Essential Items For Your Baby’s First Summer

Essential Items For Your Baby’s First Summer

The first Summer you experience with your baby can be full of firsts: their first time at the beach, their first holiday, their first time spending extended periods outside – all new experiences you can treasure for years to come.

However, Summer comes with unique challenges as you find ways to keep your baby cool and protected from the heat. Here’s some of the essential items you’ll need to make your baby’s first Summer a stress-free experience.

Baby-Friendly Sunscreen

The most important item you need to have with you is sunscreen. Babies have delicate skin that can burn easily if left in the sunshine, so getting a quality baby-safe sunscreen with a high SPF will help to reduce the chances of this occurring when you head out into the sunshine.

When you apply your baby’s sunscreen, ensure you cover all areas of exposed skin including often missed areas such as the ears, neck and feet, and reapply often if your baby is sweating or takes a dip in the pool or sea. Do a small patch test prior to using the sunscreen to ensure there are no adverse reactions – if there is, stop usage immediately and seek medical advice if needed to find the best alternatives and to figure out what could be causing your baby to have a reaction. Keeping a small bottle of sunscreen with you will mean you’re always prepared to protect your baby’s skin when needed.

Sun Protection

Aside from Sunscreen, there are other sun protection items that are handy to have available to your baby. Firstly, sun hats can provide shade to your little one’s face, ears and neck, minimising their direct exposure to sun rays. Hats with straps will ensure a comfortable fit, but won’t be able to fall off easily during play – keeping them shaded at all times.

To keep your baby’s sensitive eyes safe from sunlight, get a good pair of baby sunglasses with UV protection that will shield them from the bright sun and reduce glare. Some baby sunglasses come with a wraparound design to keep them secure on little heads and faces, stopping them from easily coming off when they move.

Hydration

Hydration is crucial during hot summer months – babies are susceptible to dehydration so having fluids available is imperative for their health. For babies under 6 months or those who are purely drinking milk, you won’t need to bring additional water but may need to up their feeding frequency. For older babies who have started with solids, small amounts of water can be provided using a baby beaker. Use an insulated bag to keep water or milk cool, and keep track of your baby’s intake throughout the day so you can keep on top of their hydration.

Lightweight Clothing

Dressing your baby in comfortable, lightweight clothing is key to keeping them cool in the heat. Natural fabrics like cotton and bamboo are soft and breathable, and light colours can reflect sun rays to aid the regulation of temperatures.

Rompers, dungarees, dresses, shorts, and other loose fitting clothing items are great for everyday wear in Summer, and can help to prevent overheating when outside. Light clothing with sleeves or trousers may also be useful during cooler days and nights that you spend out and about.

If you’re looking to take your older baby into the water, a well-fitted, lightweight baby swimsuit with long sleeves and legs can provide maximum sun protection. To dry them, bring a hooded towel that’ll keep them cozy and dry as they head back home.

Cooling Accessories

There are accessories on the market you can use to help combat the heat for your baby. Cooling towels can be used to be draped over your baby’s legs or neck for a fast cool-down, and are made from materials that retain moisture whilst feeling dry to the touch, meaning your baby’s clothes won’t get wet and need changing after using this item.

You can also purchase a fan for your baby to keep them cool when you’re out and about – these fans clip onto prams to provide a breeze over your baby when they’re outside, and are safe and occasionally adjustable when used.

Sleeping Essentials

When it comes to those warm summer evenings, keeping your baby comfortable is important for their health and their mood. A lightweight breathable swaddle and sleepwear made from cotton or muslin will help with regulating temperature to ensure they keep cool all through the night. Keep the room they sleep in well-ventilated with a fan or use air conditioning if available. A ceiling fan on a low setting can help to circulate air without causing a draft, and try to get their sleeping environment to a normal room temperature before settling them down for the evening.

With the right preparation and essential items, you baby’s first summer can be a fun experience with their safety and comfort prioritised at all times to ensure each day is enjoyable for both you and your little one.
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