Spring Baby & Kid Gear: Everything You Need
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Kids need physical activity each day. The AAP recommends at least 30 minutes per day for infants and at least three hours of physical activity for older children. And when the birds start chirping and flowers are blooming, there’s no better time to meet these benchmarks and fortify your kiddos with sunshine and fresh air—it’s not too cold, or too hot.
Still, you’ll need the right spring baby gear to keep everyone happy and comfortable. Whether you're hitting the playground, the trails or taking a much-needed vacation, our gear experts say these are the top baby items you'll need for spring.
Table of Contents
- Baby Gear
- Kid Gear
- Stroller Accessories
- Outdoor Gear
- Travel Gear
- How to Dress Your Little One for Spring
Baby Gear
1. Ergobaby 360 Carrier
When you’re hiking, walking on an uneven path or even navigating a spring festival, a stroller just isn’t an option. This four-position carrier—use it in front (outwards or inwards), on your hip or on your back—keeps baby comfortable and contained, plus affords you the ability to more freely walk around.
Key Features:
- Breathable and lightweight
- Four-position carrier
- Ergonomic in all positions
- Accommodates babies 12-45 pounds
2. Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier
More active families might want a sturdy frame backpack. Although they’re bulkier and harder to pack and store, these child carriers usually feature a padded waist, chest straps, sunshades and can even accommodate heavier toddlers. They also have better weight distribution to help keep both you and your kiddo—especially older babies and toddlers—more comfortable.
Key Features:
- Additional comfort features, especially for older babies and toddlers
- Superior weight distribution
- Breathable material
- Accommodates kids up to 48 pounds
3. Topeak Babyseat II
A family bike ride is always a nice spring adventure, and this baby seat attaches securely to your own bike so you can log more miles with your little one. It features all kinds of safety features, including an innovative suspension system that cushions bumps and an integrated roll bar for extra head protection. It also has an updated shoulder harness with a multiple-height adjustment system for comfort.
Key Features:
- Great suspension for a bump-free ride
- Adjusts to multiple heights
- Accommodates kids up to 48.5 pounds
Kid Gear
1. Joovy Tricycoo Tricycle
If they’re too young for two wheels—or even training wheels—get your kiddo started with a push tricycle like this Joovy model. They can peddle while you give them a little help. When they’re ready to take over, disconnect the parent handle to use it as a tricycle.
Key Features:
- Four adjustable stages
- Extra-wide front tire makes pedaling easy
- Removable safety harness
- Machine-washable seat pad
2. Strider Balance Bike
This bike is an excellent learning tool for toddlers as young as 18 months old. Initially, they’ll slowly walk the bike; later, they’ll be zipping around the backyard, using their feet to help balance as they ride. Once they’re ready to try a two-wheeler, you’ll be surprised how fast they take to it—no training wheels required.
Key Features:
- Helps learn the balance needed for a two-wheeler
- Adjustable seat and handlebars
- Comes in seven colors
3. Razor Jr. Lil’ Kick Scooter
Scooters are the biggest thing since, well, bikes. And Razor is one of the most popular brands. Though they have scooters that are adjustable and will last well into the teen years, the Jr. version is a great place to start. It has two front wheels and a wide board for added stability as your little one learns the ropes.
Key Features:
- Extra wide, slip-resistant board
- Large wheels for stability
- Comes in two colors
4. Bell Sports Bike Helmet
Of course, whatever your kiddo’s mode of transportation, you want to make sure they have a well-fitting helmet. This adjustable model is a great option to accommodate your fast-growing rider. It fits children ages 3 through 5. It also has the safety features you want, including extended rear coverage and high-impact reflectors for visibility.
Key Features:
- Adjusts to fit heads 48 to 52 cm
- Extended rear coverage
- High-impact reflectors
- Four vents for breathability
Stroller Accessories
1. Stroller Weather Shield/Rain Cover
You know what they say: April showers bring May flowers. Be prepared for any wet weather with this rain cover stroller add-on. It fits most single strollers, so you can use it with everything from your travel system to your jogger. Though the fabric is certified non-toxic, it’s fully water-repellent and windproof, plus blocks 99 percent of UV rays.
Key Features:
- Water-repellent, windproof and UV-blocking
- Fits most single strollers
- Comes in multiple colors
2. The Mommy Hook
Roll into Spring with more gear than you'd anticipated? That’s just mom (or dad!) life. Be prepared for the extra stuff with the durable, tough Mommy Hook. It clips right onto your stroller, so you can tote extra jackets, keys, teethers or toys without any extra effort on your part. You can even use it to clip your grocery bags together to carry more from the car to the house at once.
Key Features:
- Attaches to virtually any stroller
- Heavy-duty aluminum construction
- Highly versatile
Outdoor Gear
1. Little Tikes Snug 'n Secure Swing
Babies and big kids alike delight in swings, and this one by Little Tikes accommodates little ones ages 9 months through 4 years old. It’s easy to install—and you don’t even need a swing set. Affix it to a stable branch or other fixture for hours of outdoor fun.
