
Having a Summer Baby? Here Are Your Registry Must-Haves
Products to get outdoors, stay cool, travel and more this summer (with your baby in tow).
By Babylist Team
In This Article
When the weather starts to heat up, heading outdoors (even if it’s just to your backyard to soak up some sun) is a must. If you’re welcoming a baby in the summer months, you can still enjoy the good weather with your new addition. I gave birth to my daughter towards the end of the summer and being able to bring her outdoors made those early days of postpartum more enjoyable. And getting outside wasn’t a complicated adventure (though if you’re into camping or traveling with your baby, go for it). Just going for a walk, hanging out on the deck or popping over to my in-laws for some R&R was enough for me.
We’ve rounded up the registry essentials you’ll want to check off your list if you’re welcoming a summer baby, including including travel gear for summer vacations, beach essentials, products to keep your baby cool and more.
Nursery and Decor
Halo Ideal Temp SleepSack Swaddle - Heather Grey/Aqua, Small
From $32.99To keep baby cool, this sleep sack is made with unique IntelliThread Technology—an embedded fiber that’s designed to absorb, store and release heat. In the warmer months, your baby’s body temperature will be regulated for a comfortable snooze.
Newton Baby Breathable 2-Stage Crib Mattress - White
From $299.99If you’re worried about the summer heat warming up your baby’s nursery, this crib mattress is the answer. The core is made of 90% free air so it’s breathable, cool and even washable.
Muslin is a naturally breathable material that allows air to flow, helping to keep your baby cool while they sleep. This fitted sheet is 100 percent organic, and the more you wash it, the softer it gets.
Little Unicorn Cotton Muslin Swaddle 3 Pack - Berry Lemonade
From $39.95Muslin swaddles are a multi-use, do-everything baby product. They can be used for just about anything, from keeping tiny toes warm to providing a clean place for diaper changes on the go. The summery fruit theme is an added bonus.
Baby Delight Slumber Deluxe Rocking Bassinet - Charcoal Tweed
From $89.99Nothing says summer days like hanging out under the sun with your little one (in the shade of course). With this bug net-covered bassinet, you can spend nap time soaking up some vitamin D while protecting your baby’s newborn skin from bugs and too much sun.
On the Go
Momcozy USB Rechargeable Handheld Cooling Fan for Travel - Sage Green
From $29.99A stroller fan may seem like a luxury, but it’s a huge plus if you’re bringing home a baby during the summer months. We love this one because of the flexible grip-anywhere mount, the rechargeable battery and the LED nightlight.
While we love a full-sized diaper bag (especially a diaper backpack), this mini version is perfect for summer adventures, neighborhood walks or running errands. You can skip digging through a massive diaper bag to find a pacifier or your wallet.
But if you prefer a standard diaper bag, this one is made of water-repellent material and has a mid-size capacity, so it won’t feel like you’re lugging around a bag of bricks in addition to your baby.
A wrap is a snuggly spot for a baby to rest and relax—with the added bonus of freeing up your hands to do other things. This lightweight option is simple to use and just right for summer.
Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier - Pearl Grey
From $199.00For a more structured carrier option, the Omni Breeze is a great registry addition. It features four carry positions and will take you from newborn days through toddler years. The ventilated construction offers more breathability than other structured carriers, making it ideal for summer babies.
Nuna PIPA rx Infant Car Seat with RELX Base - Granite
From $450.00Summer means you may be hitting the road with your baby more than usual. This infant car seat is easy to install and weighs under 7 pounds, making it one of the lightest on the market and perfect for summer travels with your new addition.
Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller 2.0 and Bassinet Bundle - Black/Watercolor Canopy With Penny Leather
From $590.00My daughter was born at the tail end of the summer, but since I live in the southern US, it was hot through the fall. The Mockingbird stroller, particularly the bassinet attachment, allowed me to take her on daily walks comfortably. She could lay down on her back while the large UPF 50+ canopy protected her from the sun.
Little Unicorn Outdoor Blanket - Primrose Patch, 5 X 5 Ft
From $45.00Sometimes, the simplest things turn out to be the most useful. Perfect for beach days, park days, or any summer adventure, this water-resistant and machine-washable mat will become your new BFF once baby arrives.
Fisher-Price On-the-Go Infant Dome Portable Bassinet & Play Space
From $69.99This comfortable, portable playard is just right for on-the-go. It features a padded play space, an activity gym, shaded fabric with SPF 50+ and a roll-down mosquito net. You can use it indoors and outdoors; plus, when it’s not in use, it can be folded flat for easy storage.
Chicco Alfa Lite Lightweight Travel Playard - Midnight
From $167.99For an option that’ll grow with your baby, the Alfa is affordable, super lightweight, and easy to set up. All four sides are made of breathable mesh material, so your baby can catch a breeze while they hang out. And with a zip-down front, your baby can easily crawl in and out once they can. It makes for a great on-the-go playard for summer vacations and weekend trips.
Baby Delight Go With Me Venture Deluxe Portable Chair - Moss Bud
From $59.99When your baby is able to sit up and support their upper body, it will want to be in that position most of the time. This portable, pop-open seat has a five-point harness to safely secure your baby, a removable canopy to protect it from the sun and a removable tray for snacks and activities. You can use it on your patio, at the beach, hanging in the park or anywhere else.
