The Ultimate Summer Baby and Toddler Checklist for BC Families
BC summers are genuinely wonderful — long days, warm evenings, beaches, parks, and water play. With a baby or toddler in tow, summer is also an exercise in preparation. The right gear makes everything easier and more enjoyable for everyone.
Here is our summer essentials checklist for Lower Mainland families, stocked right here at Baby Nook inside River Market.
Sun Protection — The Non-Negotiable
In BC, summer UV levels can be surprisingly intense even on cloudy days. Sun protection for babies and toddlers is not optional — it is the foundation of a good summer.
Kids Cotton Floppy Hat — Lemon Fresh (Jan & Jul)
$27.00 CAD
A wide-brimmed floppy hat from Jan & Jul that provides excellent sun coverage for little faces and necks. Adjustable chin strap keeps it on even in wind. The Lemon Fresh print is one of the most cheerful things we stock — and one of our most photographed products in the store. Also available in other prints.
Shop Sun Hats →☀️ Sun safety tip: Health Canada recommends keeping babies under 6 months out of direct sunlight entirely. For older babies and toddlers, sun hats, UV-protective clothing, and shade are always better than sunscreen alone.
Water Play Essentials
Whether you are heading to Hume Park splash pad, Burnaby Lake, or just setting up a backyard water table, toddlers and water are an unstoppable combination. The right gear makes it even better.
Jefferson Native Shoes
From $50.00 CAD
Water-friendly, lightweight, and incredibly easy for toddlers to put on themselves. Native shoes are the perfect summer shoe — they go from splash pad to park to restaurant without skipping a beat. Rinse them off and they are good to go again. One of our most popular new arrivals this season.
Shop Now →On the Go Bags and Backpacks
Summer means outings, beach days, and adventures. Having the right bag for a toddler makes everything smoother — especially once they are old enough to carry their own things.
Kids Mini Backpack — Big Trucks (Jan & Jul)
$40.00 CAD
A perfectly sized mini backpack for toddlers headed to the park, the beach, or daycare. Durable, washable, and genuinely cute. Toddlers love carrying their own things — a backpack of their own is one of those small things that makes a big difference in how a outing feels for them.
Shop Backpacks →Summer Clothing Checklist
☀️ What to Stock Up On Before Summer
- Wide brim sun hat (UPF protection) — at least one, ideally two
- Lightweight organic cotton onesies in short sleeve — at least 4 to 5
- Organic cotton tees for toddlers — 3 to 4
- Water shoes or easy slip-on shoes for splash pad days
- Light bamboo sleepers for warm nights
- Muslin swaddle blankets for newborns (perfect breathable summer wrap)
💡 New Westminster summer tip: The New Westminster waterfront boardwalk is one of the best stroller-friendly walks in the Lower Mainland. Start at River Market, grab a coffee, and head east along the Fraser. Beautiful in summer, even better with a toddler who likes to watch the boats.
Shop Summer Essentials at Baby Nook 🍁
Inside River Market at 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster, BC
Open 7 days a week, 10am to 6pm
Free shipping in Canada on orders over $100