Beat the Heat: 20 Must-Have Items for Toddlers This Summer

Summer is the perfect time for toddlers to explore, play, and make unforgettable memories. As the days grow longer and the weather warmer, having these summer essentials to hand will ensure your little one enjoys every minute of this sunny season. 

From toys that spark creativity to beach essentials that keep them safe, we’ve rounded up the top 20 summer must-haves for toddlers. Whether you’re planning a family beach trip, setting up a backyard play area, or just looking for ways to keep your toddler entertained during the summer months, our comprehensive guide has got you covered. 

Get ready to make this summer the best one yet with these essential items, designed to bring joy, safety, and fun to your toddler’s summer adventures!

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1. Bubble machine

Summer isn’t summer without bubbles. You’ll know by now that bubbles are up there on a toddler’s love-list, right after parents and siblings, and sometimes before…

This bubble machine lawnmower will keep your little one entertained all day, with its sound effects, easy-to-use design and unlimited bubble fun! It comes with 24 packs of bubble solution to keep your toddler’s summer poppin’.

2. Splash pad

A splash pad is a must for keeping little ones (and adults who are kids at heart) cool on hot days. This awesome splash pad has a non-slip design, is made from durable material and is perfect for casual summer days in the backyard, for BBQs and for parties. It’s even good for keeping dogs cool on warm days! 

3. High SPF travel roll on

Summer days call for seriously good skin protection. Our little ones’ skin is super delicate, so a high-SPF sunscreen is a must. We love this travel-size SPF-60 from Banana Boat. It’s easy to pop it in yours or your little one’s bag and take it on vacation, to the beach, the park, or even just the backyard! 

4. Baby safe bug spray

Keep pesky bugs away all summer with a baby-safe bug spray like this one from Mambino Organics. It’s free of synthetic ingredients, non-toxic and cruelty-free. And this bottle is in a handy travel size, so it’s easy to take with you on days out. 

5. Water/sand table

No summer would be complete without water and sandy play! We love this dual activity table. This budget-friendly water and sand table has a handy cover and two separate compartments – perfect for filling one with water and the other with play sand. It’s only a matter of time before the two end up mixed, but that’s all part of the fun!

6. Paddling pool

A paddling pool is a must for a splash-tastic summer! This fun fish-themed paddling pool is made from BPA-free, non-toxic and durable materials. It’s got a doft and inflatable floor, so it’s great for little ones. Check out our roundup of the best water activities for kids for more water play inspiration!

7. Car sun shades

Car shades like these are a must for summer, especially if you’re planning days out or vacations. These fun ocean designs will keep your little ones entertained and cool on long drives.

8. Baby beach tent

Whether you’re planning days out at the beach or simply in your backyard, a baby beach tent like this one is a must. Not only will it keep your baby or toddler cool on super sunny days, but it has built-in storage for essentials like bottles! It’s even covered with a special UPF 50+ coating, to protect your little one’s sensitive skin. They still need to wear sunscreen, of course! The tent is super easy to pop up and take down, so it’s easy to take with you wherever your summer days take you! 

9. Water shoes

We love these non-slip water shoes. They’re perfect for water play in the backyard, days at the pool and trips to the beach. They’re available from infant size 1 right up to kids 11-12 and in a range of cool designs for both boys and girls too! These water shoes will protect your little one’s feet, and reduce the risk of tripping and slipping.

10. Swim diapers

If your little one isn’t yet potty trained, reusable swim diapers are a great alternative to disposables. They’re more eco-friendly than disposables and can be adapted to fit little ones from a few months old to a fully grown toddler! We love these Alvababy reusable swim diapers, suitable for babies from 10-19lbs. The waist and legs adjust to your baby or toddler and they won’t absorb too much water, letting your little one play all day! They’re available in a huge range of designs, for both boys and girls. 

11. Toddler beach chair

Days at the beach, by the pool or in the backyard enjoying glorious sunshine, are tiring for parents and little ones alike. Let your toddler relax in style with this funky toddler beach chair from Melissa and Doug. With a super fun Octopus design, this easy-to-fold chair is travel ready, easy to clean and features a cup holder for your little one’s favorite drink!

12. Sun hat 

A comfortable sun hat is a summer essential for babies and toddlers. We love this 2-pack of bucket hats for both boys and girls. They’re available in loads of different colors and in a range of sizes – 0-6 months, 6-24 months and 2-7 years. Their breathable and lightweight fabric make them summer must-haves!

13. Backyard games

This set of backyard games is a must for summer days at home. It includes 3 beanbag toss games in 1, including a dino toss game, a dart board game and a noughts and crosses game. These games are lightweight and a must-have for the summer season!

14. Kid-safe antibacterial wipes

Summer days are fun, but messy. Kids love to touch anything and everything at the best of times. Throw in sticky ice cream and sand and it’s a recipe for a messy disaster. We love these kid-safe antibacterial wipes for keeping your little one clean inside and outside of the house. They’re alcohol-free, hypoallergenic – so safe for sensitive skin – and moisturizing. 

Grab this 5-pack with 20 wipes in each pack, and have a fun but clean (sort of) summer! 

15. Sand and water toys

Whether you’re at the beach or in a sandpit or paddling pool (link to water play article) in your backyard, take ‘fun summer’ to the next level with these sand and water toys. Each set contains 9 toys, including a handy collapsible beach bucket, water sprinkler, trowels, shovels and sand molds. And it can all be safely stored and taken with you wherever you go in the handy travel pouch included.

16. Summer books

Summer can be hectic, so when your little one is ready for chilling, grab one of these awesome summer-themed books. This ocean life board book is perfect for teaching them all about oceans and sea creatures and is a must for a day at the beach. And this ‘Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Summer’ board book is essential for fans of the original book! It sees the hungry caterpillar experiencing all the fun and joy of the season, including the sun and noisy bugs.

17. Extra large picnic blanket

Make every picnic super comfortable with this extra large picnic blanket. A giant 80” x 80”, this sandproof, waterproof and machine washable picnic blanket is folded up and easy transported with a handy handle. Whether you’re picnic-ing in the park, chilling in your backyard or spending the day at the beach, a family-sized picnic blanket is essential. 

18. Picnic backpack

Sticking with the picnic theme, a picnic backpack like this one makes al fresco dining super simple. It features a large cooling compartment, a tableware set with plates, wine glasses, napkins and more, and even a picnic blanket! It’s all contained in a stylish navy backpack, ready for family days in the summer sun. 

19. Baby and toddler sunglasses

Protect your little one’s eyes from the summer sun with some comfortable sunglasses. These Cocosand glasses come in loads of different designs and are suitable for little ones from little babies to 24 months. They block UVA and UVB and are made from BPA-free, durable materials. They feature an adjustable strap to keep them safe and secure on your little one, for hours of fun in the sun! 

20. A busy board

Summer days out and vacations can involve a lot of traveling. Keep your toddler entertained whilst traveling in the car or on the plane with a busy board like this one. Featuring a bunch of different activities to keep them happy, like dinosaurs, alphabet games, buttons and zips, it’s safe to say it’s a summer essential for toddlers!

Conclusion

Summer is a time to make lasting memories. Beach days, picnics at the park, vacations and even days at home in the pool make summer the funnest season of the year. But summer also requires a lot of planning. 

From high-SPF sunscreen to backyard games to water shoes, if you’ve got the items on this list of summer essentials for toddlers, you’re in for a safe and fun-packed season. 

Get ready to make this summer unforgettable!

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