1. A pack of ouchless hair ties, so you can get their hair out of their cute little faces quickly and painlessly. These soft, stretchy hair ties resist tangling, making them easy to work with even when your squirmy kidlet won’t sit still. And they’ll be so much happier without damp, sweaty hair stuck to the backs of their hot little necks all summer long!
2. A leakproof tumbler because keeping your kiddo hydrated is super important when it’s hot out. Made by Contigo — a favorite brand for coffee-loving adults on the go but sized just for little ones, this pick features a silicone straw for fuss-free sipping and tons of kid-friendly designs.
3. Or a sippy cup, aka a literal miracle, for the toddler who has decided they’re no longer into straws. (Seriously — that’s what this pick from Munchkin is called: The Miracle 360 Sippy Cup.) The 360-degree drinking edge on this cup trains little ones on straw-free drinking — but it’s still spill-proof, keeping messes at a minimum while making sure they stay up on their hydration during the hot summer months.
4. A clever stroller fan with flexible little octopus arms, so you can keep the breeze blowing for your little one no matter where you are. The three arms on this fan can wrap around just about anything, and the fan itself can rotate 360 degrees for the ultimate versatility.
5. And a stroller sun cover while you’re at it, because nothing keeps tiny faces cool like getting them into the shade. Designed to fit most strollers, this sunshade keeps those hot rays off your baby or toddler — but because of its unique material, they can still see out of the stroller, and you can still see into it. Score one for object permanence.
6. Or a 2-in-1, wagon-style stroller that comes with its very own sun cover. If you’ve got slightly bigger kids, they’ll be able to sit comfortably and stay cool in this shaded wagon — and, thanks to the hidden extra handle at the front, you can transition from push mode to pull mode in seconds. Summer picnics will never be the same.
7. OR a lightweight, breathable baby carrier, if you’re still at the carrying stage. It's especially good for the warmer months due to its excellent airflow — it helps keep both parent and baby cooler than your standard, huge, bulky carrier.
8. An inflatable “splash discovery activity center” that’ll let your baby splish-splash around safely and work on their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination in the process. If your tot is too small for sprinklers or pools, this pick is a great backyard option for getting their lil’ feet refreshingly wet.
9. Or a big ol’ splash pad if your toddler wants to run around in the water and not just sit in it. The fun sprinklers around the edges basically turn your backyard into one of those spitting fountains kids love — and as a bonus, the pad itself is a learning mat, too, adorned with the letters of the alphabet and some friendly animal illustrations.
10. And some reusable swim diapers to wear while they discover the joys of cool water on a hot day. Adjustable for tots between eight and 36 pounds and — key point — washable, they’ll stand up to repeated use without the need to constantly restock your water-friendly diaper supply. Also, they’re super cute. Look at those patterns!
11. A pop-up beach tent to provide some respite from the sun (which your tiny one will certainly need early and often). This packable pick is easy to pop open when needed and offers 50+ UV protection — essential for both keeping your kid a comfortable temperature and protecting them from harmful rays.
12. A zip-up swimsuit with UV protection built right in, so they can get their fill of the water and stay safe from the heat of the sun, all in one go. Easy to get on squirmy kids, this rashguard-style option comes in tons of colors and patterns and in sizes to suit your mini-me at a wide variety of baby and toddler stages. Bonus: It comes with a matching hat!
13. And a sun hat, because there’s nothing quite like a good ol’ fashioned wide-brimmed topper for keeping little faces cool. This one has a flap at the back to keep their necks from getting sunburned, too.
14. And, of course, a tot-friendly sunscreen stick from Blue Lizard for when your kiddo is old enough to be able to handle it. Designed for tots and toddlers 6-months and older, this sweatproof, water-resistant mineral sunscreen provides powerful SPF 50+, UVA, and UVB protection. And since it’s a handy stick, it both packs and applies super easily.
15. A water table packed with tons of activities that’ll keep your curious little one cool and busy all summer long. I mean, just look at this thing! Two levels! Water wheels! Buckets! Little chutes and slides! DUCKS! What’s not to love??
16. A cooling towel perfect for those times when your kiddo needs a thorough cool-down, fast. This classic from Frogg Toggs activates when wet for almost-instant relief from the heat. It’s super packable, too, so you can bring it along with you and your wee one wherever you go.
17. And a set of ice pop molds, because what’s summer without some frozen treats to help keep your little one (and yourself!) cool? These neat-o molds make chunky, jewel-shaped treats — and since they’ve got a ring for the handle instead of a stick, they’re easy for little hands to keep hold of. Chilling out has never been tastier!
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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