If a road trip with your rugrat has you stressed—don’t fear! A smart stash of supplies will keep your little one comfortable and content on your travels. This road trip with baby checklist includes everything from snacks for all parties involved, ways to keep kiddo comfortable in their car seat, and extra supplies like books and new toys to make the trip actually enjoyable.
1. First Aid Kit
Buy a ready-made kit to keep in the car or put together your own with the essentials (adhesive bandages, antiseptic pads, gauze pads, tweezers, cold packs, scissors). Bonus: A box of bandages can keep a toddler busy in a pinch. Simply open up the box and let your little one take out the strips and put them back in, over and over. If that loses its magic, let them peel and stick bandages all over themselves and the car seat.
2. Bags to Hold Dirty Clothes
You may be leaving your house, but you’re not leaving laundry behind, unfortunately. Pack a few plastic bags you can use if there’s a blowout or spit-up situation. Better yet, buy Wash.It.Later’s Soak & Save Bags to give you a place to stash dirty clothes until you can toss them in the wash. These bags are pocket-size, leak-proof and have built-in stain-busting solution inside them.
3. Sun Shade
Who doesn’t get cranky when they’re too hot? That air conditioning doesn’t always reach the back seat. To keep kids cool and block UVA and UVB rays, attach one of these sun shades to your car window.
4. Diaper-Changing Kit
When you’re dealing with a dirty diaper on the road, a good diaper kit is a game-changer. You’ll want one that includes a changing mat, wipes, and diaper sacks that lock in wetness and odor, for when you don’t want your car to smell like…you know. No more digging through bottomless diaper bags looking for changing necessities in a panic! Now your trip just got a whole lot smoother.
5. Extra Baby Blankets
Muslin swaddling blankets are lifesavers on long road trips, and in general. They can keep your baby cozy when it’s nap time, act as a light and sound-reducing cover, mop up messes, and can even be folded into a makeshift diaper in a pinch.
6. New Toys & Old Favorites
Pack your little one’s favorite toys, especially a lovey, and throw in a few newbies, too. Put a cardboard box or plastic bin on the seat next to your child’s car seat and fill it with a mix of easy-to-grab toys, like this Oball Shaker and a drawing board. Small trucks and dolls are always a hit too. To maximize the wow factor and keep kids busy longer, wrap each toy before the trip. For more ideas, check out The Best Baby & Toddler Toys for the Car.
7. Mini Vacuum
Crumbs and toddlers go together like peanut butter and jelly. If all that mess drives you nuts, buy a portable vacuum cleaner with a car-compatible power plug, like this one. You’ll use it (and love it!) for years to come.
8. Extra Outfits—for You & Your Babe
Bring at least two or three changes of clothes for your baby, and keep it easily accessible. Keep a clean shirt nearby for yourself, too, as there’s a good chance you’ll get soaked in spit-up. It’s the law of the road.
9. Board Books
A few board books are perfect road-trip distractions for babies and toddlers. Littler ones love to gnaw on Indestructables, drool-friendly books featuring faves like farm animals and smiling faces. Interactive lift-the-flap books and texture-packed books are made to mesmerize toddlers. For more book ideas, read 25 Board Books Every Baby Needs.
10. Tunes for Days!
Your favorite jams will help put everyone on board in a good mood! No need to resort to the Wiggles; put on any music that makes you happy, and chances are your baby will bop along to the beat too. Just be sure to put together a lullaby-packed playlist for nap time.
11. Munchies
Road trips always induce snack attacks, no matter what age you are! We have some smart travel-friendly snack ideas here.
Make sure to capture all your adventures on the road—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
Make your fun in the sun time even better with these inventive baby beach hacks
Is there anything better than a sunny day at the beach with the kids? Sandcastle building, hole digging, and foot-burying goodness are what this family day is all about. But before you throw some sunscreen in a bag and head for the shore with your baby or toddler, familiarize yourself with these baby beach hacks and beach hacks for toddlers that’ll make your trip that much easier. These 25 smart-parent hacks (that include a few awesome beach gear ideas) will make ocean outings a cinch for your whole family. From why you should bring your own baby pool to the beach to a kitchen staple that removes sand like magic, these are the best baby beach hacks around.
