Product Spotlight 3/12: **Update! **Summer Survival Gear!

SmashJam

 Updated!!!!! Ok, Changed to "survival gear," as it seems people have a lot to say but great summer stuff not that is not exclusively clothing. Also, I added a section at the bottom...please let me know if there is something you are curious about but don't see on the list of topics, or something you'd like to see moved up. There has been way less participation in these and I think its because the topics aren't tickling our fancies, lol.

This is a place for FTMs to ask questions and S+TMs to share the wealth of knowledge they've accumulated on baby products. Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product to help streamline and make it easier to refer back. This week it's.... Summer Survival! What things could you not live with out when you had your last summer baby? Sunscreen, bug spray, hats, play yard, etc.

Please use the prompts below to try to share as much relevant info as you can in a format that is easy for those reading to absorb/respond to. If you'd like to recommend/ask questions about more than one product, please copy/paste the prompts as needed.  

For S+TMs: 

• Any specifics that may differentiate your preferences:
• Favorite [Summer Survival item]:
• Link/picture:
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
• Age appropriate for:
• What you like about it:
• What you don't like about it, if anything:
• Is there a [summer survival item] you don't have but are considering? Why?:
• Is there a [summer survival item] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: 
• Additional thoughts on [summer survival items]?:
• Any topics you'd like to see in the Product Spotlight that aren't there (check the spreadsheet link below!):

For FTMs

• [summer survival item] you're interested in:
• Link/picture:
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):
• Any questions about it/them for S+TMs?
• Any topics you'd like to see in the Product Spotlight that aren't there? (Check the spreadsheet link below!):

Spreadsheet link here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nhSR3UAwJx8UitC9b2hRx57c4hHkK6BU679FjqXMeHQ/edit?usp=sharing

SmashJam

• Any specifics that may differentiate your preferences: Summer starts in earnest in June/July here, with a lot of rain early on, so outside the house covering up is not unheard of in July and August. In our house we have no central air, so it can be really hot in here, especially when cooking, even though the number of 80-90 degree days we have are small.
• Favorite [Summer Baby Clothes (0-3 mos)]: short sleeve kimono style white tshttps://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Unisex-Baby-Newborn-Sleeve-Months/dp/B007C2PYL4/ref=sr_1_1_mimg_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520856105&sr=8-1&keywords=gerber+white+short+sleeve+side+snap
• Link/picture:
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): $, got a lot at a local used clothing store or hand me downs
• Age appropriate for: 0-3, but pretty nice for pre-umbilical nub falling off.
• What you like about it: No pulling things over baby's head, and in the early days it leaves the belly button nub alone. 
• What you don't like about it, if anything: Mine shrank but I have since adjusted my laundry doing ways and suspect I can solve that problem.
• Is there a [summer baby clothing item] you don't have but are considering? Why?: baby hat. What do people like? I like to keep the stuff on baby skin to a minimum (DS was super sensitive) so I feel this must be a must.
• Is there a [summer baby clothing item] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: 
• Additional thoughts on [summer baby clothing items]?:
• Any topics you'd like to see in the Product Spotlight that aren't there (check the spreadsheet link below!): Would anyone hate if I made a more organized cloth diapering thread in product spotlight? I'm starting to look into building my stash and the old thread is so daunting. But that is purely my laziness speaking, lol.

runsomewhere

Whatever cute outfits, hats &  sunscreen. 

One thing I'll say about summer is that baby sunscreen typically says it's for ages 6 months and up. That doesn't mean you shouldn't use it  and typically the good baby sunscreens are totally safe for babies younger than 6 months, manufacturers are just hesitant to put that on the label. Run it by the pediatrician of course but mine told me to definitely use sunscreen on our newborn DD and that it was totally safe.

purplepelican

FTM here. 

Since I'm due in late July and temps are usually around 100 here during late July and all of August (with little to no clouds or rain plus about 100% humidity), I'll just be keeping the baby indoors for a month and running from AC to AC. So I'm actually getting more long-sleeved things because everywhere here blasts the AC super cold. Interested to hear what products people recommend, though, as I can probably use them in September once being outside is no longer like walking on the surface of the sun  

zg49

These are just my two cents, definitely don't have to do and I don't mean anything negative by it. This weeks spotlight and next weeks spotlight seem a tad redundant to a few weeks ago with the baby apparel. I have more tips on just surviving summer with baby and items vs baby clothes, and same for next week's winter items vs. winter clothes.

Every week coming up (besides formula week) I definitely have more input and ideas to share! I worry that formula might be similar to the bottles week, but I don't have much knowledge with formula so that's just my thoughts. Definitely want to contribute to postpartem, nursing clothes bras and essentials, health and safety and hospital bag. The others I can come up with some ideas too! As for other topics, I can't think of any that aren't covered on the spreadsheet. 

