31 Summer Products For New Parents
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31 Summer Products For New Parents

Jun 11, 2023

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

Numerous water activities, for the win. 👏

BuzzFeed Staff

Ryan & Rose is a family-owned small business that creates stylish accessories parents will love. Reviewers also love adding this cup holder to other objects like their spin bikes, beach chairs, shopping carts, and more.

Promising review: "I am obsessed with these holders! I have a huge stroller that a conventional cupholder won't work on, the Ryan And Rose Cutie Holder is perfect! I am actually order a second one that I can use to hold to hold my cell phone! The uses are endless! Stock up when you can!" —ShopTillYouDrop

Get it from Amazon for $18.99 (available in 11 colors).

I've been using this on my son and it's been great! In a pinch, I've used it on myself as well. It rubs in easily (thankfully because putting sunscreen on kids is a TASK and a half) and smells nicely of coconut. I also use Sun Bum's Sunscreen Stick on my son's face, which is equally fantastic, because it's easier to apply in a pinch than a cream.

Note: sunscreen is only made for children over the age of 6 months.

Promising review: "This is the only mineral sunscreen I will use or put on my children. It's the only brand I've tried that goes on smooth and not super thick, and doesn't leave a white residue. Works great and no harmful ingredients, what's not to love!" —Natalie Anderson

Get it from Amazon for $13.97.

This item is noted for children under the age of 3.

Promising review: "Found this after our first experience with our 9-month-old at the beach. He wanted to crawl straight in the beach so I wanted to find something that would keep him busy but yet be able to play with sand and water! This was perfect!!!! He loved it and it kept him occupied all day, on and off. We didn’t use the shade since we had a canopy up already for shade so not sure how strong the shade part of it is." —Brittany

Get it from Amazon for $33.95.

While this product is noted for ages 18 months and up, my 12-month-old has and LOVES it (as do many of his 12-month-old buddies). I am certainly not a professional by any means, but I can say that I always sit with him and engage in play alongside him. We've already gotten so much use out this toy and will definitely continue to all summer.

Promising review: "Purchased for my grandson who loves to play in the water. Perfect height for a 2-year-old. Easy to put together, sturdy and lots of different things to do. The top part is like a waterfall, it has lots of little holes for the water to come through." —dd

Get it from Amazon for $79.99.

This splash pad is ideal for kiddos 12 months and older, perfect if last summer you were essentially trapped inside with your newborn so this summer feels like your first real one with a baby. (That was my scenario, at least!)

Promising review: "This looked like it might be pretty cheap, but so far we've used it five or six times this summer and it's great! The fountain can get pretty high and there's enough room for three or four kids to splash at the same time. It can get really slippery though, so water shoes are recommended." —Ms Helpful

Get it from Amazon for $24.96.

Check out a TikTok of the Bug Bite Thing in action and how it can be used to remove splinters too!

You may have seen this product featured on Shark Tank! It is chemical-free, reusable, and safe to use on all ages, including children, toddlers and babies. Be sure to use light pressure. If you do it too forcefully, you can leave a mark on your skin!

Promising review: "I saw this product on TikTok and had to get it. I’m super glad I did. My daughter and I always get a ton of mosquito bites, and this helps alleviate the itching as soon as you pull the suction back. It’s great." —Rebekka Talley

Get it from Amazon for $9.90+ (available in four colors and multi-packs).

Reviewers have also attached it to their little one's cribs and car seats for extra air flow. I personally used this in my stroller during my son's first summer (he was about three months old at the time) and will definitely be using it during our walks this year as well.

Promising review: "As summers get hot I knew I needed a fan for my newborn. This was perfect for his crib side, stroller and in the car. Its quiet, and I love the three settings. I don't use the light but it's nice to have. I can leave it on all night on low on a hot night so my son has some air movement in his crib and a breeze on our walks when his stroller gets stuffy. I fully charged it before I used it so the battery life isn't bad but will only last maybe two hours on highest setting before dying. Battery life is short but not bad if you use it on the low setting. I charge it every few days and its held up nicely. Not too bad for the price." —Queen Sweetnez

Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in three colors).

