Top 10 Essential Items for Summer With a Baby
So this time last year I was heavily pregnant and getting seriously uncomfortable in what was glorious summer weather. Apparently that may have been the last sun I will see for a few years because so far this summer has been a complete English washout. However, I have hope and decided that when we do have good weather I need to be prepared. This year I have my darling baby girl and I am determined to get her out into the sunshine and the world and allow her to marvel at what is around her. In order to do this, I have found that there are a few essential items I am going to need and thought I'd share them with you...
1. SUNCREAM - Surely this needs to be top of the list doesn't it? Alyssa's skin is so soft and delicate and despite my olive complexion she bares a remarkable resemblance to Snow White so it is important I protect her skin. I have decided to give Mustela a try. It is hypoallergenic, has a nice smell and seems really easy to apply. It doesn't irritate her skin and has a high SPF so we're loving it this summer (when the sun does deign to join us!)
2. BABY WIPES - It's summer and you know what that means... ice-cream and strawberries and all sorts of delicious things that our independent babies want to feed themselves so I will be stocking up on wipes to unstick them once they have finished devouring and making a mess of themselves. Now as I mentioned, Alyssa has really sensitive skin so I use these amazing WaterWipes which are just what they say on the tin... water and no baddies! Even with her sensitive skin these are great and I always have a few packs hanging around!
3. SUNHAT - So, cue major cute time! Another essential for babies in summer is of course a hat - with a brim to also help protect their faces and the backs of their necks. This gorgeous cat hat you can see Alyssa wearing I found over at Marks and Spencer when I happened to meet a friend for coffee in there. I completely fell in love with it and it's my favourite item of clothing for Alyssa this summer. It's open weave as well which I like as it protects her from the sun but allows air through so she doesn't get too hot. If you are looking for a hat with straps on because your little one likes to whip them off I can tell you that Tesco, Asda and Primark currently have some gorgeous ones in store too!
4. JUICE - It is so important in this hot and humid weather to keep our babies hydrated. They still can't regulate their own body temperatures until somewhere between 1-2 years old so as well as making sure they stay cool we also need to make sure they drink. I love getting Alyssa some of the natural flavored waters from Heinz. She loves the fruit and vegetable flavours and I keep them cool in the fridge for her. They aren't very strong but I dilute them with some boiled water too and that helps her stay happy in the heat!
5. ID BAND - If you are taking your baby/toddler out and about this summer and they are able to walk, I think it is a really good idea to get one of these Koolio Bandz. They are Lost Child ID Bracelets so if you register your child's ID the police or the person finding your child can help you be reunited much faster. Beaches, parks, towns, holiday parks... they'll all be overflowing with locals and tourists. Alyssa will be wearing hers (on her ankle so she can't pull it off) and this will help with my peace of mind.
6. PRAM COVER - In the summer we tend to go out a lot not just for Alyssa but for us adults too... its lovely to have a wander around a food festival or something. For these Alyssa will be in her pushchair like a Queen surveying her land and will no doubt fall asleep. To make sure she is protected from the suns rays and the heat, I use a SnoozeShade which I think is amazing. They can be pulled on and off in a split second, Alyssa can still see me through the mesh and she keeps cool and it allows her to sleep in peace too. A definite highlight for me this summer!
7. THERMOMETER - Right from birth I have always worried about her being too hot or too cold - I think it is an inbuilt parent thing. So I always have a room thermometer in her bedroom that has handy markings and tells me when it is too hot, too cold or just right! I am also lucky enough to have a digital baby monitor that displays the room temperature for me - very handy!
8. UV PROTECTED POOL - Alyssa loves the water so I couldn't wait to pop her in the paddling pool this summer and was so pleased when I found this amazing pool from Wilkinsons! You could have either a frog or a ladybird and it comes with a UV Protection canopy. I have used it as a pool on hot days and an indoor ball pool on cold days. It is amazing and an absolute bargain when other places are charging four times what I paid for this!
9. COTTON CLOTHES - Again with the body temperature, but babies are going to get hot and sweaty this summer whether there is sun or whether it is humid. So another way to keep them cool is to pop them in some nice cool cotton clothing which will allow their skin to breathe a little. Have to say we adore the lovely clothes they have over at Boden - especially when they have a sale on too!
10. CAR SCREENS - Last but certainly by no means least, is something for your car. Remember how hot you feel in the car? Well baby will feel that too and the sun coming in the windows will also hurt their eyes. So I popped over to Mothercare and I bought some lovely window screens with a pretty design on them. Alyssa can see through them outside but they protect her eyes and help keep her cool in the car which is so important as they can fast turn into ovens and heat your bubba up way too quickly!
So there you have it folks, that is my top ten essential items for my little bubba this summer to ensure we all have a good time... without getting too hot and sticky. How about you? What items will you be making sure you have in huge supply this summer?