I think a couple weeks just might be more quiet as FTM might not have any questions (yet) and STM's might not have advice, if it feels more like common sense. Hope that makes sense. I do want to continue to see this thread though and I thank you immensely for putting it together each week and having such a concise spreadsheet to refer back to!

zg49

STM (thirdTM actually ) 

I don't have much advice on clothes for summer, but we do keep a variety of both long sleeve with pants and short sleeve with shorts available. Outside we obviously use short sleeve onesies with or without pants, depending where we are and how hot it is. Since we keep our AC on inside we use long sleeve still for bed so baby isn't cold.

I have more advice on items vs clothes though, hope that is ok! 

• Any specifics that may differentiate your preferences: We live in ND where it can be 100+ one day and 60 the next. 
• Favorite : 1. We love using muslin blankets in light colors during the summer to cover baby up while nursing, to hang over the car seat while driving to keep the sun out and wrap baby loosely while napping outside. They're everywhere now!

2. We had a used outdoor play-yard for our DD (born in May) that was so handy while in the backyard or out camping. LOVE this thing!

• Link/picture:

2. 

• What you like about it: 1. We liked the muslin blankets because they were so breathable during the warm weather but kept baby protected and not too hot. With our DD we always over dressed or over wrapped her and she would always be sweating but these blankets were awesome.

2. The play-yard is perfect if you want to be outdoors but baby needs to nap or it's too warm to keep holding them. It opens up to see baby but also completely closes with a mesh lining to keep bugs out. We used it quite a bit with both kids and I'm hoping to get a new one because our old one is gross. A simple blanket on the grass works too but doesn't keep the bugs out  

• Additional thoughts on [summer baby clothing items]?: Sunglasses, hats/sun bonnets and sunscreen are a must! The spray on sunscreen worked much easier than the cream. We tried one cream that was specific for under 6 months and it was so thick we couldn't rub it in without hurting DD. 

*Edit to fix a word. 

acunamatada

We hid indoors most of the summer with my last July baby. This time around we’ll have to get out more with a rambunctious toddler. We’ll probably do minimal clothing and a bucket hat, and hide out in the shade (do they even make nb bucket hats?) I don’t remember using sunscreen on DS that young, but if this LO’s skin is as sensitive as his is/was I might skip it. I’ll have to look into it, we used babyganics sunscreen on DS but he was probably closer to 1yr.  

acunamatada

@zg49 that looks perfect! Looking it up now. I’d love an outdoor play yard with some uv protection too! 

SmashJam

@zg49 thanks for that feedback! Should I change to "Summer/Winter Baby Survival Gear" and get rid of the winter clothes one for next week? I thought the two clothing ones were also a bit redundant.

moguippy

@acunamatada I have this one on my registry but I can't attest to any first hand experience if its good or not https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D402CKE?colid=1456IZ39RSLIY&coliid=IK8KYLHW3Z2UP&ref=br_ADD_TO_CART_title_link

SmashJam

Also @zg49 what is that play yard called? I'm having a heck of a  time finding it in google searches, lol.

acunamatada

@SmashJam I found it! fisher price on the go baby dome 

SmashJam

@acunamatada thanks!

zg49

@acunamatada @SmashJam Whoops! Obviously I completely forgot to explain the name lol! I'm sorry, thank you for finding it for me acunamatada. 

SmashJam - I would alter to survival gear because it could still include clothes but wouldn't seem limited to it. 

coco305

Thanks for the thread @smashjam
I live in Miami, so it's always summertime for me, except in the actual summer months where it's just plain hell. Temps in July are not as bad as the August and September temps. 
I definitely plan on using a lot of cotton onesies. My question for the STM+ is in regards to crib sheets in the summer. Are the Muslin sheets cooler than plain cotton? Will I be able to
use those sleep sacks at night?? We usually run the ac low at night, and we live in a two
story town home, so the upstairs doesn't cool
dpwn as well as the downstairs (bedrooms upstairs) 

also random question, but do you use a footed pj under a sleepsack?? 

morethanamama

@coco305 great question! Following:)

I'm so nervous about the house being hot. We might get the landlords to get ac installed but it's still a maybe. Not crazy hot in my area but we have carpet upstairs and I'm just thinking it will get super stuffy plus with me and my mom being home most of the day at the beginning I'm stressing about how that would work out.

