One nice plus of our new house is that it is a 5 minute walk from an awesome wading pool and just down the hill from a splash pad. This has not helped us tackle the last of the boxes piled up in the corners of our house but it has helped make it easier to take advantage of our prime location and play outside as much as possible.
Here are some of my favourite tips and products to make the most of fun in the summer.
- Cosmetic bag for wet bathing suits-If you buy your cosmetics at a department store, you probably have a few garish cosmetics bags lying around from gift with purchase promotions. While not all bags are created equal, bags with a zipper and thicker lining are great for holding wet bathing suits.
- Monkey Mat– Probably one my best summer fun/travel with kids purchases, the Monkey Mat is a nylon mat for the beach, picnics at the park etc., basically anywhere you want a clean dry surface. (We bring it when traveling to create a portable play space on hotel room floors.) The mat is machine washable and super quick drying, with weighted corners so it stays where you put it. We have even used it as an emergency rain shelter for the Tiny Humans riding in their wagon. On more than one occasion, the mat has also proved useful protecting car seats, hotel beds and carpets safe from unwell Tiny Humans when traveling.
- Saltwater Sandals– My new FAVOURITE summer sandals. Saltwater sandals are made to go in the water (no need to change into flip-flops when we go to the splash pad), super quick drying, cute and don’t seem to get as stinky as the Tiny Humans’ old sandals. Best of all, they make them in Mommy sizes as well. I found these by chance a few years ago and am hooked. No more soggy Birkstocks when I get caught in a summer rain shower or venture into the splash pad to turn on the water or retrieve a wayward Tiny Human.
- Poncho towels- Now that the Tiny Humans are getting a bit older I have discovered poncho towels make great mini mobile change rooms…. The Tiny Humans can quickly slip off their bathing suits and slip back into their sundresses without the need to flash the neighbours or go into the dirty changeroom.
- Mesh bag for sand toys- Another great dollar store purchase, we just toss our sand toys in the bag when we are done and give the bag a good shake to get rid of the sand.
- Beach chair for the splash pad-Once upon a time as a desperate Bajan housewife I purchased a folding backpack style beach chair for long afternoons at the beach, fast-forward 10 years (gulp) and the chair now goes to the splash pad and wading pool. The back pack attached the chair is a perfect size to carry our towels and other essentials. The Tiny Humans have also clued into the fact that they get to stay longer at the park when Mommy isn’t sitting on a hard bench or pile of tree roots.
- Swim diaper-The Tiny Humans are out of this stage in life but a good swim diaper is a must for enjoying the water. I cannot seem to find the style we have but the one linked above my AppleCheeks is pretty close.
- Muslin swaddles– A hold over from the tiny baby days, muslin swaddle blankets are part of our summer kit list. We use them as towels (especially when travelling) or for emergency blankets when the Tiny Humans get chilled.
- S’well water bottle- I have written before of my love for my S’well water bottle which keeps hot things well hot and cold things cold. Like the comfy beach chair, having cold water to enjoy is another convenience that makes me more inclined to extend our visits to the park.
- Super large ziplock bags- Not fancy but perfect for containing wet towels, bathing suits and sand toys.
Inside the Mommy Bag 