The weather has been amazing here and it makes me want to spend as much time outside as possible. I started searching for different things to do outside with a little one. I can’t wait to get outside with Baby B, so I gathered my favorite gear for baby’s first summer.
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Baby B will be about 6 months at the beginning of the summer and I can’t wait to play outside with her everyday. I wanted to find some new toys to play with outside. These are some of these toys we had before when we were foster parents, and loved them. Also included are one or two new things that we can’t wait to try this summer!
1. baby to toddler swing
This swing is perfect to hang in a tree or on a swing set. The packaging says that it is for 9 months and up, but I think it would depend on the size of your baby. Baby B is very long and is almost big enough to use this swing at almost 6 months old. Of course, make sure you stay close and supervise your baby when using the swing.
2. Baby splash mat
There are a few baby splash mats available, but I like how this one has a back support for babies that are still a little wobbly. You can find it here.
3. Pop and Jump
This play center is perfect for traveling to the beach, going camping, or just setting up in your back yard. We could just bring our indoor jumper outside,but then it may get dirty. Also, this is something different and you can easily travel with it.
4. bubble blower
Most little ones love bubble and it is something new to look see. At this age, babies are taking in all of the different shapes, patterns, and colors around them, so bubbles are a perfect element to add. Mom or dad may get tired of blowing bubbles, so this bubble blower works great to keep them coming.
5. pool toys
Stacking toys are great for baby’s development between 6 and 12 months, so these little fish cups are perfect. They are easy to hold and as baby gets old, they can be used to sift sand too.
6. swimming turtles
Babies love anything that moves or splashes, so these turtles are great. You wind them up, put them in the baby pool, and watch them swim. Simple but very exciting for a 6 month old.
7. baby pool
Plastic baby pools are a great option for keeping cool outside and baby can play with all of their fun toys. I like just a simple plastic baby pool from Walmart, rather than the fancy blow up ones you can find online. Whichever type you choose, this is definitely a must have for baby during the summer.
8. Beach blanket pool
Speaking of a baby pool, bring one to the beach is a great way to keep your little one busy with water play, safely away from the ocean. We used to drag the plastic baby pools to the beach, and they worked great, but my husband hated that haul.
Then, I found this! It’s a blanket that doubles as a baby pool. Genius. You dig a little hole or however deep you want the pool, put the blanket over it, and fill it with ocean water. Baby can enjoy playing in the water, and mom doesn’t have to worry about them being swept away by the waves.
9. Crawl through tunnel
This tunnel can be used inside or outside and is another great way to keep you baby active this summer. Once they start crawling, they will love playing hide and seek with mom, dad, or even the family dog in this tunnel. Baby B will most likely be crawling this summer, so we will definitely be getting the tunnel out!
10. Baby Sunscreen
We all know getting sunscreen on a baby can be a challenge, but it’s vital to outdoor play. We love Babyganics products so this sunscreen is perfect for keeping Baby B’s skin safe during all of these outdoor play hours. It sprays on easily, and then you can rub it in, for a simple and quick application.
I am so looking forward to summer! I can’t wait to get all of our summer baby gear out and ready to use with Baby B. What are your must have items for summer with a baby or toddler?
My 4 year old love love loves our bubble machine, so that is an item that can see years of use. He loves to run after the bubbles and try to catch them. He hasn’t totally gotten the hang of blowing bubbles himself and quickly gets bored and frustrated but can run after bubbles for 10+ minutes before tiring out. Great list!
Thank you! The bubble machine is Baby B’s favorite too. She will spend a good 20 minutes just looking at the bubbles.