It's that time of year again, summer adventures await and entice both young and old out into the great outdoors. A trip to the beach, or a summer party, or a picnic in a shady city park - with the right equipment, these outings are guaranteed to be fun and virtually stress-free, even for those with small babies. And that's why today we're revealing ten absolute must-haves for baby's first summer (and beyond!).
Our top tips for your summer baby's first equipment
1. A high-quality stroller
In summer, you want to get out into nature. The best way to explore your summer destinations is with a stroller that is particularly easy to steer. It should also provide your little one with sufficient protection from the sun and ensure baby gets plenty of airflow on warm days.
What you should look out for: Choose a stroller that is equipped with a generous sun canopy with UV protection, a lightweight frame and breathable material. It is also particularly practical when travelling if you can fold it quickly and easily.
Our tip: The Ergobaby Metro+ stroller is perfect for parents who are on the move a lot. It has a well-padded seat, adjustable sun canopy and it is particularly breathable when laid flat thanks to a mesh insert. For the very little ones, the seat can be transformed into a comfortable and airy newborn nest in just a few simple steps. You can also easily fold it to an ultra-compact size with just one hand.
2. Portable sun protection
Baby's skin is particularly sensitive to UV radiation. That's why you should spend as much time as possible in the shade with your little one. But sometimes that’s not possible so carrying sun protection with you to provide your own shade is essential.
What you should look out for: Look out for a sunshade that provides ample protection from the sun but is also lightweight and easy to store. It should be adjustable so that your baby is in the shade even when the sun is moving. Beach tents, clip-on sunshades and sun sails are suitable for this.
Our tip: Portable awnings can be set up flexibly depending on the position of the sun. A small parasol (similar in size to an umbrella) is mobile and can be easily taken along when babywearing.
3. UV swimwear and swim nappies
When you're by the sea or pool, it's particularly important that your little one's sensitive skin is completely protected from the sun's rays when they’re away from parasols and sun sails. Swim nappies are also often a must when you're in and around the water.
What you should look out for: There are now many suppliers on the market who have specialised in producing sustainable UV protective clothing, including those from recycled fishing nets or plastic bottles, for the sake of the environment and the sea in particular. They come in a broad range of ultra-cute and stylish prints. Bright colours such as orange and red are easier to see underwater than blues so are the safest choice, click here to see why. Swim nappies should fit snugly but comfortably around baby's hips and thighs to prevent leakage.
Our tip: Choose UV protective clothing with a UPF 50+ sun protection factor that covers most of baby's skin. This includes UV one-piece swimsuits with a zip or UV long-sleeved shirts and UV leggings. This also saves you from having to regularly apply sun cream (only suitable for babies over six-months-old) to the parts of the body that are covered!
When it comes to swim nappies, we recommend avoiding disposable nappies. This is because they simply produce waste and are often disposed of "unused" after use. Reusable models, on the other hand, are more sustainable and therefore more cost-effective in the long term. Look out for the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 label here too. If you do use disposable ones then you can reuse them if they aren’t dirty, just dry them out and they’re good to go again.
4. Light baby blankets and sleeping bags
Even in summer, the evenings can get chilly. Whether in the stroller or cot, a thin baby blanket or a light sleeping bag will keep your baby warm without overheating.
What you should look out for: Lightweight and breathable natural fibres such as cotton, bamboo or linen are ideal in summer so that your baby can sleep peacefully.
Our tip: The Ergobaby sleeping bag is made of light, soft and breathable cotton. It is available in three thicknesses, which are specified with a TOG value. The lightest sleeping bag has a TOG value of 0.5 and is ideal for warm summer nights. A practical two-way zip also makes night-time nappy changing easier.
5. Insect repellent for babies
Small pests such as mosquitoes, horseflies and especially ticks like to hang out exactly where you want to spend beautiful summer days and evenings with your baby. An insect net for the stroller is a great choice when you are out in the woods and meadows. Insect repellents should only be used after the age of two, if at all. Mosquito nets and insect screens for windows and doors make more sense than chemical repellents where possible.
What you should look out for: You should completely avoid chemical mosquito repellents for small children under the age of two. They contain the active ingredients DEET or Picaridin, which can irritate the mucous membranes and are not suitable for babies and toddlers. The active ingredient EBAAP is gentler, but is only recommended by experts after baby turns one-year-old.
There are also natural plant-based insect repellents such as coconut oil, lavender, bergamot and clove. Many parents have also had positive experiences with essential oils such as citronella or geraniol. Please note, however, that essential oils can irritate the respiratory tract, cause skin reactions, vomiting and movement disorders and are therefore not suitable for babies and small children.
