable in its stroller with these summer stroller essentials.

Simple Modern Kids Water Bottle with Straw Lid

We all know the key to beating the summer heat is staying hydrated! The same is true for your littles. No matter where you are, make sure their drinks are easily accessible and kept ice cold with a double wall insulated thermos like this one. I love this one because it is easy to take apart and clean, avoiding any chance of mold. As an added bonus, there are tons of cute design options for your little one to make drinking water fun.

Thinkbaby SPF 30 Sunscreen Stick

While sunscreen could fit in all of these categories, we think you should keep some on hand all summer long. Throw a stick in the diaper bag for ease while on the go, as the stick application is much easier when out with your little one. ThinkBaby retains its 50 SPF  protection for 80 minutes, and without the parabens or sulfates usually found in similar products, it’s the safest and most natural choice for your littles. As a disclaimer, like any product applied topically to your baby, do a patch test on their arm or leg to ensure no allergic reactions occur.

AMACOOL Battery Operated Stroller Fan

When I asked my social media friends to tell me all their summer baby essential secrets, my friend Brianna instantly piped up about this battery-powered stroller fan. She claimed it was a lifesaver last summer when she and her husband took their baby to Disney World for the first time. Invest in one of these fans, which can be easily attached to just about anything, for all your adventures.

Stroller Mosquito Net

These versatile mosquito nets for your stroller stretch to fit almost everything–from little baby carriers to joggers for your big kids. A bug net like this still allows for optimal airflow while keeping your baby safe from pesky insects.

Tula Baby Carrier

Several of my mom friends recommended this Tula Baby Carrier because of its lightweight mesh fabric, making it perfect for summer vacation. You can use the Tula Baby Carrier from newborn (7 pounds) all the way up to 45 pounds, and its extra padding and cushiony comfort make it the best selection for your little one to enjoy their first trip down the trails.

Just For Fun

Keeping a whole team of littles entertained during the summer months is no small feat. Make it easier with this list of fun essentials.

Bucket of Bubbles

The woman I turn to for all motherly advice–my own mom–had only one thing to add to the list of summer baby essentials: a bucket of bubbles. Bubbles, with little mess and cleanup, will keep your littles entertained for hours. Hand your little one the bubbles in the backyard or at the park, put your baby in their Pop n’ Play, and let your toddlers blow bubbles forever. (Or for as long as possible.)

Pool Clothes

A rash guard with SPF protection, swim diapers, a lightweight bucket sun hat, and sunglasses are all necessary for hitting the pool or beach with your little one. This tankini set from UNIFACO has an SPF of 50+ and is an adorable option for your little girl’s trip to the pool. We love the prints and reusability of these reusable swim diapers, which are cute and eco-friendly. Choose from the variety of bright, summery colors of these MaxNova hats, and keep your baby protected from the sun. The COCOSAND Baby Sunglasses fit babies 0 to 24 months and come in so many adorable prints and colors!  The adjustable strap grows with your child and helps ensure the glasses don’t get lost at the beach.

SwimWays Infant Pool Float

This SwimWays Pool Float makes it easy to hop in the pool with your littlest addition. The three-point harness is adjustable and the perfect way to keep your baby secure. Its canopy hood keeps the sun out of your little one’s face, and the built-in handles help you swim close by at all times.

Monobeach Baby Beach Tent

Baby will need her own cabana fit for a queen this summer. Enter the Monobeach Baby Beach Tent. Designed for children under 3 years old, this tent has a mini pool that allows your baby to play in the water while being protected from the sun. Alternatively,  we have also filled this up with sand and had loads of fun with that as well.

Splash Pad

Find a local park nearby with a great splash pad. It’s the perfect spot to meet friends for summer play dates. Most offer a shaded picnic area where moms and babies can hang out while big kids run, jump, and play through sprinklers and buckets of water. 

Fun-in-the-sun

Don’t miss a second of the gorgeous summer weather by making sure you’re ready to go with all of these summer essentials. And don’t forget your phone or your camera to capture all the sweet, fun-in-the-sun memories you’re making as a family!