1. Make a mini beach. Pack a small inflatable pool and a beach umbrella (some pools even come with built-in shades) to keep your baby cool and contained at the beach. This is especially handy for new crawlers and babies who put everything, including sand and rocks, in their mouths. If you don’t have an inflatable pool, DIY one by digging a shallow hole, putting a shower curtain liner in it, and filling it with an inch of water.
2. Set a timer for SPF and liquids. Set a timer on your phone so you know when it’s time to reapply sunscreen to your child (and yourself). Make sure you cover sensitive exposed spots like the tips of the ears and the back of the neck. Set another timer to remind you both to drink liquids so you don’t get dehydrated.
3. Load up your laundry basket. Pack your beach gear in a roomy laundry basket. It will store all the towels, snacks, and toys you’re bringing, and wider baskets can double as a play area or napping spot for younger babies if you line it with extra-soft towels and keep it well-shaded. The best part? Sand will fall out of the holes as you pack up and leave, so you don’t bring the whole beach into your car.
4. Create a sand-free play area. The best baby beach hack, right? We love this idea from the Team Johnson blog: Turn a fitted bedsheet upside down and place a bag or cooler in each of the four corners to keep the sheet extended and the sides up. The sides act as a barrier to sand and keep your curious baby from crawling away. You can also purchase a similar product from Sandy Bumz that is designed to stay upright even without items propped in the corner. The Sandy Bumz mat folds up compactly. Take it to the park and friends’ backyards too.
5. Pre-freeze snacks. If your baby is eating solid foods, freeze a few food pouches and yogurt the night before your beach outing. They’ll turn a chilly, slushy consistency at the beach and will help keep your baby cool. They’ll also feel nice on sore gums if there’s teething going on.
6. Spray away the heat. Sometimes shade isn’t enough to keep babies cool. Bring a small spray bottle filled with ice water to spray on your child at regular intervals and when those cheeks are looking flushed.
7. Remove sand with cornstarch. This is a must-try: Cornstarch is a surprisingly effective way to remove sand from skin. Sprinkle it onto exposed skin and watch it do its magic. It works by drying skin so sand wipes off easily and painlessly. Talc-free baby powder works well too. Pack it in your beach bag or leave it in the car to sprinkle on before you all climb in.
8. Roll your load. Bring your wagon or jogging stroller so you don’t have to carry all the baby beach gear you’re bringing. Pro tip: Dragging strollers backward is easier than pushing them forward in the sand.
9. Use a pop-up tent for naps. Plan on staying at the shore all day? Consider buying a small pop-up tent so baby can sleep in a cozy shaded spot away from the sun and sand. Check out our favorite portable tents and play yards.
10. Chill your sunscreen. Stick the sunscreen in your cooler to keep it cold. When you re-apply at the beach, you’ll cool down baby’s body temperature too.
11. Sprinkle baking soda into a post-beach bath. Despite our best efforts with sunscreen, floppy hats, and UPF-treated bathing suits, sometimes babies get a little too much sun. Soothe skin by adding a few sprinkles of baking soda to the bath that night. According to the Mayo Clinic, gently patting baby's skin with a clean towel dampened with cool tap water also provides relief.
12. Bring a stash of cool washcloths. While you’re packing that cooler, add a few damp washcloths in a plastic bag. They’ll both clean up messes and cool you down when needed.
13. Skip expensive beach toys. There’s so much for kids to see, touch and listen to at the beach, you don't need pricey beach toys. Bring a bucket and shovel set so your little one can explore the shapes and textures of sand, water, shells, and seaweed. If you want to take it up a notch, bring a watering can, bath toys, or small cars and trucks.
