Summer Newborn Baby Essentials You Will Actually Use

Wondering what summer newborn baby essentials you really need?

When I became a parent I remember being overwhelmed with the sheer volume of products and clothes out there. You could spend an absolute fortune.

But it didn’t take long for me to learn that you don’t need ALL the things – you just need to shop smarter not harder.

If you’re wondering what to buy for a summer little one this article will take you through all of the must-have baby essentials, avoiding the stuff you really don’t need!

Preparing for a summer baby

Your key considerations when getting ready for a summer baby is making sure you have everything you need to keep baby comfortable on the hottest days of the year.

How much you have to worry about heatwaves depends on where you live.

You may only have a few weeks, or even days, a year that are real scorchers.

Whatever the climate where you live, appropriate clothes and bedding are a must-have for ensuring baby is comfy and safe.

Babies cannot regulate their temperature in the same way as adults, and they also cannot say when they are feeling too hot.

Overheating in babies can increase the risk of SIDS, according to the NHS.

So it’s a good idea to be aware of signs of overheating.

And it’s also helpful to dress baby in layers, which can be easily removed in order to help cool them down.

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What to buy for a summer baby?

When shopping for a summer baby the key is getting lightweight clothes and bedding to help babies stay cool in hot weather.

Items you can layer, for example baby onesies, baby sleepsuits and cardigans, are ideal as you can easily add and remove layers depending on the heat.

You’ll want lightweight cotton and cellular blankets.

Plus 0.5tog sleep sacks are great for when your baby is big enough as they cannot kick the covers off.

During heatwaves – where the daytime temperature hits 30C plus – I tended to put my babies down in just a nappy as it was so warm in their room.

Then I would check the room’s temperature before I went to sleep and add a light blanket over them, tucked under their armpits, if it was cooler.

When you’re out and about baby products that help to create shade and keep your baby cool are also a must-have.

It’s important to protect their delicate skin from the sun, using both sunscreen and light clothing that covers their skin. A sun hat is an absolute essential!

Apart from clothing and bedding, the key items you will need for your baby will be very similar!

Summer newborn essentials

These are the items that you will definitely need for a summer baby.

You can download my complete summer newborn checklist at the end of this article to help you with your prep.

Baby onesies

These will be your best friends during hot summer days. They come in a variety of cuts, but short-sleeve will probably be your most-used version.

They’re great because you can add trousers or shorts on top.

If you’re confused about the different types of baby clothes I have a whole article explaining the definitions and terms.

Rompers

These are a bit like onesies but they look more like a proper all-in-one outfit.

While onesies end at the top of the thigh, a romper tends to come down to mid thigh or cover the leg. It has open feet and hands, making it ideal for the summer.

There are also lots of adorable rompers in the shops that make cute and practical summer outfit choices.

Babygrows

Also known as coveralls or sleepsuits, these have long sleeves and cover the legs as well. Some versions cover the feet while others are open-footed.

For hot summer days I recommend babygrows where the feet are left free. This means they’re less likely to get sweaty at night.

You can use babygrows as PJs in the summer, simply covering your baby with a very lightweight blanket or popping them in a 0.5tog sleep sack.

Cardigans

A couple of cardigans or sweatshirts are needed for cooler days.

Get them in size 0-3 months rather than newborn, as you can roll up the sleeves if they are a little long.

Sun hat

A brand new baby may need a sun hat when they’re in a baby carrier or when being held outside, to help protect their skin.

Older babies who like to explore the garden, sit up on a blanket playing or sit up in their pushchair need one too.

It’s tricky to keep things like sun hats on your baby’s head. So look for something with a chin strap that will keep it in place.

Light baby blankets

Three to four lightweight baby blankets made from cotton or muslin are ideal for summer. On very hot summer nights I would put my babies down under just a giant muslin blanket which I folded in half

Baby sleep sacks

Your baby can start using sleep sacks once they are a few weeks old (check the manufacturers instructions, they usually go by weight for when they can be worn).

They’re amazing as your baby cannot kick off the covers in the night! You can get 0.5tog lighter ones that are ideal for summer nights and nap time.

Blackout blind

Summer days are great, but they do mean lighter evenings and very bright mornings that can disturb your baby’s sleep.

If your curtains in baby’s nursery aren’t great at keeping the light out then a blackout blind is a must-have.

I thoroughly recommend the Gro Anywhere Blackout Blind. It fits to windows with suction cups and packs away in a pouch when not in use, so you can take it with you when travelling!

Nursery thermometer

A nursery thermometer will give you an idea of how hot the room is, which can help to guide you in how to dress them for night time.

The ideal temperature is 16C (61F) to 20C (68F), however in the height of a summer heatwave bedrooms can heat up to the late 20s.

I love the GroEgg, which changes colour based on the temperature.

This was one of the absolute best purchases I made as a new parent – I ended up getting one for each of my babies’ bedrooms.

Shop GroEgg in the UK here

This fab thermometer is a good equivalent for US shoppers

Baby swimsuit

Whether you’re heading away for a beach holiday or just want to help your baby cool down by splashing their feet in a paddling pool, a baby swimsuit will come in handy.

You can get away with just putting your newborn in a swim nappy – I recommend adding a Happy Nappy – which are kind of like trunks but prevent swim nappies from leaking if your baby does a poo.

Baby sunglasses

These are useful if you’re planning to take your baby somewhere very sunny, or on a few beach days.

Although you’ll want to keep your baby out of direct sunlight, baby sunglasses can help to keep their eyes safe.