You can also use it on carpets, bedding, cloth diapers, etc.

Promising review: "I just purchased this. It took stains out of baby clothes and I used it on the fabric on a toddler chair and it looks brand-new. I wish I would have taken before and after photos! Love it already! I had read some reviews about it leaking during shipping but I received it with a tight lid in a bag with a spray too lid separate so no leaking!" —Brianne

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

Once your kiddo learns how to grasp their little treats themselves, you'll adore this product. My son has been using it since he was about 10 months old and it's quickly become his favorite companion (lucky me, haha).

Promising review: "These are a must-have for a small toddler and their snacks. The top is soft and flexible so I don’t have to worry about my little guy scratching his little hands when he’s digging around in the cup. Very easy to clean and they’re priced well. Buy them now!" —Wooty

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $6 (available in two color combos).

Promising review: "I’m thrilled to have purchased these! Amazing soap sheets. The scents are not overwhelming. I have sensitive skin and, does not irritate my skin. Hands feel soft, clean and smells great. My 6-year-old son loves these. With pretty much everything still closed down, due to COVID-19, we have been doing a lot more outdoor activities. It’s nice to have soap handy when in middle of hiking or biking and, need to wash hands before eating lunch. I would strongly recommend these soap sheets." —Ann

Get three packs of 100 sheets each from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in lemon, orange, lavender, a variety pack of the three scents, or unscented).

Reviewers say this spray will leave wavy or curly hair (from 2a–4c hair) shiny, soft, and bouncy.

Promising review: "You need this! My 2-year-old daughter has curly frizzy hair. And I have tried sooo many leave in conditioners to tame her hair. Nothing thus far has worked. But this stuff is amazing! Truly defines her curls without any hold or crunch. Soft bouncy curls. The smell is quite strong- but it does smell good. If you are sensitive to smells you might want to prepare yourself ahead of time for this. I will buy this again and again. So glad I found something that works for my toddler's curls." —mike

Get it from Amazon for $9.29.

It's recommended for children between 8 and 45 pounds and can be used in four different holding positions — feeding/breastfeeding, side carrying, front facing, and face-to-face.

Tushbaby is a small business run by three California moms — they specialize in products that bringing a little more ease to everyday parenting life.

See it in action on TikTok.

Promising review: "This has been one of MANY items I have purchased thanks to TikTok, and I'm glad I did. Super easy to use, easy to adjust, and most importantly it helps with support tremendously. It comes with pockets and a place to hold bottles/sippy cups, which can be very handy. My 8-month-old weighs around 30–35 lbs, and he's basically attached to me 24/7, carrying all day was killing my back and arms! Thank God for this invention, my arms and back can rest." —Jennifer Calle

Get it from Amazon for $84.99+ (available in three styles).

Promising review: "We use it at night, during the day at home, and even on the go. With our first baby we had white noise on our phones, this just makes our lives so much easier. We just leave it next to the baby with timer, and she sleeps for a few hours." —Tatiana Figueiredo

Get it from Amazon for $17.88.

Promising review: "A perfect rash guard for littles to keep out of the sun. I love the half zipper to make getting in and out easier." —anonymous

Get it from Old Navy for $22.99 (available in sizes 3M–24M and four styles).

I bought a pack of these for my son's first summer (when he was only a few months old), during which he really only went in a pool twice. Cut to a few months later, when we signed him up for swim classes, the diapers still fit! The smallest size fits babies from 16 lbs–26 lbs (huge range) so one pack will definitely last a while. I also really enjoy the cute Finding Nemo patterns on them — who wouldn't? A fun fact I didn't know about swim diapers is that they are only really designed to hold in poop — so don't plan to keep your kiddo in them all day long an expect not to get peed on. Lesson learned.

Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $9.68+ (available in sizes 3–6).