paytonpedro

• Any specifics that may differentiate your preferences: I’m in NY so our summers are 60’s-90’s. My son was born in February so I can’t speak for summer newborns, but he was 4-6m in the summer. 
• Favorite [Summer Baby Clothes (0-3 mos)]: we just did shorts and onesies or tanktop shirts. I LOVE the play yard we have, and while it’s not appropriate for a newborn, it is great for all times of year and I still use it for my 2.5 yo. 
• Link/picture:https://www.target.com/p/summer-infant-174-pop-n-play-portable-playard/-/A-16440885?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Baby+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Baby&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9005571&gclid=CjwKCAjwypjVBRANEiwAJAxlIof_1JbsSSpkeWO87b200cQV-JG92jkKrnef1y09eV6p9tgN2ClIwBoCXl4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
• 
  
• Sorry it’s so big. 
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.):I got it on amazon and paid less- more like $65, but totally worth it!!! We also have a pack and play for sleeping away from home. 
• Age appropriate for: probably 4m-3yo
• What you like about it: it keeps him contained, cleans easily, and is huge!
• What you don't like about it, if anything: nothing. Super easy to set up and light to carry. 
• Is there a [summer baby clothing item] you don't have but are considering? Why?: oh is this supposed to be about clothes... whoops. Honestly for a newborn, I’m not sure. Non clothing, I want to try the muslin swaddles, I never got any for my feb Abby. 
• Is there a [summer baby clothing item] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?: our summers vary, so I always had pants shorts, long sleeve and short sleeve, everything. I hate having to buy extra but by me, you just don’t know what the temp will be like. 
• Additional thoughts on [summer baby clothing items]?: I guess I didn’t listen lol. But I would say, don’t do crazy and buy what you need. Keep in mind the high temps and low temps. 
• Any topics you'd like to see in the Product Spotlight that aren't there (check the spreadsheet link below!): I’ll have to look, there isn’t anything specific I can think of. 

hayhay93

Thank you everyone for all of the info. I'm definitely getting muslin blankets. I've been visiting with a friend the last couple of days and she has a 6 month old. She uses a sleep-sack for him that zips up and it really seems to help. Do you think it will be too hot in summer to use something like that?

acunamatada

If you’re ac is really cold a sleep sack and footy pajamas would work, but I wouldn’t if you plan on swaddling. That seems like a lot to me, but DS was a warm baby. With DS we did just a diaper and swaddle in the summer at night but we didn’t run the ac really cold. After the swaddle, we did footy pjs and a sleep sack as it got cooler out. 

stillcozy

For S+TMs: 

• Any specifics that may differentiate your preferences: I don't think so 
• Favorite [Summer Survival item]:ide brimmed hat is a must for summer outings! we also loved our cotton and fleece sleep sacks for the summer since we used cotton sleep gowns for the first few months
• Link/picture:see picture
• Cost (either actual dollar amount, or just $, $$, $$$, etc.): the sleep sacks you can find used or on sale but can be spendy new. same with the hats
• Age appropriate for: newborn and up
• What you like about it: i didn't have to worry about having ac on since they keep baby warm 
• What you don't like about it, if anything: love the halo sleep sacks just dont love the price
• Is there a [summer survival item] you don't have but are considering? Why?: floaties for dd1 this year
• Is there a [summer survival item] you've tried that you absolutely hate? Why?:  not really
• Additional thoughts on [summer survival items]?:
• Any topics you'd like to see in the Product Spotlight that aren't there (check the spreadsheet link below!):

stillcozy

stillcozy

@hayhay93 they make both cotton and fleece sleep sacks we used them both all year round  

noideawhatshesdoing

@SmashJam I saw those kimono snap tops and picked some up last week, glad to know they actually are as useful as they seem.

@moguippy I have the same hat on my registry. Seems like it would provide enough coverage although I don't know anyone that has used that brand.

I'm worried about the mosquitoes around here, I saw some out the other night already which annoys me. We do have some plants (peppermint, lavender and lemon balm) that help keep them away near our patio, but if we're out somewhere else I'm not sure what to do. Need to research a bug repellent option unless anyone has a suggestion. I know both Badger Balm and Babyganics have kid friendly options, but don't know if those would be too harsh for a baby's skin.

Summer temps around here don't usually kick off until after July 4 and then we're pretty much 60s-80s until October. We do always get a hot snap of 100+, last year was unbearable because instead of just one week we got a couple. We have central air, but it isn't always efficient, so if it's hot the best we can cool the house to is 80, but it will be a little better in the room baby will be in. Hurray for glass houses!  If fire season isn't too bad we'll open windows and run fans at night when it's cooler, but if it's like last year that won't be an option too much smoke.

 I'm planning to mostly have babe in just cotton or muslin onesies or those kimono snap tops and pass on outfits if it's hot. Hats and muslin blankets for coverage if we go out, plus my parasol since I carry one anyways otherwise I burn. MIL is going to visit the fam in Japan in April/May, and I asked her to bring back baby summer stuff from there since it is hot and humid af there during the summer so that should give us some more light weight options than I can find here in Oregon.