14. Use a mesh laundry bag for beach toys. When you’re ready to go home, load beach toys into a mesh laundry bag. The sand will naturally fall out as you walk back to your car. When you get home, hose down the contents outside to clean them.
15. Freeze water bottles. Place a few unopened water bottles in the freezer the day before your beach outing. The bottles act as ice packs to keep snacks and drinks cool, and you’ll have chilled water to drink at the beach.
16. Don’t forget the hat. Keeping baby’s sensitive skin safe from the sun should be your number one priority at the beach. Bring a hat with a broad rim that not only covers your baby’s head but also ears and neck. Hats with a UPF+ sun rating offer extra protection.
17. Leave extra towels in the car. Bring along a few extra towels and leave them in the car. They'll warm up in the sun to comfort wet, chilled bodies.
iStock
18. Keep it brief. Plan your beach outing around nap times and meals to keep crankiness at a minimum. A shorter beach trip also means toting less stuff and less chance of sunburn, so it's all good all around.
19. Get a cooler on wheels. A cooler with wheels and lots of storage pockets means you can load it up with everything you need while keeping your hands free for wrangling your child.
20. Bring a small fan. If it’s not a windy day, connect a battery-powered mini-clip fan to your umbrella or other gear. This will help keep your baby’s body temperature down and give everybody some comfort in the heat. A misting fan is even better.
21. Create a sensory play experience. Gather up shells and rocks with interesting textures and colors (choose larger items and provide plenty of supervision to avoid a choking hazard). Then pour some water on the sand so your little one can see and feel how sand changes when it gets wet.
22. Introduce new words. You'll enrich baby’s vocabulary by pointing out boats, waves, beach balls and everything else you see at the beach. You can also write out the words in the sand while calling out each letter.
23. Keep sunburns at bay with UPF+ protection. Sunscreen is key, but swimsuits and hats with UPF+ protection provide another important layer of protection. Reapply sunscreen to exposed body parts throughout the day and after being in the water.
24. Ditch your diaper bag. Leave the diaper bag at home to keep it sand-free. Instead, buy an oversize beach bag and use a reusable bag for diapers and wipes. Pack a few plastic bags to hold soiled diapers.
25. Dig a hole. Use baby’s shovels to dig a hole in the sand for baby to sit and play in. The sand in the hole will be cooler than the sand that was exposed to the sun. If you’re feeling crafty, shape a baby-size chair in the sand to give your kid a stylish seat.
We’ve all been there. Staring down a pile of laundry or an entire bin of toys on the ground and thought, do these chores really matter? If we’re being honest, when considering all the things we balance as parents, cleaning the house usually falls somewhere toward the bottom of the must-do list. And for good reason. After all, there are other (more important) things that usually take precedence: work, feeding a family, getting kids to school, and somewhere in there—finding time for self-care. But, eventually, you’re going to need to tackle that fridge or make a clean sweep of the place before guests arrive. The good news is, there are plenty of shortcuts and cleaning hacks you can use to tackle both the little and the big jobs, which leaves you more time for the things that really matter—like bedtime stories, family dinners, or a good Netflix binge-session.
Before you check out all these cleaning hacks, take an honest look at your bandwidth and decide what you can do and when. If you can do one or two small things a day, nothing every piles up, which makes your house look more tidy overall.
2. Use an oven-cleaning hack that doesn’t take hours
It’s everyone’s least favorite chore if it even ever gets done. Forget about using the self-cleaning option and go old-school with baking soda, a sponge, and real citrus.
Need to clean up in a jiff? Using creative storage solutions is an absolute must. Make sure you have a basket or bin in each room to throw everything in before housekeeping or a surprise visit from grandparents. When the basket is full, it’s time to put everything away. When you’re on the hunt for a special item and can’t find it, it’s time to dump out the basket, find your treasure, and put everything away. Plus, with so many styles and colors, it’s a total design hack, too!
3. Try a ceiling fan cleaning hack that really works
Instead of using paper towels or a Swiffer (dust will get everywhere), use an old pillowcase. The dust will be captured inside!
