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Summer Holiday Must-Haves for Your Baby & Toddler
- Khizra khalid
- Apr 25
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 27
Are you heading out with your little one this summer? Here are 6 essential baby & toddler items that will make your holiday smoother, cooler, and way more fun!
Summer holidays are all about creating core memories — beach days, garden fun, and sunny strolls. But if you’re a parent to a baby or toddler, you know planning ahead is everything. The right gear can turn potential chaos into calm, comfy, and happy adventures.
We know summer holidays with a little one can be as exhausting as they are exciting—so we’ve handpicked products from trusted brands on Amazon that tick all the boxes: lightweight, portable, safe, and genuinely useful. These brands prioritise comfort and practicality, so you can soak up the sunshine while your baby stays protected, well-fed, and entertained. Let’s dive into your ultimate packing list!
This automatic pop-up tent creates instant shade for your baby or toddler during beach days, garden play, or park picnics. With UPF 50+ sun protection and mesh windows for airflow, it’s a safe and breathable little hideaway.
Features:
Pops up in seconds – no assembly needed
UPF 50+ sun protection
Lightweight and compact carry bag
Mesh panels for ventilation
Sun safety is a huge concern for parents, especially with delicate baby skin that burns easily. This pop-up tent becomes your go-to solution for creating a cool, shaded spot anywhere—whether you're on a sandy beach, at the park, or simply playing in the garden. Unlike traditional parasols or beach umbrellas, it doesn’t tip over or blow away, and there’s no fiddling with poles or ropes. The built-in mesh windows allow fresh air to circulate, preventing stuffiness and keeping your baby cool. It’s especially handy during nap time or feeding outdoors, giving your baby a quiet, shaded space while you still enjoy the sunshine. Plus, its compact, foldable design means it can travel with you effortlessly—perfect for holidays, road trips, or even a day out in nature.
Whether you’re on a beach or in your back garden, keeping baby out of direct sun is a top priority. This tent gives you an instant shady spot for naps, feeding, or just quiet time. It folds down easily, fits in your car boot or suitcase, and offers peace of mind all summer long. No more juggling umbrellas or worrying about overheating—this is your mobile baby base camp.
This portable baby changing mat folds into a compact clutch, complete with storage pockets for nappies and wipes. The wipeable surface makes nappy changes quick and hygienic—wherever you are.
Features:
Waterproof and wipe-clean interior
Built-in storage for wipes and nappies
Compact foldable design
Soft padding for baby’s comfort
Changing your baby on-the-go often means improvising—and not always in the most sanitary places. Whether you're on the beach, at the zoo, or stuck on the motorway, this foldable changing mat provides a clean, padded surface to change your baby anywhere. It opens up quickly, offers enough space for your baby to lie comfortably, and the integrated pockets mean you have all your essentials right there—no rummaging through your bag mid-change. Afterward, it folds up neatly into a clutch-style shape that fits in any beach tote or stroller pocket. It's especially helpful for parents who want to stay organised and avoid lugging a huge changing bag around during outings. Plus, it’s super easy to wipe clean after messy changes—keeping things hygienic and hassle-free.
Public toilets and beach loos aren’t exactly baby-friendly—but this mat turns any surface into a safe, clean changing space. From changing nappies in the car to picnic benches or poolside loungers, this foldable lifesaver keeps your little one comfy and you stress-free. It's light, slim, and slips easily into your beach bag or travel tote.
These cute wind-up turtle toys swim on their own in the bath or paddling pool—ideal for keeping little ones happily entertained while you soak up the sun (or sip that iced coffee).
Features:
Wind-up mechanism – no batteries needed
Lightweight and water-safe
Bright colours for sensory play
Suitable from 6 months+
Summer days can be long—and keeping your little one engaged and happy is the secret to enjoying them. These wind-up swimming turtles are brilliant boredom busters for water-loving babies and toddlers. Simply wind them up and let them swim across the bath, paddling pool, or inflatable tub. Because they require no batteries, they’re 100% travel-friendly and don’t need any tech to keep going. The bright colours and moving parts make them a hit for sensory play and help develop fine motor skills. While your baby plays with the turtles, you’ll have a few peaceful moments to relax or prepare for the next part of your day. They're compact enough to throw into your beach bag or suitcase and can turn any splash session into giggles galore.
Bored babies and toddlers = chaos. These water toys keep your little one distracted and engaged whether you're by the pool, in the bath at the hotel, or cooling off in a paddling pool. Easy to pack and so much fun, they turn water time into happy time—plus, they encourage hand-eye coordination too!
This adorable wearable towel dress is soft, breathable, and absorbs moisture quickly—perfect for after-swim snuggles or shady naps post-splash time.
