25 Toddler Summer Essentials For Safe Outdoor Play And Cozy Indoors (2024)

by | Jun 12, 2024 | Motherhood, Toddler

A list of 25 toddler summer essentials for safe outdoor play range from toys and water games to sun protection and safety

Toddler Summer Essentials For Safe Outdoor Play And Cozy Indoors by US top mom blogger Dreaming Loud

Ever since our son was born, summer holds a special place in our hearts as a family. It’s when we first saw his delighted face digging in the sand at the beach, or when we all went on a boat trip and he couldn’t stop giggling, saying how much fun it was. Summer evenings now mean spending time in the backyard until dinnertime, and weekends are for discovering new places. These experiences have become ingrained in our family’s story, making each summer a time we’ll forever treasure. 

Our favorite must-have items for a toddler in the summer range from toys and water games to sun protection and safety. Vihaan is 14 months old, and everything shared in the post is safe for a 14-month-old or older.

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25 Toddler Summer Essentials For Safe Outdoor Play by Top US Mom Blogger Dreaming Loud

Toddler Summer Essentials

Toddler Summer Essentials for Sun Protection and Safety 

While I love taking him out, I also worry about protecting him from harmful UV rays, insects, and tick bites.

Badger Sunscreen and UV patch for Sunscreen reapplication by top US mom blog dreaming loud

1. Natural Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an absolute summer must-have. There are so many brands out there that make baby-safe sunscreen. I encourage you to do some research to pick a brand that is safe and not greenwashed. I use Badger Mineral Sunscreen for Baby on my toddler; it’s one of the best natural, mineral-based sunscreens that offer superior protection without any dangerous chemicals or ingredients. It’s water-resistant and needs minimal rubbing for the white cast to go away. I found out about these UV stickers that change color when it’s time to reapply your sunscreen; this will be very helpful for beach outings.

 

25 Toddler Summer Essentials For Safe Outdoor Play And Cozy Indoors- Solar Buddies Refillable Roll On Sponge Applicator by top US mom blog dreaming loud

2. Sponge Applicator

This sponge applicator makes applying sunscreen easy and quick. Alternatively, you can also use a beauty blender for smooth application.

 

3. Bug and Tick Repellent 

I learned the hard way that Bug Repellents don’t protect from Ticks. While we live and used the Badger Bug Repellent for years, it doesn’t work for Ticks. We recently bought this natural Bug + Tick repellent from Wholefoods, and it’s been working well so far.  I also keep these Mosquito patch stickers handy when we go camping.

 

25 Toddler Summer Essentials For Safe Outdoor Play And Cozy Indoors- Swim Separates by top US mom blog dreaming loud

4. UV Swimwear Separate

When buying swimwear for toddlers, there are a couple of things to consider: ONE- Make sure the bathing suit has a UPF index, which means they are UV protected, similar to SPF. So you don’t need to worry about lathering sunscreen all over your child’s body!

Two- Opt for two-piece swimwear, as pulling off a wet bathing suit is almost impossible. Swim separates are a breeze to pull on and off for you and your child.

I prefer full sleeve Rashguard shirts for V for more protection and pair them with swim diapers. Linking a lot of cute UV swim separates below.

 

Wearing i play. Baby Brim Hat, Iplay toddler Rash Guard shirt- Toddler Summer Essentials by US top mom blogger Dreaming Loud

5. Adjustable Wide-Brim Sun Hat

Little V is notorious for pulling his hat off. If your toddler is the same, get an adjustable sun hat. It makes it a little more difficult for them to take it off. The wide brim and UPF 50 provide sun protection. The adjustable toggle on the head is a bonus as it creates a custom fit and keeps the hat in place.

 

Wearing i play. Baby Brim Hat, Iplay toddler Rash Guard shirt, Baby Sunglasses- Toddler Summer Essentials by US top mom blogger Dreaming Loud

6. Adjustable Sunglasses

These baby sunglasses are the cutest! I love that they have a comfortable adjustable strap to keep them on your baby’s face. Another cute option is with a stay-put band.