4. Embrace a solution for how to dry sheets the first time
Amazon
This little device is of those things that’ll make you say, “Why didn’t I think of that?” It helps prevent the dreaded rolled and wadded mess of half-dried sheets that lead to multiple cycles in the dryer and inevitably waste energy (and valuable time). Just clip the corners of your sheet into the Wad-Free before you wash and dry. Get a 2-pack on Amazon for $20.
If you love your air fryer as much as we love ours, it’s probably time to talk about how often you actually clean it out. While you should be cleaning the basket every time, there are a few deep-cleaning tricks you should try every few months too.
6. Use this genius cleaning hack to get glitter off tables, floors, and just about anywhere else
Gabby Cullen
The kids are dying to pull out the art supplies and go wild making you a masterpiece for the fridge. But, who can stand the glitter that inevitably ends up everywhere, forever? Pull out a lint roller and use it after they’re done being creative, you’ll be amazed at how much of the sparkly stuff you’ll be able to clean up.
Whether you’re trying to get your kids to do their chores or just want to make cleaning easier for yourself, Joyful Homemaking has an amazing idea. Create your very own chore baskets with plastic shower caddies—one basket for each room with a list of items that go in each basket.
8. Use toothpaste to clean in a pinch
iStock
Plain white toothpaste includes baking soda, which is a common household cleaning supply. You can use toothpaste to clean jewelry, polish bathroom fixtures, get rid of kitchen odors, and much more.
9. Figure out which tools you need to really clean that fridge
It’s a miracle cleaning solution that you probably already have! Use it to clean that oven, descale an electric kettle, put half in your dishwasher to cut grease, and so much more.
11. Clean plastic toys in the washing machine
Gabby Cullen
Whether covered in sticky residue from your own kid or if you’re giving a secondhand set a fresh start, plastic blocks clean right up when sent through the wash. Be sure to add items like towels or sheets to prevent banging during the cycle.
Family life is busy, and with the start of the school year on the horizon, it’s even busier. Between after school activities, trying to get a dinner on the table, and carving out time for family fun, there’s barely a minute to spare. If you’re feeling pressed for time, these Seattle-area companies can simplify your hectic routine and maybe even give you back a few minutes of much-needed family time. From dinner hacks to an easy way to sell your stuff, pepper your life with these Seattle parent hacks when you need a minute.
This article is sponsored by InnovAsian Cuisine, a world-class provider of pre-packaged, frozen Asian component meals, appetizers and sides. From the freezer aisle to your kitchen table, your kiddos can enjoy a delicious meal in less than 20 minutes. Made with quality white meat chicken and flavorful chef-crafted sauces, InnovAsian Cuisine offers restaurant-quality meals that will delight the whole family. Click here for inspiration for your next dinner.
courtesy Sella
When unused stuff is piling up…
It’s amazing how much gear kids require. From their first bucket carseat through their last pair of soccer cleats, there’s a constant flow of outgrown and no-longer-used stuff cycling through our homes. Who has the time to sort through the piles and pass them along, donate them or try to sell them online? That’s what inspired one Pacific Northwest dad to create Sella. An online service that pairs busy families with expert sellers so you can “turn your clutter into cash.” The process is pretty simple. Gather up all that unused Kindle, the baby carrier your kiddo has outgrown, or the baby monitor you don’t need anymore, because baby (finally!) sleeps through the night. Then ship it all out to Sella. They take it from there, snapping pics, listing it on different sites, and writing the listing. All that’s left is for you to approve the listing and wait for it to sell. What will you do with all that free time and space?
Insider Tip: Sella has plans to launch locally in Seattle so parents can drop-off items in person soon, but for now mail-in is how to get things done.
