20 Healthy Swaps and Summer Essentials For Babies and Toddlers

As summer rolls in, it's time to gear up for sunny beach days, park picnics and outdoor adventures! These healthy summer essentials will keep you and your babies safe, comfy and hydrated. Let's get summer-ready!

1. Non-Toxic Sunscreen

This organic mineral-based sunscreen is formulated with safe, natural ingredients. It does not contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. It's gentle and effective.

2. ATTITUDE Baby Lotion

After a fun day in the sun, moisturize your baby's skin with this non-toxic lotion. Made with natural ingredients, it's free from parabens and synthetic fragrances. It will keep you baby's skin soft and hydrated without any harmful chemicals.

3. Barefoot Shoe Sandals

Let your baby explore and splash around comfortably with breathable, barefoot sandals. These shoes are designed to mimic the natural shape of the foot. They are flexible and supportive, fostering healthy little feet.

4. Non-Toxic Bug Spray

Badger Bug Spray is a must have for the summer. It's made with natural ingredients like citronella, lemongrass, and eucalyptus. Free from DEET and synthetic chemicals, it's both effective and safe for infants.

5. Organic Bug Bite Itch Relief

If the bug spray doesn't keep all the bugs away, Badger Bug Bite Itch Relief works fast and smells great. Made from colloidal oatmeal and organic menthol, it's safe for the whole family. It's hypoallergenic, chemical free, ammonia free, and cruelty free.

6. Stainless Steel Sippy Cup

In the heat, hydration is key. But when plastic heats up it can leach chemicals and microplastics into your baby's drink. That's why you should swap plastic cups for non-toxic cups. This stainless steel sippy cup is a great option that's easy to hold for them and spill proof.

7. Harmless Harvest Coconut Water

Speaking of staying hydrated, Harmless Harvest Coconut Water is a delicious healthy treat. Free from additives and preservatives, it's a natural way to keep your little one hydrated. Pro tip: dilute it with water. This will help make a bottle last longer.

8. Sun Hat

A good sun hat with a wide brim will help shield your baby's face, ears and neck from the sun. I like these that can tie and stay in place even with your little one running around and exploring.

9. Portable Fan

A portable fan can be a lifesaver on hot summer days. This fan can easily be attached to a stroller or a car seat to keep your baby cool and comfortable. Pro Tip: get two fans, in different colors. If one dies, you have the other. And if both are charged, point one at the baby and one at yourself!

10. Stroller Sun Shade

Strollers heat up quick! To an even hotter temperature than it is outside. That's why it's important not to use a swaddle or blankie to block sunlight. Instead, use this universal adjustable sun shade that protects from the sun but allows for proper ventilation.

11. Barefoot Shoe Sneakers

For more active play, barefoot sneakers are perfect. They provide comfort without compromising on mobility or healthy foot development. They have a wide toe box, so your kiddo's toes don't squish together. They also have a flat, flexible sole for natural foot movement and better posture support.

12. Jan & Jul Rash Guard

For the beach, plash pad, or pool, these rash guards will keep your little one safe from the sun and from toxins. The fabric is free from harsh chemicals and is gentle for your baby's skin. They offer excellent UPF 50+ protection from those strong summer UV rays, too.

13. Stainless Steel Lunch Box

For healthy snacks or a meal on-the-go, PlanetBox Lunch Box is a fantastic choice. This eco-friendly lunch box is free from BPA, phtalates and other harmful chemicals. It's made from high-quality stainless steel. The bento-style compartments make it easy to keep a variety of foods fresh and organized. This lunch box is durable, easy to clean and so convenient.

14. Natural Skin & Wound Care

Replace Neosporin with Active Skin Repair Spray in your first aid kit for your kids. Unlike Neosporin, this natural antiseptic for minor cuts is non-toxic and non-sensitizing. It contains no steroids, synthetic antibiotics, alcohol or harsh stinging chemicals.

15. Toxin-Free Band-Aids

Ever notice the red mark regular band-aids leave behind on your kids? These are a great swap for minor cuts and abrasions. PATCH bandages are free from irritants, toxins plastic and latex. They are made from organic natural bamboo. They're gentle on your baby's skin and on the environment too.

16. Car Window Shade

Keep car rides comfortable for your baby with these car window shades. They'll block UV rays and keep the car seat a little cooler. I love how you can put them on and off the window any time.

17. Car Seat Travel Bag

Traveling? You might want to consider taking your car seat with you. The good news is that it's free to check in a car seat on flights!

The one trip we took without our car seat, we regretted it. The car seat we rented from the car rental place was old and looked like it hadn't been cleaned in ages. Every car ride, our baby was uncomfortable and crying. We bring our car seat with us now. We bought this travel bag and we love it. The wheels make it so easy to travel with.

Pro tip: stuff extra things in the bag with the car seat. We typically stuff non-valuable items in there. Diapers, wipes and all the car baby accessories, like the baby mirror and window sun shade.

18. TushBaby Carrier

This baby carrier is so great for little babies and toddlers as well. It's ergonomic and helps protect your back. At the same time, it makes carrying your baby so much easier for you. You can use it for breastfeeding support or as a little seat for your baby. There's also enough pocket room to stuff some diapers, wipes, a bottle and other essentials.

19. Branch Basics Cleaning Travel Kit

The Branch Basics Travel Kit is great for trips, especially longer ones. These non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaners are perfect for families on-the-go. The travel size bottles are convenient to carry and are allowed on carry-on bags in planes. The plant-based cleaning solution is safe and non-toxic for you and your baby. We've stayed at Airbnbs where they only has Clorox and other harsh chemical cleaners. I got this travel kit for all our future trips.

20. Beach Umbrella

Stay cool and protected under the Sport-Brella Premier Beach Umbrella. With UPF 50+ protection, it has side panels for added coverage and 'windows' you can zip open for added air flow. It's easy to set up and offers shade for the whole family.

*this content is for informational purposed only and is not medical advice.