Summer essentials checklist
Sun, water and heat safety, for each age group.
Summer checklist
A starting point, not a rule. Every family and every child is different. Follow each product's instructions and age limits, and check with your doctor on health questions.
Baby & infant
- Light, breathable clothing and a wide-brim sun hatPopular pick on Amazon.ca: UPF 50+ kids sun hat
- Shade for the stroller or a pop-up tent; keep babies under 6 months out of direct sun and ask your doctor about sunscreenPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Stroller sun shade
- Never leave a baby in a parked car, and cover a car seat that has been in the sun before use
- For swimming, a swim diaper and an adult within arm’s reach at all timesPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Pampers Splashers swim diapers
- Ask your doctor about fluids and heat
Toddler
- UV-protective swimwear or a rash guard and a sun hatPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Simple Joys rash guard set, UPF 50+ kids sun hat
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen suited to their age, reapplied as the label saysPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Thinkbaby SPF 50+ sunscreen
- A properly fitted, approved life jacket for boating or open water
- Water shoes or sturdy sandalsPopular pick on Amazon.ca: JOTO quick-dry water shoes
- A water bottle and shade breaksPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Thermos Funtainer bottle with straw
Preschool
- Swim goggles, a swim cap if needed, and lessons if you canPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Speedo Skoogles kids goggles
- An approved life jacket for boats
- Closed-toe sandals for playgrounds
- Insect repellent that is approved for children, used as the label says
- A small bag for day camp or outings
Big kid
- A water bottle for sports and campsPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Thermos Funtainer bottle with straw
- Sunglasses, a hat and a sun shirtPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Kids polarized sunglasses (3-pack), UPF 50+ kids sun hat
- Swimwear and a swim bagPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Simple Joys rash guard set
- A camp packing list: labeled gear, spare clothes, sunscreenPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Thinkbaby SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Bike or scooter gear and a helmetPopular pick on Amazon.ca: Kids bike helmet (CPSC), Gotrax KS1 kids kick scooter
Ready to shop?
See what we recommend: Seasonal picks and travel picks.