Features:
Made from organic, breathable cotton
Buttoned sides for easy on/off
Hood for extra warmth and coverage
Doubles as towel and cover-up
After a swim or bath, getting your toddler dried off quickly and comfortably can be a mission—especially when they’re running around or refusing to stay still. This towel dress wraps your little one in soft, absorbent cotton and fastens easily, so it won’t slip off like a traditional towel. The hood adds warmth and helps dry wet hair, while the side buttons keep the towel securely in place. Whether you’re heading from the pool to the car, grabbing lunch at a beach café, or just drying off in the garden, this wearable towel keeps them cosy without the fuss. It’s lightweight, dries quickly, and is compact enough to carry everywhere. Plus, it’s so cute, you’ll definitely want to snap a few photos!
Towels never stay put on wriggly babies—but this genius dress solves that. It’s cute, comfy, and keeps them warm and dry after water play or paddling. No more damp swimsuits or wrestling with beach towels while they toddle around. Bonus: it’s lightweight and dries quickly too.
Protect little feet with these non-slip, quick-drying aqua shoes. Ideal for pool edges, hot sand, or slippery splash parks, they’re soft enough for tiny toes and secure enough for serious play.
Features:
Non-slip rubber sole
Breathable stretchy fabric
Easy to slip on and off
Multiple fun colours and sizes
Letting your toddler run free in the summer sun is wonderful—but not when they’re burning their feet on hot pavement or slipping at the pool. These aqua shoes are designed to give you peace of mind while your child explores. They’re soft and breathable, making them comfortable for all-day wear, but sturdy enough to protect against sharp stones, shell-covered sand, or slippery surfaces. The snug, stretchy material hugs their feet without feeling tight, and they’re so lightweight that kids won’t even notice they’re wearing them. Whether your family’s headed to the beach, splash pad, or a holiday resort, these shoes make sure every step your toddler takes is safe and secure.
Summer play can mean hot pavement, sharp stones, or slippery tiles. These swim shoes give your toddler freedom to explore without the worry. They're light, flexible, and don’t hold water—so your little explorer stays safe, happy, and adventure-ready from beach to pool.
This lightweight, wide-brimmed baby sun hat is designed for ultimate UV protection and comfort. With a chin strap and breathable cotton fabric, it stays put—even on windy beach days.
Features:
UPF 50+ sun protection
Adjustable chin strap
Soft, breathable cotton
Folds easily into your bag
The sun is wonderful, but it can be dangerous—especially for sensitive baby skin. This sun hat is a parent’s best defence against heatstroke, sunburn, and overheating. The wide brim offers full coverage, shading not just the face but also ears and the back of the neck—key areas often missed with sunscreen. The soft cotton fabric keeps your baby cool, and the chin strap means the hat stays put—even when your little one is crawling, walking, or playing in the breeze. You won’t need to keep repositioning it every few minutes. It also folds flat, so it’s easy to stash in your nappy bag or beach tote. Simple, smart, and sun-safe—everything a summer hat should be.
Keeping a sun hat on a toddler is a task in itself—but this one actually stays on. The soft material makes it super comfy, the strap keeps it secure, and the wide brim offers full face and neck protection. It’s essential for keeping sunburns at bay and heat headaches out of the equation.
How to Build Your Baby’s Summer Kit
When packing for your day out, make sure you cover these key categories:
Sun Safety: Hats, tents, and SPF are non-negotiable.
Hydration + Cooling: Always keep water and a mist fan or cooling towel.
Nappy + Clean-Up: Wipes, changing mats, extra nappies, and a wet bag.
Entertainment: Pool toys, books, and snacks go a long way.
Comfort: Towel robes, hats, and easy-dry clothing for happy transitions.
Pro Tips for Summer with Babies & Toddlers
Bring a portable fan (clip-on prams work great).
Pack at least two sets of spare clothes.
Keep a ziplock bag for dirty nappies or clothes.
Bring snacks that won’t melt in the heat (oat bars, rice cakes, etc.).
Choose foldable gear to save boot space.
Summer with your baby or toddler doesn’t have to mean stress. With the right essentials, you’ll be ready for beach trips, garden playdates, or spontaneous outdoor fun. Every product in this list is chosen with real parent struggles in mind — from messy changes to overheating and unpredictable weather.
Travelling with babies and toddlers doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the right gear on hand, you can actually enjoy your summer holiday rather than spend it improvising with towels and snack wrappers. These parent-loved essentials will help you stay prepared, keep your baby protected, and turn your family getaway into a sun-soaked success.
Disclaimer: This content contains affiliate links.
Author: First Time Mums UK
Instagram: @firsttimemumsuk
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