I "splurged" on these for my little one and have zero regrets! He, shockingly, doesn't mind wearing them at all and he looks so freakin' cute in them I can't help but take a million photos anytime he has them on. I love that you can register them and if something happens to them within your first year of owning them you'll be able to get a replacement. I even bought them as a gift for my friend's baby's first Christmas — I love them that much.

Promising review: "We love these! I can’t even believe my 3-month-old doesn’t try to pull them off, but apparently he finds them comfortable enough to just leave them. We get so many compliments when he has them on and people love the play on the classic Ray-Bans Wayfarers and the 'WeeFarer' name. Best of all, I can rest assured that his little eyes are protected. The little strap is great to keep them in place. We will definitely be buying the next size up when he grows out of these." —Sara

Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in 4 sizes and 10 styles).

Check out a TikTok of the cap in action. JellyCap is a small business that creates BPA-free caps that'll transform every cup into a sippy cup.

Promising reviews: "Hands down one of my best Amazon purchases for my girl! I love finding hidden gems like this to make parenting a little easier lol. We go camping a lot and these are life savers and save me so much time washing and re-washing sippy cups! Plus my daughter can now be trusted with her beloved Danimal yogurt! A win for mom and a win for my very satisfied and not yogurt covered 1.5-year-old! Great idea!!" —Ab223

Get a three pack from Amazon for $14.99 (available in two color options).

In addition to being dishwasher-, freezer-, and boil-safe, these tops are BPA-, PVC-, lead-, and phthalate-free.

Promising review: "My now 2-year-old has never, ever eaten more than a few sips out of these pouches, of any kind. I got this spill proof lid to put on it.... she's on her second one in a matter of minute. I think the problem was she didn't like getting messy or having me constantly pull it away. This gave her so much more control and It prevents them from being squeezed all over. Wish I discovered it a year and a half ago!" —Amazonian

Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in five color options).

Check out a TikTok of the soft-serve maker in action.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this. I got this for my girls after they showed it to me on TikTok. I thought it was a great way of making a sweet treat. I didn’t realize how much I would love it. You don’t even need to use a lot of fruit to get a decent size bowl. I buy frozen fruit, freeze bananas, and add some coconut flakes, and it is so delicious. This machine works perfectly. You aren’t suppose to put completely hard frozen fruit in it. You are suppose to let the frozen fruit thaw a tad." —Debbie

Get it from Amazon for $39.98+ (available in six colors).

My son has a few different styles of Posh Peanut pajamas (this Hot Wheels two-piece set and this Star Spangled one-piece, for example) and he really seems to enjoy them! Even I own a pair of their Barbie pajamas (which have already sold out) and can attest to how nice the fabric feels against my skin. They've all washed beautifully (no shrinking!) and I just love how many fun prints they're offered in.

Promising review: "I absolutely love this romper, I swear my baby sleeps better when she wears it. It fits well and feels very soft and luxurious, like a second skin. I’ve already ordered more. Just remember to size up! at 2 months of age and in both the 75th percentile for height and weight, the 3–6-month size is getting small." —Heather

Get them from Posh Peanut for $48 (available in sizes newborn–2T).

Watch a mom quartering grapes in a flash with this tool on TikTok.

Promising review: "Yes. TikTok made me buy it. It’s awesome In my opinion. I use it for my fruit salads and my son's snacks. It’s helpful, and I think it saves a bit of time." —Amanda

Get it from Amazon for $11.99.

I took the plunge and ordered this lil' kit and it was SO easy to use. My first attempt (pictured above) took literally two seconds to do. My bread was on the smaller side, but it still produced a perfect crust-less PB&J!

Promising review: "These have been a GAME CHANGER in this house!! My son has always begged me for Uncrustables but my wallet didn’t agree with them. I LOVE being able to make them at home and customize them to exactly what they would like them filled with! I make two weeks' worth of sandwiches at a time and store them in sandwich bags in the freezer so in the morning during the school year we can just grab and go! Love them!" —Katherine Smaczniak

Get it from Amazon for $15.96

When I added this to my registry my sister (who then promptly bought me this stroller) made fun of me asking "when will you ever go for a jog with your kid?" However, that's not why I wanted this stroller! We live in a very hill-filled area and also often go to grassy, muddy, sandy parks, so I knew we'd need a stroller that could handle all of that kind of terrain. The wheels are LARGE and in charge — you won't have an issue getting over any bumps in this bad boy. It's so easy to maneuver. It has the ability to recline the seat for your little one, so they can sit in it pretty early on in life. It also has a cute peek-a-boo window at the top (when you pull the shade all the way down) that my son loves.