How lucky are we that Seattle is home to so many amazing indie bookstores? Some love to leave new books in Free Little Libraries around town. Some host storytimes and author meet and greets for kids. Others help parents keep their kid’s bookshelf fresh with a monthly subscription box. We’re big fans of Phinney Books’ Phinney By Post Kids program that delivers a new picture book to your doorstep monthly or every other month. What could be easier? The books are aimed at kids ages birth through five, and are hand-selected by the discerning staff at Phinney Books. While they have a lot things they take into consideration when selecting the books, the one that matters most to parents is that your kids will want to read it over and over and over again.
Insider Tip: If you’re short on time, but aren’t quite sold on a new book a month, call your local bookstore to get recommendations. Trust us, they know their stuff and have spot-on picks for every kid.
If you’ve got a toddler you know how quickly they move from one toy to the next. They’re a physical embodiment of the “ohh! squirrel!” phenomenon. And while we know how much you’d love to spend all day playing dress-up, reading stories, or heading out on the next pretend Paw Patrol rescue with them, there’s only so much time in a day to play. Enter Sensa Play Rentals, a parent-owned, Seattle company that makes gorgeous sensory play kits for kids, delivers them to your door, and even picks them up one week later. It’s what every kid wants (and every parent needs).
This Tukwila-based company has been helping Seattle families get dinner on the table since 1998. For those nights when sports, or theater, or working late leave you pressed for time, you can grab an Innovasian frozen protein, choose a family-friendly recipe, and have dinner ready in around 30 minutes. Inventive dinner ideas, like Asian Chicken & Waffles or Simple and Easy Spam Musubi are kid crowd-pleasers that fill them up just in time to shuttle them out the door (or maybe off to bed?) again.
Insider Tip:Follow them on Instagram for creative ways to use Innovasian’s entrees, sides, and apps.
Although you had high hopes for your pandemic garden, it’s a little overgrown at this point. And strolling the Farmer’s Market just isn’t in the cards this week. Let local Seattle farmers help get fresh produce from their fields to your fridge when you sign up for a fall or winter CSA share. In fact, it’s the right time to sign up for the next share with local farms like Skylight Farms, Local Color Farm & Fibre, Jubilee and Full Circle. (Hint: These are just a few of the local area farms growing fresh veggies right now). Then it’s as easy as picking them up on your way home from work (or after your last playdate) to have your fridge stocked for the week ahead.
Shopping is an inevitability but the good news is in 2022 you’ve got choices. From beauty brands that are using untapped resources to make products to mom-invented clothing brands that are easy on children’s skin—ideal for kids with sensitive skin and sensory issues—and easy on the planet, there are even more ways to make little choices that make a big difference. Read on to learn about some eco-friendly brands you’ll feel great supporting.
Therapy Clean
What if cleaning actually changed your mood for the better? That's exactly what happens when you use Therapy Clean. Made with natural fragrances like juniper, lemon zest and eucalyptus, they are scientifically proven to improve your mood! Choose from dish soap, all-purpose, stainless steel, granite and stone, window and glass, wood and cabinet and even tub and tile cleaner. Therapy Clean products are plant based and contain no ammonia, pthalates, bleach or parabens. Additionally, each product is cruelty free and never tested on animals.
You're going to love these sustainable, eco-friendly, reusable food wrappers and snack bags that are perfect for lunchboxes. Gone are the single-use zip bags and in are the sandwich wraps that keep your kid's PB&J secure. We love that these provide a clean eating space for lunchtime. Their snack bags also come in cute designs like pineapples and panda bears so your kids know which ones belong to them. Making small steps to protect our planet is an easy way for you to show your kids how to be environmental stewards.
You're going to love the sleek and lightweight design of the Suga waterbottle from Brand Factory. It's made out of super sustainable sugarcane so you can feel good about adding it to your kid's backpack for school or outdoor adventures. Your coffee cup also got an upgrade from Brand Factory with the Moka coffee cup made from coffee grounds. Available in 12 and 16 oz. sizes and two colors: pebble and sand.