For tiny babies, look for sunglasses with a soft strap that fits around the back of their head, so they don’t keep knocking their shades off.

Car window shade

The glass used in car windows block most, but not all, harmful sunlight rays, according to the AA.

For this reason a car window shade can help keep your baby safe and prevent them from becoming agitated from the glare of sunlight on their face.

Washcloths

A washcloth is an essential at bathtime, however in hot weather it is also a really simple way of cooling your baby down.

Soak it in cold water and dab your baby with it.

I remember one summer how hot my baby got in the car when we were driving home one day. The second we got home I stripped her down to her nappy and got a cool washcloth which I held gently to her cheeks and forehead.

This quickly cooled her down. They’re also great if your baby is teething, as they can chew on them cool fabric and it helps soothe their gums!

Baby tent

If you’re planning a day at the beach or the park then a baby UV tent is perfect for creating shade in outdoor spaces that are wide open.

They make a safe place for baby to lay down and play with toys, or have a nap! Don’t forget to bring a few blankets to make it comfy in there.

Our baby tent simply folds down when we’re done with it. It’s compact enough to fit into a large bag, making it super portable.

I have a whole article featuring a baby beach essentials checklist.

Baby carrier

A baby carrier can be much easier than a pushchair for getting out and about. However as your baby will be close to you they may get warmer due to your own body heat.

Opt for a carrier made from lightweight nylon rather than a heavier fabric to help keep them cooler.

Insulated bottle bag and ice packs

Whether you are formula feeding or will be expressing some breastmilk, an insulated bottle bag will keep the milk chilled in the heat.

You can make formula up in advance or you can buy readymade bottles – this is a more expensive way of doing things of course.

Alternatively you can carry a flask of hot water and have the formula powder measured out in pots like this one ready to go.

Baby sunscreen

You will need to use sunscreen that is designed for baby’s delicate skin.

Some parents find that they try a few different brands before they find something that they like.

I love the Aveeno Baby range of skincare products, including their Aveeno Baby sunscreen.

Look for a sunscreen that is SPF50.

Babies should ideally be kept out of direct sunlight until they are at least six months. After this try to avoid the hottest times of the day and keep them in shade wherever possible.

Your baby will still need to wear sunscreen even if they are in the shade.

Sun shade for pushchair

Some pushchairs come with a hood that can be extended to provide extra cover for your baby on very hot days.

It’s not a good idea to cover your baby’s pushchair with a blanket or muslin, as it can heat up the inside of the pushchair very quickly on a hot day.

So an alternative is a stroller parasol that can be fitted to your pushchair’s handlebars. You can then angle it to give shade to your baby depending on where the sun is.

I’ve had one of these and they are a little annoying when you’re out and about, as the position of the sun changes. But they do make a difference.

Top tip for preparing for a baby: Set up a Baby Wishlist with Amazon and share it with your friends and family so they can gift you with things you need!

Other baby essentials

As well as the above items, you’ll also need these year-round baby essentials for a summer baby.

Toys

Your newborn doesn’t need piles of toys, but a few small things such as rattles and soft toys with different textures of fabric are perfect for playtime.

The Lamaze range of toys is lovely for newborns.

Baby toiletries

Newborn babies don’t need to be bathed on a daily basis however when you do bathe them, use baby-safe products that are designed to be gentle on their skin.

You only need a few items – shampoo, conditioner and a moisturiser or lotion.

Pushchair and car seat

These are essential for getting out and about. A pushchair that can be adapted as they get older to take them through to when they’re toddlers is a solid choice.

Baby bouncy chair

This is a great place to put your baby when you need your hands free to do other things around the house.

A baby play mat can also be really useful for giving baby a nice place to play on the ground.

Hooded towel

A hooded towel is so much easier to use than a regular towel! It covers their head much more efficiently and won’t flop off once you pick your baby up.

What should a summer baby sleep in?

As a general rule you need to dress your baby in one additional layer to what you yourself are wearing.

So to put it bluntly, if you’re comfortable strolling around the house naked, then just put your baby down in just their nappy and a thin blanket. Or just pop them down in a onesie.

One of the trickiest – and most stressful – parts of becoming a parent is the debate of how to dress baby appropriately for the temperature.

I found it particularly difficult at night, when I would be going to sleep, and would worry whether my babies would be uncomfortable, or safe, in the night. This was particularly bad when the thermometer in the nursery was showing 26C+ heat in the rooms.

Luckily I learned that putting them down in just a nappy was generally enough to keep them comfy. And if they were overheated just before bed, then dabbing them with a little water, either with a washcloth or by misting them from a clean spray bottle, would help cool their skin.

Tips for preparing for your summer baby

Plan how to cool down their room

Keeping homes without air conditioning cool can be tough, but there are a few tricks you can try to ensure they don’t get too hot in heatwaves.

First of all throw all windows open first thing in the morning, when the temperature will be cooler.

Then close them once it starts to heat up – maybe at around 11am.

And close your curtains as well, because this will prevent the sun rays from heating up the room.

Opening up your loft hatch can also help to cool the house, as the heat will rise upwards.

A portable air conditioning unit can be useful if you are really worried – but remember to compensate for this by dressing your baby appropriately for the cooler temperature.

You may want to purchase an extra fan for your baby’s bedroom ahead of their arrival.

Remember not to leave the fan pointing directly at your baby overnight as the draft may make them too cold.

Get the car ready

Get your sun shade in the car ready for your baby to travel home from the hospital.

When it comes to getting them in the car seat, if it’s a very hot day you won’t want to overload them with heavy coats and blankets. Just a simple blanket over them will be fine.