Key Features:
- Suitable for kids 9 months to 4 years old
- Holds up to 50 pounds
- Easy to install
2. Step2 Naturally Playful Sandbox II
- Retail Price: $110
- Avg. GoodBuy Gear Price: N/A
In most areas of the country, it’s a little too early for water tables, but sandboxes are just as engaging. Parents love that this one comes with digging accessories (all you have to buy is the sand to fill it!) and a cover to keep everything clean in between playtime.
Key Features:
- Comes with digging accessories
- Includes a cover
- Holds up to 200 pounds of sand
3. Step2 Naturally Playful Kids Picnic Table
Every backyard playdate needs a good picnic table for lunch and snack time. Opt for a waterproof model, like this one, so it’s easier to wipe down. This one also has an umbrella to help shield your little one from the sun.
Key Features:
- Easy to wipe down
- Comes with an umbrella
- Seats up to six kids
4. Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set
It’s never too early to try out a sport. Pop-up soccer goals, T-ball sets and mini basketball hoops like this one will get your kids moving—plus, these sports are fun to play with your kiddo, too. This hoop adjusts from 2.5 to 4 feet to suit their ever-evolving skills, plus comes with four toddler-sized basketballs.
Key Features:
- Waterproof
- Adjusts from 2.5 to 4 feet
- Comes with three balls
Travel
1. Baby Jogger City Select 2 Stroller
When the weather’s nice, chances are you’ll find yourself more casually strolling from place to place with your baby in tow. An easy-to-fold, lightweight single or double stroller, like BabyJogger’s popular City Select, is perfect for stashing in the car or for running errands. Plus, you can easily transform it into a travel system by adding a Baby Jogger, Britax, Chicco, Graco, Nuna or UPPAbaby infant car seat (adapters sold separately).
Key Features:
- Multiple seat configurations
- Accommodates an infant car seat with adapters
- Lightweight and easy to fold
2. Baby Trend Expedition Jogging Stroller
For long walks or runs or navigating bumpy sidewalks, a jogging stroller is a must for a sturdy and comfortable ride. This single stroller, which also comes as a double, is lightweight and highly versatile, thanks to its all-terrain wheels. It also has plenty of conveniences, including a child tray, parent console and cup holders all around. Use it for kids ages 6 months to 55 pounds.
Key Features:
- Suitable for kids 6 months to 55 pounds
- All-terrain wheels tackle all kinds of surfaces
- Comes in single or double models
3. Wonderfold W2 Luxe Stroller Wagon
For a full-day outing or carting gear and kids, a wagon may fit the bill. In the last few years, wagons have come a long way. High-end models like Wonderfold's wagon feature 5-point harnesses, car seat adapters, sunshades, padded seats and large wheels.
Key Features:
- 200-pound weight capacity
- Plenty of bells and whistles like extra storage
- Convenient side door
- Includes safety harnesses
How to Dress Your Little One for Spring
There’s so much to love about the spring—the brighter sky, the longer days and the blossoming flowers, for starters. And although the warmth of the sun offers promise that those balmy summer days are on the horizon, spring weather can be tricky to dress for. The transitional weather fluctuates greatly—even within the span of a single day. Not to mention, the sky can open up, delivering a spring rain shower, at the drop of a hat.
To ensure your little one is properly prepared for all that spring weather has to offer, our gear experts suggest swapping out winter clothes and stocking their closet with these spring clothing items:
- Raincoat: Make sure your kiddo has a hooded raincoat. If your area is a bit chilly in the spring, you may even consider picking up one that’s lined with an extra layer of cotton or fleece to help keep them warm.
- Rain boots: Look for rain boots with big handles, since they’ll be easier for your toddler to slip on by themselves. And, like jackets, you can find lined options for colder climates.
- Umbrellas: They make kid-size umbrellas, and it’s a good idea to get your child a couple of their own. Make sure you have at least two, since accessories like this often go missing.
- Muddy buddy: A Muddy Buddy is essentially a one-piece rain coat—and it’s a must-have for, well, muddy spring weather. Put your kiddo in one of these weather-proof suits when things are damp, and you won’t bat an eyelash when they stomp in puddles or sit down on the baseball diamond.
- Baseball cap: They might not need a hat for warmth anymore, but a baseball cap can help shield their eyes and face from the sun.
- Sunglasses: The AAP suggests kids wear sunglasses year-round, because eye damage is cumulative over a lifetime. Even if you haven’t yet adopted this habit, there’s no time like the present to start.
- Hoodie or cardigan: Toss a lightweight hoodie in your trunk or diaper bag. You never know when the sun is going to go behind a cloud, and in the spring, that subtle difference can make things really chilly.
The spring is a time for outdoor play and adventures. But the ever-changing weather and a whole new set of activities on your family bucket list likely mean you need to swap those winter clothes for spring outfits and give your go-to baby gear a little refresh.
You don’t have to shell out big bucks or spend hours reading reviews, though. We have you covered with a huge selection of seasonal items at enviable prices. This way, new parents can spend more time and money on what matters most—spending time together as a family.
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