10 Summer Essentials for Moms
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The weather’s warming up and summer’s coming soon! We’re excited for higher temperatures, longer days, and outdoor playdates. Though summer may not be here just yet, we’re already ramping up for the season.
There are some items you should have on hand when the sun shines. Beyond the diaper bag, we’re breaking down what moms need for summer play with their little ones.
1. Sunscreen
It’s the first thing that you need on hand for summer days. Protect your little ones and yourself from those UV rays. Nothing bums out a summer day more than a sunburn. Make sure you’re using sunscreen with a high SPF and don’t forget to reapply throughout the day!
2. Sun Hats
That’s right, hats plural. If you have kids, you know they have a talent for misplacing or losing things. Make sure you have a spare hat or two around so you can always locate one when it’s time for an outdoor adventure. A wide-brimmed hat offers little one’s faces extra protection from the sun’s rays and helps keep the sun out of their eyes. Babies benefit from a hat with a chin strap; it prevents them from taking off their hat as easily as other styles of hats. Don’t forget a hat for you too, mom!
3. Water Bottles
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Playing in the hot sun means that little ones (and moms) need to increase their water intake. Even if your water bottle is empty, there are water fountains at some parks where they can be filled with clean water. Keeping a reusable water bottle with you means you don’t have to buy bottled water from a store.
Are you worried about your little one losing too many electrolytes during playtime? Pack along some Pedialyte to quickly replenish those minerals.
4. Beach Towels
Let’s face it, kids tend to gravitate to water. If you’re in the vicinity of a water park or beach, your little one is likely to get wet (even if that wasn’t the plan). We love their impulsive, adventurous spirits, but having wet children in the car isn’t ideal. Keep one or two towels in your trunk or backseat for spontaneous forays into the water.
5. A Cooler Bag
Moms know that a hungry child can quickly become a tiny monster. Keep their growling at bay with a cooler bag stuffed with summer snacks (don’t forget snacks for you too!). These little insulated bags have enough room for some cold drinks, fresh fruit, yogurt tubes, and more.
6. A Beach Shelter
Again, with sun protection! It seems like a lot, but a big part of enjoying the hot weather is staying safe in it. Pop-up shelters are perfect for the beach or parks where shade isn’t guaranteed. Sun shelters keep little ones a few degrees cooler and enable them to play outside without being directly in the blazing sun.
7. A Picnic Blanket
In a pinch, a thin blanket or beach towel will do. For a proper picnic, we love a good picnic blanket. They have a tarp-like bottom layer, keeping you protected from condensation. Without this water-resistant layer, moisture may build up on the grass during an outdoor family movie night or during an alfresco breakfast in the backyard. A picnic blanket is helpful for more than meals because of its easy portability. It also provides you with a comfortable place to sit and watch the kids play, no matter where you are.
8. An Outdoor Activity Box
You know kids love doing things. Sitting still is hard for them. That’s why it’s good to always be prepared, mom. Assemble a bin of outdoor activities to keep your little ones entertained. Some things you may want to include:
- Bubbles
- Soccer ball
- Frisbee
- Plastic bucket and shovel
- Sidewalk chalk
- Squirt guns
An activity box keeps little ones occupied. As an added bonus, it gives you a few moments to relax and watch your kids play (or join in on the fun)!
9. An Indoor Day Plan
Whether it’s raining or your little bubs has had too much sun lately, be prepared for the occasional indoor summer day. Keep some ideas in your back pocket so when you need them, you’re ready to go. You can:
- Paint rocks you collected on a sunnier day
- Make some animals out of paper (or assemble one of our Origami friends from Nest Designs sleep bag and sleep suit packaging)
- Have a sing-along
- Visit an indoor playground or trampoline park
- Check out your city’s activities like an aquarium, art gallery, or museum
- Go to the indoor pool
- Make ice cream at home
10. Hand Sanitizer or Sanitizing Wipes
Kids know a thing or two about getting dirty (and try to get a baby to keep their fingers out of their mouth!). Be ready for the germs and mess with sanitizer to get rid of any bacteria they come across during their adventures.
Did we miss anything? Tell us about your summer essentials in the comments.