17 Items for Keeping Cool This Summer
Nursery Items
HALO Cotton Muslin Sleepsack ~ $20
For hot summer nights, a lightweight wearable blanket (or swaddle) is a must for little ones who still need something to cover them. 100% cotton muslin fabric is breathable and very lightweight, perfect for keeping babies cool.
Lasko Baby-Safe Tower Fan ~ $61
If your nursery doesn’t have an overhead fan, we recommend this blade-less tower fan.
Safe for little fingers, an oscillating fan is also great because it circulates air without concentrating it in one spot. We also love that it helps with air quality. Remote included.
*Note this is just a fan, not an air conditioner.
Baby Carriers
Just because it’s hotter than h*ll outside, doesn’t mean you should stop babywearing. Here are the carriers that we love for summer —
Ergobaby Ventus
Ergobaby Cool Air Mesh/Performance Carriers ~ $120+
For babywearing in a warm/hot climate, I highly recommend the Ergo Performance line. They offer the “Cool Air Mesh Performance” carrier ($120), the “Performance Ventus” carrier (for ultimate ventilation) ($123) and the “360 Cool Air,” which is the regular 360 (which allows outward facing), but mo’ meshy ($180).
These carriers are all moisture-wicking and super breathable. The fabric is machine washable and fast drying. *Read more about why we love Ergobaby carriers here.
Lillebaby Complete All Seasons ~ $140
Get more bang for your buck with the Lillebaby All Seasons carrier. In hot weather, zip down the front flap to allow air through the meshy back area. In the wintertime, zip it back up to keep baby warm in cold weather. For year-round warm climates, check out their new line of summer baby products called Airflow carriers.
Options, people!!
*Read in-depth review of this carrier here.
Beachfront Baby Wrap ~ $40
This super light and stretchy infant wrap is made of performance athletic mesh, which is extremely breathable, lightweight and fast-drying – you can even babywear in the water. These are SO cool, I wish I knew about them when my littles were little!!
It’s also great for moms with older kid(s) that need an extra hand in the water. Perfect for everyday use as well. Comes in wrap and ring sling versions.
Car Seat & Stroller Accessories
The interior of a car can get up to 170° on a hot day, which leaves every surface as hot as lava. The darker your car seats, the hotter they will get. Here are some tools for keeping your little ones cool(er) in the car and stroller.
Newbie Shade ~ $25
Don’t let the sun get between your baby and a much-needed car nap (right??).
The Newbie shade is low-profile, low-tech and easy to attach to the front and rear headrests. Made of 100% cotton, it blocks UV rays, works in nearly any vehicle and doesn’t interfere with the driver’s line of sight.
Enter promo code LUCIESLIST for 20% off at checkout through 9/22/16.
Muslin Car Seat Cover ~ $15+
For infant car seats: muslin car seat covers are airy, breathable, and keep direct sun out of baby’s eyes. There are so many out there, it’s hard to pick just one. Check out the many options that are available at various price points.
Brica Infant Car Seat Cover ~ $23
The highly-rated Brica infant car seat cover does double duty: it has mesh (to keep the bugs away) and a retractable sun & rain cover that blocks all UV rays. Oh, and it protects baby from unwanted touching 
*Fits all major car seat brands.
Protect-A-Bub Convertible Car Seat Shade
And for the convertible car seat, Protect-A-Bub makes a cover for your older kiddo. Rated UPF 50+ and doesn’t retain heat.
*Click here to find a retailer in your area. Not so easy to find…
Jolly Jumper Stroller Sunshade ~ $15
Strollers come with a built-in canopy, but most of them don’t cover your entire kiddo. We like the Jolly Jumper sunshade because it fits most strollers, play yards and protects against UV rays. Keeps bugs out too!
Cool Mee Seat Liner by Meeno Babies
Typical car seats have a solid back surface or a cushion with material that isn’t vented, so setting a layer of vented material between the car seat or stroller and the child reduces sweating and overheating. In a hot, hot car, it may not guarantee against any sweating, but it sure does help.
One user noted that Meeno Babies car seat liner reduced surface temperature by about 18 degrees in the shade and 15 degrees in direct light (yes, he measured with a thermometer).
*Universal size fits most. Be sure this liner (or any other item) doesn’t interfere with harness placement and tightness. Harnesses should always be snug enough that you can’t pinch any material (95% of parents don’t have their kids harnessed tightly enough anyway — just saying).
- For infant car seat ~ $30
- For convertible car seat ~ $40
- For stroller ~ $35
Enter code staycool at checkout to get 20% off MSRP each unit until July 31st. Includes free shipping in the USA!
Dreambaby Stroller Fan ~ $13
Stroller fans don’t give off a ton of air, but it’s just the right amount for little ones. Bonus: it doubles as a sound machine
*Another option is a handheld spray bottle fan; check out this one by 02cool. For the heavy duty user, check out this pump mister.
Car Sunshades by Veneev ~ $12 (2-pack)
Window clings keep direct sun out of eyes and help keep the temperature down. *Be sure they don’t interfere with the driver’s line of sight.
These are the highest-rated shades on the market and use static to stick to your window without leaving residue. They protect from UV rays and provide a SPF 30+ protection. Note that you have to remove the cling in order to roll the window down.
*Check out Enovoe for larger cars.
The Noggle Air Conditioner Extender ~ $46
These funny-looking air hoses are called Noggles and parents swear by them. They deliver air to anywhere in your car, especially to rear-facing kiddos who don’t get direct ventilation. Works with a/c in the summer and heat in the winter, huzzah! Great for older cars that don’t have back seat vents.
*Note: You’ll need the 6′ for forward-facing in the backseat, the 8′ for rear-facing, and the 10′ for a car seat in the 3rd row.
Cooling Garment
Cooling Towel by Ergodyne ~ $8
More tools for keeping cool: the best-selling Cooling Towel by Ergodyne. All you need to do is wet it (run it under the tap for one minute), and you can re-use it throughout the day. Bring this one to Disney in August, you won’t regret it.
Insulated Cups
Polar Bottle Kids Insulated Bottle ~ $7.99
This affordable plastic bottle uses special insulated foil to keep liquids cold. Unlike heavy stainless steel water bottles, this one’s easy for little ones to drink from and the opening is large enough to fit ice. We have 3 and use them almost daily.
- BPA and Phthalate free, dishwasher and freezer safe
Thermos Funtainer 12 oz ~ $15
Drinking lukewarm water in the heat is no fun. The Thermos Funtainer is highly-rated and for good reason — it’s vacuum insulated for up to 12 hours (for cooling only).
*Thermos also makes a Foogo 10 oz for $16 (similar) and a Foogo 7 oz spouted with handles ($19) for little ones. [Related: Favorite Sippy Cups]
Hydro Flask Insulated Water Bottle ~ $50
Another very highly-rated insulated bottle (but for triple the cost), is the Hydro Flask. It keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours AND it keeps drinks hot for up to 6 hours.
- For every bottle purchased, Hydro Flask donates 5% back to a charity of your choice.
That is all — enjoy!!