Cleancult is not a fan of single-use plastic, so the brand set out launch their products in the most eco-friendly packaging possible. The free-from-harsh-chemicals products are shipped in recyclable milk cartons that you can toss yourself or send back through the company's mail-back program. Cleancult is proud of its carbon neutral status, biodegradable ingredients and non-irritating formulas.
Developed by a mom and nurse who struggled to find clothing options for her children's sensitive skin and eczema, Crann Apparrel features all-natural fibers, GOTS Certified organic cotton, TENCEL™ lyocell, and hemp with no harmful chemicals or dyes. These clothing are ideal for any child but in particular for children who suffer from sensitive skin, eczema, and sensory issues. All clothing is produced in small batches and is shipped in 100% recycled mailers. Crann Apparel is part of the 1% For The Planet program and currently, offers joggers, sweatshirts, boxer briefs, t-shirts, with more to come!
This woman-owned, mom-founded brand makes high-quality, stunningly beautiful games and activity kits for families that reflect a deep commitment to the community, the planet, and people. The products teach compassion, curiosity, cooperation, inclusion, and respect and the brand promotes recycling and sustainability by choosing FSC®-certified products, vegetable-based inks, and minimal packaging.
Edify is a women-owned, online shop for ethical and sustainable clothing and accessories. All brands listed on Edify must meet their strict values criteriafor sustainability. Shop here for beautiful, unique products that support founder diversity, community impact, sustainable materials and more. Look for items like the Live More Organic Tee ($48) from The Soulshine Co., which is one our favorite small eco-friendly brands based in Los Angeles, CA.
Not only is Everyday Humans a Plastic Neutral Certified company, but they are also a 1% For The Planet Member, WOC/AAPI-owned, and they create some of our all-time favorite sun, skin, and body care products ever. Lately, we’ve been loving the Ease Up PHA Watery Oil Cleanser made with the ultimate upcycled awesomeness: Upcycled Green Fig Extract pressed from repurposed fig stones from food waste! There are tons of antioxidants in this discarded piece of the precious fig. Everyday Humans harnesses it and we are here for it.
Cleanyst is the easiest way to make your own products and save the planet at the same time. Once you purchase the mixing appliance and reusable bottles, you are helping to reduce carbon emissions and single-use plastic waste when you use the concentrate pouches shipped in minimal packaging. Cleanyst products are USDA Certified Biobased, Leaping Bunny Certified, 100% vegan and do not contain animal-derived ingredients. Currently, you can whip up your own shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, household cleaning products and laundry detergent with several fragrance options. Even better, the company's biobased pouches are fully recyclable through a mail-back program that is supported by TerraCycle and its Zero Waste Box program.
Sheets Laundry Club is saving the planet from plastic "one laundry sheet at a time." The company's products are simple and clean and all packaged without plastic! We especially love their signature patented Laundry detergent sheets: pre-measured, dehydrated sheets of detergent that dissolve instantly in the wash and make laundry so easy, the kids can help. Stock up on basics like eco-friendly dryer sheets, scent boosters and cleaning products for the home, each of which reduce your carbon footprint.
You're going to love this Black-owned, woman-owned business that offers nontoxic household cleaners delivered right to your door. April Sargies, founder of Cloth + Bristle, took her more than 25 years of experience in the professional cleaning industry and identified limited options within the market for products that were free of the toxins/chemicals that worked effectively on delicate and fine surfaces. This problem inspired Cloth + Bristle, and the renowned patent pending No. 001 all-purpose cleaning product. You can order up one-time delivery or get it sent to you on the regular via their subscription service.
Finding natural and sustainable beauty products that work just got easier. Cleo+Coco's products are made with plant-based ingredients that have been carefully vetted for quality, potency and safety. Shop cleansing bars, deoderants and dry shampoos/body powders that are safe, nontoxic and synthetic fragrance and filler free. When it come to packaging, Cleo+ Coco's deodorants come in 100% recyclable bottles with compostable refills powders.
