My Top 7 Non-Toxic Summer Swaps

Summer with little ones means sunshine, snacks on the go, and a lot of outside time, which also means a lot of products touching their skin (and going in their mouths). This post is for you if you’re trying to keep things a little cleaner and less toxic.

Below are some of my favorite non-toxic summer swaps. Simple changes that make a big difference without overcomplicating your day. If you want to make cleaner, more non-toxic choices but don’t know where to start, this list is for you.

1. Sunscreen Swap

Conventional sunscreens often contain ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone, which are both linked to hormone disruption and skin irritation, especially in kids. Badger Sunscreen is one of the cleanest options out there. It uses non-nano zinc oxide, which creates a physical barrier to block UV rays without soaking into the skin.

Why I love Badger:

• Certified organic ingredients

• Fragrance-free, reef-safe, and safe for sensitive skin

• Comes in baby, kid, and adult formulas

• No parabens, synthetic preservatives, or harsh chemicals

  
  

After-Sun Tip: Try their Badger Aloe Vera Gel. It's made with 96% pure aloe, organic calendula, and witch hazel to soothe and cool skin naturally after a day in the sun.

2. Bug Spray Swap

Instead of spraying your family down with chemicals, try Badger Anti-Bug Spray. It’s made with organic essential oils like citronella, cedarwood, and lemongrass, which naturally repel mosquitoes and other bugs.

Why it works:

• USDA Certified Organic

• DEET-free and safe for kids

• Comes in a spray or balm

• Smells great — not "chemically"

  
  

3. Swim Diaper Swap

Most disposable swim diapers don’t actually absorb much and end up in landfills after one use. Hello Bello Swim Diapers are a better option for disposables as they’re free from chlorine processing, made with plant-derived core materials, and come in the cutest prints.

Prefer reusable? Try Charlie Banana or Green Sprouts cloth swim diapers:

• OEKO-TEX certified fabrics

• Adjustable snaps for a snug fit

• No swelling in water

• More comfortable for little ones + way less waste

  
  

4. Snack Container Swap

We’re in the snack era 24/7, so what we pack our snacks matters. Ditch the plastic baggies and use Stasher Bags or stainless steel containers instead.

Why are these better?

• No BPA, phthalates, or microplastic worries

• Reusable, easy to clean, and dishwasher safe

• Keep snacks fresh and easy to grab on the go

5. Water Bottle Swap

Plastic water bottles can leach chemicals — especially in the heat — so we’ve switched to stainless steel bottles like this Nuby one, Hydro Flask, or this one for the kids.

Why we love them:

• Insulated to keep water cold

• Durable (read: toddler-proof)

• No plastic taste or leaching

• Flip lids and straw tops make them easy for little ones

  
  

6. Chlorine Spray Swap: Use a Vitamin C Cleanse Post-Pool

After pool days, chlorine can stick to skin and hair even after a rinse. That’s where a Vitamin C spray comes in — it helps neutralize chlorine naturally and soothe post-swim skin.

After SO many people asked where they could buy one instead of making their own, I finally created my own shelf-stable chlorine cleanse spray—gentle, effective, and super easy to toss in your pool bag! Grab yours here!

7. Keep a Ready-to-Go Non-Toxic Summer Bag

Having a bag pre-packed with the essentials has saved my sanity more than once. Here’s what I keep in mine:

• Badger Sunscreen + Aloe

• Badger Bug Spray

• Hello Bello Swim Diaper or cloth option

• Stainless steel water bottles

• Snacks in silicone or stainless containers

• Chlorine-neutralizing spray

• Sun hat + extra outfit + towel

• Wet bag

  
  

For more info on this, grab my FREE Summer Bag Checklist here.

Other Summer Blogs

Interested in more tips, ideas, activities, and swaps for summer? Check out these blogs - Sun Protection for Toddlers and Babies, Toddler Summer Activities and Essentials, and Simple and Free Summer Activities for Toddlers.

Warm Weather Guide

Want all of this in one place? And SO much more info? Grab my FREE Warm Weather Guide, packed with product links, printable checklists, and summer mom hacks to keep things simple and safe. It's such a great resource for you as you start to tackle these summer months with your little ones!

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight — even one or two of these swaps can make a huge impact. When you choose safer products for your family, you feel better and your summer flows a little easier.

Xo,

Jess