Having a portable activity seat can come in handy when you’re out and baby needs a safe place to hang out.
Motorola PIP11 Audio Baby Monitor
From $39.99You won’t want to deal with packing up your at-home monitor every time you travel. This basic, affordable audio-only option is perfect for keeping an ear on baby when you’re away from home.
Yogasleep Hushh Portable Sound Machine
From $23.99A portable sound machine can help baby fall asleep (and stay asleep) no matter where you are. This one has 3 different sound options to choose from and a soft nightlight.
Feeding
Inglesina Fast Table Chair - Black
From $79.00Perfect for feeding on the go, this lightweight high chair hooks onto most tables and even comes with its own carrying bag so you can take it along on summer excursions.
These bibs are wipable and fold up easily, making them a great option for throwing in your diaper bag. They also have a food-catching pocket to help contain the mess.
Ceres Chill Breastmilk Chiller - Zen Green
From $68.98Whether you’re pumping while you’re spending time away from your baby or with your baby in tow, keeping expressed milk at a chilled temperature is essential to prevent it from spoiling. This travel-friendly breastmilk chiller allows you to pump directly into it and will keep up to 24 ounces of milk cold for 20+ hours.
When you’re out and about with your baby, being able to put a bottle together quickly (and correctly) is a non-negotiable. This travel-friendly formula dispenser can hold up to three servings and the tapered spout allows for mess-free pouring.
And here’s a formula hack I figured out during the early haze of nighttime feedings—I pre-filled the dispenser so I could easily make a bottle in autopilot in the middle of the night.
Diapering
Esembly Recycled Diaper Cover (Outer) + Swim Diaper - Rainbow, Size 1 (7-17 Lbs)
From $18.50Skip the disposables and add this eco-friendly option to your registry instead for summer swim fun. The waterproof outer layer of these cloth diapers also doubles as a swim diaper.
From wet clothes to dirty diapers, wet bags have so many uses, but especially during the summer. This one is perfect for keeping messes contained in your diaper bag or under your stroller.
Summer heat can lead to more diaper rashes; we love this organic cream for both prevention and treatment.
Health + Safety
Staying out of direct sun is your best bet for a summer baby (and what's advised for babies under 6 months, according the American Academy of Pediatrics), but this reef-friendly zinc-based sunscreen is a good choice for protecting your little one’s skin if shade isn’t an option (and it's our best overall pick for sunscreens for babies).
Bathtime frequency might be kicked up a notch during the warmer months, and this fragrance-free bundle from Tubby Todd will gently cleanse baby’s skin and the all-over-ointment will lock in moisture. (It also practically healed my daughter’s baby acne).
Baby Banz Infant Hearing Protection Earmuffs - Sky Blue
From $28.99Summer is filled with outdoor events and concerts, but they’re often way too loud for little ears. These pint-sized ear muffs protect baby’s sensitive ears while still being comfy to wear.
Clothing + Accessories
Snapper Rock Swimwear Floating Flap Hat - Pink, M (2-4yr)
From $29.00In lieu of sunscreen, a sun hat will do the trick. This broad, brimmed option has hidden elastic in the back for a snug fit and a neck flap for 360 degrees of sun protection.
Snapper Rock Swimwear Long Sleeve Sunsuit - Yellow, 2 (12-24m)
From $50.00Another sun protection essential is rash guards. They’re great for beaches and lakes, and you can use them anytime you’re looking for a little extra sun protection for your little one. This one piece long-sleeved option is UPF 50+ and made from soft, quick-dry material.
Small Story 5 Pack Printed Short Sleeve Bodysuits - All Over Hearts, 3-6 M
From $23.99You’ll be surprised by how often you reach for a simple snap-bottom bodysuit for your baby to wear (and just the bodysuit maks for an entire outfit), especially in the summer. This pack is super adorable and summer-ready.
Burt's Bees Baby Organic Cotton Desert Life Romper - Fossil Desert Life, Newborn
From $14.95But when you want to put your baby in an actual outfit, rompers are also an adorable summer wardrobe staple. And the organic cotton material is light and breathable, perfect for the heat.
Lightweight and breathable, shortalls (aka overalls with shorts instead of pants) are always a good idea. The gauzy material allows air to flow freely, keeping your baby cool.
Kyte Baby Zippered Romper - Blush, 3-6 M
From $18.00There’s a reason parents love bamboo PJs for their kids so much—it’s naturally thermoregulating, moisture-wicking and breathable. All of those are must-have features in summertime pajamas.
Books and Toys
Lamaze Freddie The Firefly Clip & Go Stroller Toy
From $14.99With different sounds, fabrics and textures to explore, Freddie the Firefly clips onto your baby’s stroller or car seat for on-the-go fun.
Dr. Brown's Fresh Firsts Silicone Feeder - Mint & Gray, 2
From $7.89Since your baby can’t enjoy an ice cream cone quite yet, give them the next best thing with this teether set that’s sure to bring summer smiles. When they're old enough to try out foods, you can fill it with cold fruit for them to gnaw on while soothing their gums.
With its vibrant colors and patterns plus engaging peek-a-boo flaps, this book is sure to become a favorite summertime read.