Blueland is changing household cleaning with its efforts to eliminate single-use plastic packaging. The company has already diverted close to 2 billion single-use plastic bottles and is a B Proud Corporation Certified brand. You can find soaps, cleaning sprays, laundry and dish products that come in tablet or powder form and are mixed with household tap water that saves both money and space.
It doesn't have to cost a lot to get safe, effective cleaning products. Lemi Shine is made with plant-based ingredients, biodegradable formulas, powerful citric extracts and is free from bleach, ammonia, parabens, gluten and alcohol.
Hello Bello has delved into cleaning with its new plant-based line that comes with vibrant packaging, environmentally-friendly design and pleasant scents. Coming in three products that include a Glass Cleaner, Multi-Surface Cleaner and Wood and Floor Cleaner, each product comes in a reusable bottle and with interchangeable scent pods. The entire line is plant-based and made without synthetic fragrances or dyes, bleach, ammonia, MIT & BIT, gluten or phosphate. Plus, Hello Bello’s reusable bottles results in a 90% smaller carbon footprint and 80% plastic use reduction. The 3-Pack Cleaning Starter Kit is available in lemongrass sage and cucumber scenes and retails for $24.98, making it one of the most affordable sustainable cleaning lines.
Maxi-Cosi knows carrying the future means protecting your little one, and our planet. With the new PureCosi™ product line, they've developed children’s car seats that meet flammability standards through material and design choices, not with added chemicals. Now, you can get the Coral™ XP Infant Car Seat or the Mico XP Max Infant Car Seat with high-quality fabrics that are removable, washable and made without added fire retardant treatments. Plus Maxi-Cosi's cupholders are made without BPA, so your little one can snack happily in their Pria™ 85 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat!
Each&Every is bringing customers natural deodorants, fragrance and shampoo bars with ingredients that are all validated by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The company's lineup of products are vegan, cruelty-free and made with plant-based packaging for deodorants. Tinybeans editors love the natural deodorants that come in 10 fragrance options, are made with just six base ingredients and contain no aluminum, parabens, synthetic fragrances, baking soda or gluten.
Did you know that the majority of fragrance products today use harmful chemicals? Grow Fragrance is different. They use a farm-to-table approach that relies on nature and what’s in season to inform the scents they create–– and they disclose every ingredient used in their products. The brand is a Certified B-Corporation, and are a part of the Leaping Bunny Program and 1% for the Planet initiatives. Grow Fragrance candles are the first-ever certified 100% plant-based, toxin-free candles. and are intentionally designed with sustainability in mind. Each insert is made from aluminum that can be recycled after use.
Grove Collaborative makes getting clean products into your home a breeze. The sustainable home and personal care service delivers a huge variety of sustainable and eco-friendly products to your home, with recurring deliveries as an option. Every product is B-corp certified and all orders are 100 percent plastic neutral. Choose from well-known brands that include Mrs. Meyer's, Seventh Generation, Stasher, method and Babyganics in addition to Grove's own sustainable lineup of products.
We love this option for traveling with your personal care items from Cadence. Meet Cadence, the first magnetic and refillable capsule made from recycled ocean-bound plastic that is designed to effortlessly move with you no matter where life takes you. Pack your vitamins in your purse or bring your favorite shampoo with you when you travel, Cadence is there for it all.
Botanical Origin is here for your laundry needs. The plant-based cleaning brand's formulas are sensitive, hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, that are free from dye and brighteners. Currently, the brand uses between 0-25 percent post consumer recycled plastic with a goal of 100 percent by 2022. You can currently shop two gorgeous fragrances for laundry detergent and softener, Fresh Jasmine & Wild Lavender and Orange Blossom & Citrus Leaves.
Wondercide is the leader in safe and effective pest protection for pets, families, and homes. All products are naturally derived, DEET free, have no harsh chemicals and are safe and effective. In addition, Wondercide is a Green America, gold-certified business for high standards in social and environmental impacts and all their products are made with biodegradable and recyclable packaging. Customers can shop tons of products that include flea and tick spray, skin and haircare for pets, mosquito repellants, indoor and outdoor pest control and more.