 

Toddler Summer Essentials For Beach or Pool

Let your toddler have some fun with water whether it’s at home or pool, or beach

Wearing i play. Baby Brim Hat, Iplay toddler Rash Guard shirt, Stearns Original Puddle Jumper Kids Life Jacket- Toddler Summer Essentials by US top mom blogger Dreaming Loud

7. Swim Diapers

If your toddler is not potty trained, swim diapers are a must. Regular diapers swell up when in contact with water.

Note- Swim diapers are designed to withstand water and contain solids. They aren’t meant to absorb. Yep, that means pee will pass through to the water, but they will keep the poop inside. I have learned this the hard way 😀 Put the swim diaper on your child right before they get into the water and change them into a regular diaper when they are off the water. For some absorption, you can purchase absorbent inserts for the swim diaper while they toddle around on land.

These are the swim diapers (more prints here) we use; they are reusable. Get the ones that have snaps at the side. Easy to drag a poopy diaper off your baby’s legs and feet. Also, this brand runs really small, so size up. These are disposable swim diapers.

 

8. Water Shoes

Water shoes protect their feet from burning while walking near the pool or playing in the sand. I recommend getting a covered shoe rather than flip-flops for more coverage and protection. I got these water shoes for V last year; they are durable and have no slip soles for traction on slippery surfaces, which is uncommon in most water shoes. This year, I am looking for a strap open so he can wear it by himself. I got these.

 

Wearing i play. Baby Brim Hat, Iplay toddler Rash Guard shirt, Stearns Original Puddle Jumper Kids Life Jacket- Toddler Summer Essentials by US top mom blogger Dreaming Loud
Wearing i play. Baby Brim Hat, Iplay toddler Rash Guard shirt, Stearns Original Puddle Jumper Kids Life Jacket- Toddler Summer Essentials by US top mom blogger Dreaming Loud


9. Puddle Jumper & Floaters

The Puddle jumpers are great floating devices for little ones. The design wraps around both the chest and arms so they can safely float in the water. This float activity center with a canopy is great for little ones.

 

How To Plan A Thrilling Day Trip to Assateague Island's Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) Beach by Top Maryland Blog Dreaming Loud

10. Beach Tent

If you want to spend more time at the beach, consider investing in a pop-up beach tent or canopy umbrella. It would be great for the toddler to play in the sand without worrying about sunburns, or you can relax, take a nap or read a book while watching the waves. It’s totally worth it! These play sets come with a mesh bag which makes it easy to take the sand off.

Shop:  pop-up beach tent | canopy umbrella | Beach Loungers 2 pack | Beach Mat

 

babyGap Towel Terry Shark Swim Cover-Up- Toddler Summer Essentials by US top mom blogger Dreaming Loud

11. Poncho or Hooded Quick Dry Towel

A poncho is great to throw on a wet swimsuit; it keeps them warm and toasty while strolling on the beach. This hooded towel is our favorite, been using it since V was a baby.

 

Wearing i play. Baby Brim Hat, Iplay toddler Rash Guard shirt, Green Toys sand play set- Toddler Summer Essentials by US top mom blogger Dreaming Loud

12. Sand Toys

Highly recommend getting a sand playset for your toddler; it promotes independent and sensory play. We took this on our beach trip over the weekend. It kept V entertained for a couple of hours; he didn’t bother if we were there; he was completely occupied scooping sand, pouring it into the bucket, and making sand molds. We enjoyed relaxing and chatting with friends. The playset is made with recycled plastic, so it’s a bit pricey compared to other options.

 

13.  Talc Free Baby powder to remove Sand

Using a Talc-free baby powder is the BEST way to remove sand from your child’s body. Sprinkle some baby powder on the dry sand area ex-, feet, and hands. Rub back and forth with your hands to brush away the sand. These powder bags are very popular lately, haven’t tried them, but they are all over Tiktok and IG.