Promising review: "10/10 jogging stroller. Rolls more smoothly than I ever would have imagined and turns on a dime. This has been worth every penny and I would buy it again in a heartbeat." —Mike B.

Get it from Amazon for $549 (available in two styles).

I own this Bugaboo stroller and so far I can say it’s definitely worth the splurge. Honestly, the brand just continues to impress me and makes my life as a new mom easier and easier.

It’s super lightweight (16 pounds total) and actually does pop up/close without hassle. You truly only press in two buttons and it unfolds like magic. My husband and I couldn’t believe how simple it was to put together and how compact it is when closed. I’d also say the Butterfly is a great stroller option for anyone who lives in a city or has a smaller living space.

It has a strap so you can literally throw it over your shoulder and carry it — perfect whether you’re traveling or just bringing it back and forth from your car. I took my son to visit my parents in North Carolina and it fit in an overhead compartment without a problem. The wheels handles bumps and debris with ease. We've been using it anytime we're on-the-go or running a quick errands instead of our bigger stroller option. Overall, I’ve found it to be a great stroller option and will totally recommend it to any new parents going forward!

Get it from Bugaboo for $429 (available in three colors and ships within three weeks) or in Stormy Blue from Amazon for $449.

Simple Heart Co. is owned by a woman (who also happens to be a nurse anesthetist!) whose small business primarily sells fun clothing for parents. I have this glass (and use it all the time) as well as a number of fun pieces of apparel from their site.

Get it from Simple Heart Co. for $14.

Wow, I need one of these. Not only do I never have time to calmly drink my iced coffee, but my son is also currently obsessed with pulling on straws. So, if I'm with him (which I typically am) I have to hide my drinks or set it somewhere far from us.

Java Sok is a small business that sells an array of reusable neoprene cup holders designed to keep drinks colder and eliminate condensation.

Promising review: "Obsessed! Great stocking stuffers or a gift to yourself! Will be buying more. I’m someone who takes a while to drink their drinks (mom life) so it keeps my drinks from watering down! Love this product! Feels like a coooozy." —Thumbs up

Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in a variety of prints and five sizes).

I have one of these on each of my strollers and honestly don't know what I'd do without them! They provide an easy place to stash a burp cloth, my keys, sunglasses, a hat, and my iced coffee. Anything that makes my life as a mom easier is truly worthwhile. I even got a second one (in the cute Winnie the Pooh floral print) to add onto my travel stroller.

Promising review: "Love this system, it’s been so useful. My daughter was already a toddler by the time I got this bag but it’s been amazing. We use the little bags for important items we don’t need all the time like hearing aid accessories, inhaler, and first aid kits. And the biggest bag for snacks." —Jessica Thorton

Get it from Amazon for $69+ (available in six styles).

I took these with us on our first flight with my son (who was 8-months-old at the time) just in case the noise of the plane irritated him. They folded up when we weren't using them and didn't take up much space in the diaper bag at all. He actually didn't try to rip these off of his head — which is a huge parenting win, if you ask me.

Promising review: "My baby and I traveled all over the country with these. They helped her stay asleep in the plane, and all the other parents were amazed by these. At first I think everyone laughed a bit, but when everyone after a five-hour flight, couldn't believe how great she did!! They really are awesome!" — S.Morris

Get them from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in seven colors).

Promising review: "This is the best stain remover I have ever used! I wish I would have found it years ago! My daughter is 6, and I can't think of how many stains this product hasn't gotten out for us, even old set-in stains that I thought were hopeless. A friend turned me on to this stuff, and now I will never go without it! A must-have for anyone with kids." —Lauren Ruffin

Get it from Amazon for $6.99.

