Now that we’re settled into summer, your vacation is probably creeping closer. Whether you’re taking a vacation far away from home, or simply adventuring out in your own area, there are plenty of must-haves that you and baby will need. Being prepared to handle messy situations when away from home is the best way to help you feel – and stay – in control. So enjoy your upcoming trip and be sure to pack your bags with these essentials:

Front or Back Carrier – Carriers are a great way to keep baby close, while keeping your hands free. Best of all, they don’t have to be expensive. Many carriers cost less than $30, which means you can buy an inexpensive one just for vacation time. Make sure you handle all the adjustments before you leave home so you’re not fiddling with it at the amusement park.

Portable High Chairs – These portable seats clip right on to any table and fold up when done. There are many different styles, but all fold up compactly and come with a handy carry bag. They serve as a great way to keep baby clean while eating, as well as in a familiar seat. Some chairs hook up to the table and allow baby to eat there, while others have their own tray.

Sun Cabana – Cabanas are super lightweight and can be tossed in any diaper bag for sun protection at the park or beach. Many have UV protection as well and come in fun colors.

Sleep Tents – If your family loves camping, don’t think you can’t take baby along. There are special “sleep anywhere” tents that include an inflatable mattress for baby to sleep. These sleep tents also have UV protection and can be used in place of a cabana. Here’s to naps on the beach!

Umbrella Stroller – Sure, joggers are great, but when you’re vacationing, you’ll want something lightweight. Try an aluminum-framed umbrella stroller that can be tossed in the car with little effort. Some can be expensive, but many cost under $40.

Bottle Warmer – When baby is ready to eat, don’t let him or her wait it out. A bottle warmer can heat up baby’s bottle in a few short minutes. Some use the outlet in the car, while others are made for on-the-go use.

Waterproof Picnic Blankets – They’re soft and colorful and perfect for a sunny day. Plus, waterproof picnic blankets fold up and have their own matching carry cases. One side is for sitting, while the other acts as a waterproof barrier, keeping out moisture.

Insulated Food Packs - Keep food and drinks cool with insulated packs. Trendier than ever, these packs have convenient pockets and carry handles that make versatile and lightweight. They’re great for jars of baby food, sippy cups and water bottles for Mom and Dad.

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During the hot summer months, you want your preemie or newborn to be comfortable and healthy, especially if you find yourself without air conditioning. Maybe consider purchasing some fans to help keep your rooms nice and cool while your little one adjusts to their new environment. While the temperatures could reach a scorching level, how can you be sure your preemie will be safe? 

Here are some summer safety tips that may help you with caring for your preemie or newborn.

Summer Safety Tips

- If all possible, keep your sweet little one out of the sun. Shade is of utmost importance including a summer hat that will completely shade their face. If you must be in the sun be sure to apply sunscreen (baby safe) to avoid sun damage. If possible, consult your preemie’s pediatrician regarding the usage of sunscreen on preemies.

- Be sure your preemie or newborn is staying hydrated. Water is not the answer. Consider feeding your baby more frequently since babies under 6 months of age should not consume water.

- Be sure there is proper air circulation in your vehicle. 

- Never leave a baby unattended in a carrier for even a minute. Heat temperatures can double very quickly inside a closed vehicle.

- Keep your preemie or newborn protected from insects. It is suggested to cover carriers and strollers with a special netting to avoid bug bites such as mosquitoes.

For more summer safety tips for caring for your little one check out summer tips on madeformums.com.

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You may be looking forward to the sunny summer months, but are you stocked on all the warm weather essentials? Before you reach for just any tube of sunscreen, check out the ingredient list. Too often, parents think their kids are protected from the sun when really they’re not. Just slathering on sunscreen and sending your kids out to play isn’t enough.

To start with, experts recommend that infants under 6 months should avoid the sun. Since this isn’t always possible, make sure small infants have the necessary gear, including sun hats with SPF protection.

When choosing sunscreen, most parents make the mistake of selecting a kid’s brand with a high SPF. Surprisingly, there’s not a big difference between kid and adult products. Instead, the differences lie in the ingredients.

Always choose products that are physical; made with minerals instead of chemicals. The sunscreen should be made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These minerals sit on top of the skin and start working immediately.

Chemical-based products on the other hand, require 30 minutes to absorb into the skin and start acting. Plus, since these ingredients leech into the skin, they are more likely to cause allergic reactions or skin irritations.

Sunscreens that contain either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide will protect against UVA and UVB rays. And, you don’t need to buy anything over an SPF 30. These products contain more chemicals and are not necessary. Instead, stick to SPF 15 or 30 and don’t go out of your way to buy kid’s products; adult ones are just as good.

Looking for recommendations? Try Coppertone Water Babies Pure and Simple formula that contains zinc oxide and comes with a moderate price tag. Other products are offered from the natural brands of Badger or Loving Naturals.

Don’t forget to replenish your sunscreen supply, as they’re no longer effective after one year.

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The weather is heating up, and in many places, this is a great reason to get outside! As adults, we love the warmer weather, so it seems natural to want to share this with our infants.

3 “Can’t Miss” ideas for having a great time this summer with your baby:

• Blowing bubbles. Babies love bubbles, and since soapy bubbles can get sticky, this is an activity that is easier to enjoy when it can be done outside. Depending on the age of your little one, he or she might not be able to master blowing the bubbles on their own, but you will be able to bring big smile to their faces by blowing them gently and letting the baby touch and pop them.
• Get wet. Nothing feels as good as the water on a summer day, but this is something best done carefully with a baby. Babies don’t enjoy being splashed in the face, though, so be gentle when playing with a sprinkler or splashing in a pool. Drowning is also a major danger for little ones, so be very careful!
• Take a hike. Not literally, of course – a long hike could be more than a new parent and infant can handle. Taking a walk to run errands or just for fun is a great way to get outside and expose the little one to new sights. As the infant gets a little older, you can also work on developing a larger vocabulary as you identify new animals, objects, and places together.

Don’t forget a healthy dose of common sense

Everyone loves getting out and going during the summer. However, as babies are more sensitive to heat and sun exposure, make sure to temper outdoor activities with lots of shade and rest.

Use your parental instincts and make sure not to “over do” when it comes to being outdoors, especially with young infants.

Summer is definitely here and most of us are taking every opportunity to get outside and take enjoy the sunshine and warm weather. For those with young children and infants, this is a great time to do new activities together as a family.

However, there are some safety concerns unique to summer, so it is a good idea to review these to make sure that you are keeping your little ones safe.

Sun safety

Babies are much more sensitive to sun exposure than adults or even children, so babies under six months should not be in the sunlight if possible. Putting sunscreen on a child this young is also not advised on a regular basis but can be done if there is no other option.

Hydration

As the temperatures go up, it is easier to get dehydrated. You will want to drink more water, but babies under six months should not be given water. They will probably want to feed more often to compensate for the loss of fluids, so you may want to speak to your doctor about how to adjust accordingly. After six months, small amounts of water along with juicy fruit are a great way to keep him or her hydrated!

Water safety

This is the biggest safety concern for infants and toddlers. There is no substitute for parental supervision near the water, but here are some other things to keep in mind:

• Buy a hard-sided splashy pool rather than an inflatable one
• A flotation device is not the same as a safety one. Use Coast Guard approved devices only.
• Do not allow a child in a kiddie pool if he or she is under 1 year of age.

With these tips, you are on your way to a great summer with your baby!