 

Toddler Summer Essentials for Outings

Wearing i play. Baby Brim Hat, Iplay toddler Rash Guard shirt, Green Toys sand play set,Little Unicorn 5x10 Outdoor Blanket - Toddler Summer Essentials by US top mom blogger Dreaming Loud

14. Waterproof Picnic Blanket

We have had this portable waterproof blanket for a year and can vouch for it. It’s beautiful and folds into a compact bag with a shoulder-carrying strap. It’s lightly padded and great for camping and with active toddlers. Here is an affordable option (it’s $16)

 

15. Stroller Fan

A stroller fan can help keep the toddler cool and breezy in the warm summer months. It’s versatile; you can attach it to the car seat, stroller, or anywhere.

 

 

Toddler Summer Essentials by US top mom blogger Dreaming Loud- Stroller Mosquito Net

16. Stroller Mosquito Net

A stroller mosquito net is necessary if you enjoy taking strolls in the park or hiking. We have this one; it’s one of the things I added to my Baby Registry and received as one of the baby shower gifts. It’s large enough to fit on any stroller.

 

Toddler Summer Essentials by US top mom blogger Dreaming Loud- Insulated Water Bottle

17. Insulated Water Bottle

Hydro Flask stainless steel water bottle is hands-down one of the best-insulated bottles I got. Water stays cold or hot easily for 2 days and it’s lead-free. We own them in kid and adult sizes, and I also bought them for my parents and in-laws. Another brand I love for Adults is Brumate, the best part about these bottles is it’s a leakproof stainless steel sipper bottle that comes with a stainless steel straw. It’s lead-free and fits into the car and other cup holders

 

Wearing i play. Baby Brim Hat, Iplay toddler Rash Guard shirt, Green Toys sand play set,Veer Wagon Cruiser - Toddler Summer Essentials by US top mom blogger Dreaming Loud
Wearing i play. Baby Brim Hat, Iplay toddler Rash Guard shirt, Green Toys sand play set,Veer Wagon Cruiser - Toddler Summer Essentials by US top mom blogger Dreaming Loud

18. Collapsible Wagon Stroller

We have Veer Wagon Cruiser, it’s expensive, but you pay for this wagon’s quality and uniqueness. It’s solid and extremely well-made. The push is easy, and the wheels are good on all terrain. It’s the best all-terrain wagon on the market. If you do a lot of outdoor trips, it’s worth every penny. We took this on our beach trip over the weekend. We had to walk for 10 mins to meet our friends; V enjoyed this chariot ride, it was easy to cruise in the sand and narrow and bumpy walk trails, and we loved it. It’s also quick and easy to fold and toss in the car. Affordable option here

 

Toddler Summer Essentials by US top mom blogger Dreaming Loud- Portable high Chair

19. Portable Travel Booster Chair with Tray

Instead of getting a camping chair for your toddler, get this booster seat which doubles as a camping chair and a portable high chair.

 

25 Toddler Summer Essentials For Safe Outdoor Play And Cozy Indoors- Strider Kids Balance Bike

20. Balance Bike

Do you know you can introduce a balance bike as early as 18 months? What distinguishes a balanced bike from a bike with training wheels? Balance bikes are lower to the ground and more accessible to younger children. They are also light and easy to ride compared to 12-inch bikes with training wheels. We got this Strider balance bike as V’s first birthday gift and it’s probably the best gift ever, he loves riding it. He is learning steering and balancing, which are the foundation for leading to riding a pedal bike. The helmet above is a little too big for a 2-year-old. I ended up getting this smaller one.

25 Toddler Summer Essentials For Safe Outdoor Play And Cozy Indoors (2024)- Woom 2 pedal bike by top US mom Blog Dreaming Loud

V is 3 years old now, and we recently transitioned him to a pedal bike. We chose the Woom 2 because it’s the lightweight pedal bike in the market and sturdy, making it an ideal transitional bike. Initially, we introduced it as a balance bike to help him get comfortable. After adding the pedals, he wasn’t very interested in pedaling at first and continued using it as a balance bike. However, once he saw other kids pedaling, he quickly followed suit and learned to pedal within a few days.