Promising review: "This wagon is a must have!!!! I love how compact it is when folded up (it also comes with a nice carrying back making it easy to move around!), this feature is important to me as trunk space is limited when packing the family up for a day trip to the beach or park. We found this wagon to be very easy to set up. Simply pull out of the bag and unclip and fold out! Simple as that, it's now ready to use!!! I found the cargo area to be large enough to carry all of our items easily, it holds a lot and a good amount of weight, too. The wheels are great quality, easy to pull on pavement, grass even a dirt path. The front wheels swivel making it easy to maneuver. Overall, we are very impressed with the make, quality, and durability of this wagon. We highly recommend it and would purchase it again!" —Jess & Craig

Get it from Amazon for $114.15.

The set contains two feeders, two large silicone teats, two medium silicone teats, and two small silicone teats. My kiddo enjoys this — we treat it like a lil' snack. He likes chewing on the rubbery end and sucking yummy fruits out of it. It keeps him busy for a bit without creating a total mess.

Promising review: "This is amazing!! I am such a germ freak, so the mesh ones were not going to fly with me. The fact that this entire thing comes apart to sterilize is wonderful. Then add the different-size heads for it; great for those just starting foods. My little one has two teeth and absolutely loves this thing. We use frozen cut-up fruit and veggies and he goes nuts. Keeps him occupied for hours!! Definitely recommend. 😀" —Danielle Fox

Get a set from Amazon for $13.99 (available in two styles).

Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Promising review:the Ryan And Rose Cutie Holder is perfect!Promising review: It's the only brand I've tried that goes on smooth and not super thickPromising review: He loved it and it kept him occupied all day, on and off.Promising review:Promising review:Promising review:Promising review: I can leave it on all night on low on a hot night so my son has some air movement in his crib and a breeze on our walks when his stroller gets stuffyPromising review: It took stains out of baby clothes and I used it on the fabric on a toddler chair and it looks brand-new.Promising review:These are a must-have for a small toddler and their snacks.Promising review:It’s nice to have soap handy when in middle of hiking or biking and, need to wash hands before eating lunch. Promising review: You need this! My 2-year-old daughter has curly frizzy hair. And I have tried sooo many leave in conditioners to tame her hair.Promising review: My 8-month-old weighs around 30–35 lbs, and he's basically attached to me 24/7, carrying all day was killing my back and arms! Thank God for this invention, my arms and back can rest.Promising review:With our first baby we had white noise on our phones, this just makes our lives so much easier.Promising review:Promising review:We get so many compliments when he has them on and people love the play on the classic Ray-Bans Wayfarers and the 'WeeFarer' name.Promising reviews:Hands down one of my best Amazon purchases for my girl! I love finding hidden gems like this to make parenting a little easier lol. Promising review:This gave her so much more control and It prevents them from being squeezed all over.Promising review:I buy frozen fruit, freeze bananas, and add some coconut flakes, and it is so delicious.Promising reviewI swear my baby sleeps better when she wears itPromising review:Promising review:These have been a GAME CHANGER in this house!! My son has always begged me for Uncrustables but my wallet didn’t agree with them.Promising review:It has a strap so you can literally throw it over your shoulder and carry it — perfect whether you’re traveling or just bringing it back and forth from your car. Promising review:I’m someone who takes a while to drink their drinks (mom life) so it keeps my drinks from watering down!Promising review:Promising review:Promising review:My daughter is 6, and I can't think of how many stains this product hasn't gotten out for us,A must-have for anyone with kids.Promising review:This wagon is a must have!!!! I love how compact it is when folded up , this feature is important to me as trunk space is limited when packing the family up for a day trip to the beach or park. Simply pull out of the bag and unclip and fold out! it holds a lot and a good amount of weight, tooPromising review:My little one has two teeth and absolutely loves this thing. We use frozen cut-up fruit and veggies and he goes nuts. Keeps him occupied for hours!! Definitely recommend.