Summer is a time to 'go
and play' — at least I remember that's what I thought when I was a kid. I now
try to recreate those expectations (in the midst of laundry, cooking and other
work), so my children can grow up with similar fond warm-weather memories. Join
me in vowing this summer to take in every bit of sunshine, or on other days,
every bit of shade, and to get out there and play — whether it's at the pool,
in the great outdoors or your own backyard. Following is some essential gear to
get you and your kiddos in the mood for the summertime adventures that await!
Wet 'N
Wild
Summer is the season for
getting wet — whether you're playing in a nearby creek, swimming at the pool,
or jumping in puddles created by warm summer rain. Resist the urge to tell your
kids "Don't do that, you'll get wet," and instead encourage more splashing and
exploring. I love the Wet Happened Bag
from Itzy Ritzy because it stores all things wet — wet towels, wet swimsuits,
wet accidents and wet diapers — keeping the wet in and your diaper bag, car, stroller ... dry. It's far
more eco-friendly than using a plastic bag (Mindful Mama loves reusable), and
is large enough to store plenty of damp duds. Not to mention the fabrics are
super cute, and what's not to love about super cute?! ($17.95)
With perfect weather comes strong
sun. All Terrain KidSport SPF 30 protects your little one from the sun,
while promising that their formula is all-natural and chemical free! Their sunscreen
offers the broadest UVA/UVB spectrum protection available — minus the sticky,
slippery, sweat-it-off issues that sunscreens are notorious for. ($5.49)
Before you go out and buy a
package of disposable swim diapers, consider a washable cotton swim nappy
instead. Reusable means better for the environment and more comfortable for your little one. Bambino Mio's Swim
Nappy has a hefty waterproof layer, and legs and a waistband that won't
leak (all without the bulk). It's lightweight, stylish and machine washable — anything that makes my life as a mama easier gets a thumbs-up from me! ($16.95)
When it comes to sun protection,
I am always looking for new and better ways to protect my little one from
strong summer rays. Wallaroo Platypus sunhats are lightweight, comfortable,
protect from the sun, and look adorable, too! All fabrics used by Wallaroo are
tested by the Australian Radiation Protection Agency, and block 97.5 percent of
the sun's ultraviolet rays — while boasting the UPF 50+ protection guarantee
(trust me, your kiddos are safe from the sun!). The
Wallaroo Hat collection comes in canvas, loose weave, microfiber, cotton twill,
poly-braid, and polystraw, and all hats are washable, crushable and completely
easy to grab and go! ($22)
Imagine a pool party where rocket ships, giraffes, elephants and bears are all welcome to join the splashing! EverEarth's colorful, friendly and super-cool inflatable pool toys are made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), instead of toxic polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This means that these fantastical floats are free from poisonous phthalates — which become air-bound under the hot summer sun (yuck!). Plus, TPU is biodegradable, unlike its vinyl counterpart — which means that your kids can splash away, and the earth will thank you!
Looking for a
versatile (and eco-friendly, of course) water toy? One that can travel from
backyard pool parties to the beach to the bathtub (and beyond!)? We've found
it! The Green Toys Eco-Friendly Tugboat is made
in the U.S. from 100 percent recycled plastic milk containers — this green
company saves energy and reduces
greenhouse gas emissions. Available in three color combos (red, blue and yellow),
this colorful craft floats freely, and boasts a wide spout to scoop and pour
water. Anchors away! ($12.99)
On Dry Land
For little feet on the go,
the Keen Newport H2 shoe is great
for any terrain. It's a sandal that provides support (unlike the usual summer
staple, flip-flops), while also being breathable for cool, dry feet. Keen is not
only a shoe to feel good in, but a company to feel good about. In the last few
years, they have donated more than $5 million to nonprofits working for the missions of caring, consciousness and sustainability — something we all can applaud. ($50)
Campfires. S'mores. Hiking
... bugs! Ugh! Luckily, Sandy of SunFeather
Natural Soap Company produces 4,000 pounds of high-quality soap weekly — including
a line of bug-OFF products. Bug OFF!
Soap & Shampoo Bar smells lovely, makes hair and skin soft and
beautiful, and is very disagreeable
to biting insects. As added protection, Bug
OFF! Bug Rub deters mosquitoes, black flies and other pests, while
moisturizing with shea butter and an essential oil blend of citronella,
lemongrass, rosemary and geranium. Yummy! Bonus: All contain no deet — how
neat! (Soap $6.50, Bug Rub $10)
Toys that are great on the
go are something I'm always on the lookout for. I especially love the Adventure
Series Line from Spring Toys. The Dino Adventure Rig isn't your typical sand toy. It's an all-terrain, waterproof, and super
eco- and kid-friendly toy (no dyes, no batteries, and all reclaimed materials — hurray!). My little guy even puts on his sunhat (without complaining!) to be
just like his 'adventure guide' — way more motivating (and peaceful) than his
nagging mama. ($20)
Julbo's Looping 2 sunglasses
are the best innovation in sun protection for baby and toddler eyes yet! The
super flexible wrap-around frames are designed to be comfortable and
weightless, so little ones leave them on while out and about. The next best
part of the design is the reversible frame, so your toddler can learn to put
them on independently — just like a big kid! The glasses are designed to fit
children 12-24 months, and come in a variety of fun colors. ($32.00)
Kiss My Face A Whale of a Soap is a fun way to get
clean this summer, especially after exploring under rocks and behind trees,
digging in the sand, and running all around. Mama loves it because it makes
great foam, and is gentle and free of chemicals. My son loves it because whale
kisses = giggles in the bathtub — at least in our bathtub they do! ($8)
Anne Macomber, Juli Pearson and Missy Pugh make our wonderful Mindful Mama Mommy Review Panel. For more information on the mamas, read their bios here.