Shop: Woom Bike | Woom Helmet | Bell | Knee and Elbow pads

 

Toddler Summer Essentials for Playtime

25 Toddler Summer and Beach Essentials -Kiddie Pool by top US mom blog Dreaming Loud

21. Kiddie Pool or Water Table

I haven’t met a toddler who doesn’t love playing in the water. A Kiddie pool or water table can keep them entertained for hours. We opted for a kiddy pool for several reasons-

  1. It’s affordable compared to the water table.
  2. The kiddie pool allows the little one to play in the water without a floatation device. It helps them gain confidence in the water and become familiar and comfortable with it.
  3. You can use the pool for sensory activities. I add food color and floating or bath toys and throw in ladles or butterfly net to scoop and play, or I add body soap and give my little one a bubble bath experience outdoors.
  4. My son loves the flexibility of getting in and out of the pool, which he doesn’t have in the bathtub. He also loves filling the tub with water with the hose.

We used a bike pressure pump to inflate it. If inflating this is a pain, here is a foldable kiddy pool and inflatable kiddie pool 

 

25 Toddler Summer and Beach Essentials -No spill bubble machine by top US mom blog Dreaming Loud

22. Bubble Machine

We recently got a spill-proof bubble machine, and it’s good. My toddler can hold it and run around the yard without worrying about spilling the bubble solution. It spins 360 degrees and makes tons of bubbles. We had this bubble machine before, it was great, but it wasn’t spill-proof, so it was hard to keep my toddler from holding it.

We also have this bubble gun, it is rechargeable so you don’t have to add batteries frequently.

 

Toddler Summer Essentials by Top US Mom Blog Dreaming loud.-Sandbox

23. Sandbox

V loves playing in the sand; we recently got this Sandbox (smaller size here). It’s bigger in size compared to most sandboxs and affordable, too (currently on sale for $84). My husband and I can sit in it with my son in a spare room; it’s a good size and quality for the price—a good buy. We got this natural play sand to fill the sandbox.

If you’re trying to keep your toddler outdoors more, a sandbox will do the charm. I am linking a few options to consider. Added a few more options in the slider below

 

25 Toddler Summer Essentials For Safe Outdoor Play And Cozy Indoors - Kiddie pool by Too US Mom Blog Dreaming Loud

24. Bubble Bath Soap

Love this Honest bubble bath soap. You only need very little soap to fill the tub with bubbles; less soap means less dryness!

 

25 Toddler Summer Essentials For Safe Outdoor Play And Cozy Indoors -X-Shot Water Stealth Soaker - 4pk,

25. Water Toys

We have a four-pack of mini water guns that my son is obsessed with. All he wants to do all day is go outside and squirt water on our dog and the trees. He finds bugs and worms and squirts them. The water guns are small and comfortable for tiny hands.

Water tables are another great idea to keep toddlers occupied outdoors. We own a small water table that we got as a birthday gift, it’s good for babies. They provide endless fun and sensory play, allowing kids to splash, pour, and explore with water.

We are excited to use the splash pad sprinkler this year. It’s another fun way for our toddler to play outside. Perfect for hot days, it keeps him cool and happy. He loves running through the water and it keeps him entertained for hours.

The water sink toy is another fun option for water play. Our toddler loves it, and it helps improve his fine motor skills. He washes toy dishes and toys, which keeps him entertained for a good amount of time. Plus, it’s a great way for him to learn through play.

 

Did I miss anything? Please add them in the comments below-

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Suri

Suri

I’m Suri (short for Surekha), a software engineer with a deep love for fashion and a passion for helping fellow moms. Dreaming Loud is a personal guide from your girlfriend (that’s me!) to everything I cherish—fashion, motherhood, my Indian heritage, and a sustainable lifestyle.

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