6. Cooling teething aids
Teething hurts .And the summer heat can make this pain even more unpleasant. Cooling teething aids offer a welcome and refreshing activity. Even for babies who are not currently teething.
What you should look out for: Opt for teething aids that can be cooled and cleaned easily and quickly, that are chew-proof and free from chemicals. Never put teething rings in the freezer.
Our tip: In addition to cooling teething aids made from natural materials, a thin piece of chilled apple or chilled carrot from the time your baby is ready to be fed (from six-months-old at the earliest, rather a little later) also helps. Your little one can chew on it extensively under supervision. Or you can play it safe with a so-called fresh food feeder or fruit teat. Simply place some chilled fruit in this dummy-like "teething food dispenser" and your baby can safely chew on it.
7. Baby carrier or wrap
A baby carrier or wrap allows you to carry your baby close to you and still have both hands free. A baby carrier is a particularly good choice for busy and crowded destinations, as it offers your baby a quiet and protected place to retreat to.
What you should look out for: The material of the baby carrier should be light and breathable.In summer, slings or baby carriers with mesh inserts allow the air to circulate even better.
Our tip: The Ergobaby Omni Breeze is made of soft and breathable SoftFlex™ Mesh material, which keeps both you and your baby pleasantly cool. Cut-outs in the well-padded shoulder and waist straps further support airflow. It even has a sun hood tucked away under the neck cushion but your baby might need greater protection such as from a parasol etc. You can read more of our tips for summer babywearing by clicking here.
8. A cool place to chill out
Whether you’re at home in the garden or on a picnic blanket in the park you will likely need somewhere safe for little one to chill out (literally!). A baby bouncer is a great choice. It keep’s baby safely contained, off the floor, and most importantly, happy!
What you should look out for: A baby bouncer should hold your little one in an ergonomically healthy position, even for the smallest babies.The rocking function should ideally be triggered by the natural movement of the child and not electrically, so that even the youngest children can chill out in it and are not overstimulated. In summer, breathable material is important.
Our tip: The Evolve 3-in-1 Bouncer is ideal for travelling as it can be easily folded up for transport. Soft knitted material and breathable mesh fabric in key areas make the bouncer not only incredibly cosy, but also airy. You can use it with a newborn insert from birth, but also as a bouncer and toddler chair. So it grows with your little one and gives them chilled out time out and about or at home.
9. Sun hats for babies
Sun hats not only protect baby's head, but also their eyes and neck from direct sunlight and therefore from sunburn. It can also reduce the risk of sunstroke. Of course, if your baby will tolerate sunglasses, then these are a great addition too.
What you should look out for: An ideal sun hat should have a large sun visor, generous neck protection and ties to fasten it below the chin. The material should also have a high sun protection factor.
Our tip: Sun hats made from organic cotton are particularly gentle on baby's skin and are particularly breathable thanks to the natural fibres.
10. Sun cream for babies
First things first: Ideally, babies under one should not be exposed to direct sunlight at all, but should always stay in full shade and be protected from the sun in other ways. It is generally recommended to avoid sun cream completely until baby is six-months-old. Then, when direct sun cannot be avoided, mineral sun cream is the product of choice. You should apply this to all areas of the skin that are not covered by UV-protective clothing.
What you should look out for: Sun creams for babies should always have mineral UV filters. These are usually skin-friendly, reflect the radiation and hardly sting the eyes. Sun protection factor 50+ is also a must. Both high UVB and UVA protection (also PPD or UVA-PF) are ideal, so that baby's skin is also protected against skin cancer. European and Australian brands have the most modern UV filters, as these countries have particularly strict regulations for sun protection.
Our tips: Make sure that your sun cream does not contain oxybenzone, octocrylene and octinoxate. These UV filters can harm aquatic life and possibly humans too. Reapply sunscreen regularly to protect your little one should you be exposed to the sun for a longer period of time.
Off to summer with the right initial equipment for your summer baby
So that you can enjoy your summer adventures with baby in a relaxed and fun way, it makes sense to think carefully about what you need during this time. The initial equipment for your summer baby should be safe, comfortable and practical - for everyone involved. From strollers and baby carriers to UV-protective clothing and sun protection, each of these ten must-haves should help you make the most of your summer while your little one is happy, healthy and chirpy at your side. So, what are you waiting for! Embark on your summer adventures! With our ten tips, you'll be well prepared.