Spring is here and summer is around the corner! Whether you’re a first, second or third time parent, we know you’re knocking down the door to get outside. From the beach and pool to picnics and festivals, it’s never been easier to explore Chicago and the surrounding areas than now, with the current lineup of baby gear at local stores. Must-haves for summer fun with baby include …
By Lindsay Pinchuk
This baby gear will make you the chicest mama or daddy at the park this summer.
Perfect for the park, an outdoor concert or a picnic, this versatile blanket is water resistant and features an insulated cooler bag to keep everything chilled. ($45)
Skip Hop Outdoor Blanket and Cooler Bag
This lined wet bag keeps the wet contained and everything else dry. ($21.95)
Itzy Ritzy Travel Happens Large Wet Bag
This brand makes safe products for all aspects of your life with kids. The kit comes with natural insect repellent, sunscreen, and one of the all-time best hand sanitizers. ($13.99)
Babyganics Outdoors Essentials Kit
It folds up and goes over your shoulder for easy transport and pops open easily. ($139.99)
Summer Infant Pop N Play Ultimate Playard
New to the U.S., this import from Spain is one of the lightest double strollers on the market and makes transporting two kids a cinch. Combine its suspension, non-air filled tires, and neoprene canopy with SPF 50+ protection, and you can now take your kids anywhere this summer. ($599)
Jane Power Twin Pro Double Stroller
One of the most anticipated baby gear launches of the year, this award-winning car seat also doubles as a stroller. The handle comes out and the wheels pop down, making it into the perfect travel stroller/infant car seat-in-one (and the first of its kind!). Doona makes air travel incredibly easy for everyone in the summer and all year round. ($499)
Keep baby cool on the hottest of summer days with a newer take on the Ergobaby Classic! Its mesh panel down the center provides ventilation for baby and wicks away moisture so your precious cargo stays comfortable while in the carrier. ($140)
A bag actually exists for the whole family. Dad won’t mind toting this one around at Ravinia or Naperville Ribfest this summer! Its reverse opening allows for easy access into its many pockets, and everything has its place inside (or clipped outside) this awesome new bag designed with him in mind. (Now mom’s hands will be free for the kiddos!) ($145)
Mission Critical Messenger Diaper Bag
Stay hydrated this summer and keep your drinks cool with one of the best water bottles on the market. The bonus? In the winter it will keep your drinks hot. But who’s thinking about that now? ($26)
