5 things your baby needs for summer

1. PORTACOT
If you’re planning to head off on holiday with your baby this summer, you’ll need a portacot. Also known as travel cots, these fold-away beds are a great place for Baby to sleep while you’re away from home. As with most baby gear they come in various styles, brands and prices, but which one you’ll need depends on how much you travel and where you go.

For example, if you’re going to be packing and unpacking a lot then consider something lightweight and compact. If you’re staying in one place something bigger and sturdier could suit. If you buy a second-hand portacot, check that it complies with New Zealand’s safety regulations, and I’d also recommend buying a new mattress for it. 

2. ROOM THERMOMETER
Knowing the temperature of your baby’s room will help you decide how many layers to dress them in, what weight sleeping bag they need, and whether or not their room needs a fan. Some thermometers that are used for checking body temperature will also show room temperature, so you may not need to buy multiple gadgets. Overheating babies is a SUDI (sudden unexplained death in infancy) risk, so a room thermometer will give you the information you need to adjust things accordingly.

3. DESK FAN
A fan will help to keep air moving around your baby’s bedroom and will create a welcome breeze in hot weather. Don’t aim the fan directly at your baby, as it could chill them. A bottle of frozen water in front of the fan can help cool the room faster; stand the bottle on a towel or a tray to catch the drips as the water melts. The sound of a whirring fan can also create soothing white noise to help Baby sleep. Make sure you keep any electrical cords safely out of the way, and check the fan can’t easily be knocked down by a toddler or a pet.

4. SUNSCREEN
It goes without saying that sunscreen is an absolute summer essential. While we try to keep our babies out of the direct sunshine as much as possible, the odd sneaky ray still gets through. Make sure you apply sunscreen to your baby up to 30 minutes before heading outside, and reapply after swimming. And do make sure you use a reputable brand with a good UV resistance rating that’s also gentle on your baby’s skin.

5. UV SWIMMING PROTECTION
Lightweight clothing and hats with built-in UV protection are a must for babies and toddlers playing and swimming outdoors.They provide a great back-up to sunscreen and will also protect against the wind. The best ones dry quickly and will keep your little ones comfortable as they have fun in the sun!