After struggling to find hair and beauty products to fit their needs, the Nayel family decided to create their own, and Bare + Bloom was born. Featuring natural ingredients, this eco-friendly skin and hair care line is handcrafted in small batches, and they've got something for every member of the family. New moms will love the nipple butter and the talc-free baby powder, dads will like the soothing shave butter, and kids will appreciate the overnight detangling hair cream. Prices are affordable, and they offer free shipping to 48 states.
Kizik gets that saving time is a top priority for parents and they've come out with two new shoe lines that both offer easy-on technology, Cairo and Madrid Eco Knit. Both are available in a variety of colors and allow the wearer to pop them on without bending down or breaking the heel. Best of all, both were designed using Kizik’s environmentally-friendly fabric made from 100% recycled plastic bottles and the 4-way stretch air mesh upper means it’s breathable so you don’t have to worry about sweaty feet.
Zazubean
Zazubean
Zazubean is a chocolate brand that stands for promoting an ethical and sustainable balance while striving to conserve biodiversity, foster the cycling of resources and making certain that their chocolate would never subject itself to any GMO's or non-organic modalities throughout the entire production process. The brand carries a collection of decadent, smooth, healthy chocolates with NO added sugar or 1/2 added sugar that are sure to hit your taste buds!
Bodhi Beverly Hills uses recycled cardboard for product cartons as well as glass containers for packaging to eliminate plastic waste. As a brand that is 100% Cruelty Free Vegan, Toxic and Made in the USA, the Natural Dream Beyond Peppermint Exfoliating Cleanser is the perfect wakeup to any morning routine. Bold and invigorating peppermint deeply cleanses the skin while using natural oils and extracts to gently exfoliate the face and body.
HOMMEFACE was created to give skincare solutions that are easy, simple, safe, but still effective. To reduce waste, their products come in “long-lasting volume” meaning their large bottle sizes enable the consumer to use the products without the need to frequently replenish them.
The Daily Skincare Trio Set is a 3-step skincare set for men that is made with no alcohol and only natural ingredients while providing healthy skin & a better shave experience. The set includes: Daily Face Wash, Herbal Spray Toner and Face Moisturizer. All products are vegan, natural, certified cruelty-free and include no parabens or SLS.
We love that Viviobarefoot is thinking about our planet. They just launched their shoe amnesty program which allows customers to return their footwear through reconditioning, re-commerce platform, ReVivo with the option to receive 20% off of a new pair of Vivobarefoot shoes or have a donation made on behalf to the LiveBarefoot Foundation, an in-house incubation that pioneers regeneration solutions for environmental and social problems.
Branch Basics
Getting rid of harmful chemicals and swapping for nontoxic cleaning alternatives just got easier. Branch Basics best-selling multi-purpose Concentrate makes cleaning simple with a nontoxic formula that is safe for families and can be mixed with water to make a variety of cleaners, including bathroom, all-purpose, hand soap and even laundry soap. Each product is human safe, plant and mineral-based, biodegradable, non-GMO, not tested on animals and free of harmful preservatives.
Style plus sustainability intersect with these bags from Handed By. Made of 70% recycled plastic, the bags aren't mass produced in factories, instead, the company collaborates with dedicated craftspeople to hand weave small-scale production runs and in doing so, forms long-term personal partnerships. We could totally see loading one of these up with your favorite snacks and taking it for a day at the beach.
Green Goo is all about using plants in their huge lineup of skincare, soaps, first aid, sanitizer, mama and baby and even animal care products. They are made with plant-based ingredients that are gentle, effective, cruelty-free, and sustainably sourced. All products are free from petrochemicals, parabens, phthalates and other dangerous additive. Because they are free from chemicals, many of their items can be used on multiple needs at once, which means less products crowding your medicine cabinets, and more non-toxic goodness.
A favorite when it comes to eco-friendly brands, Public Goods is your one-stop-shop for sustainable grocery, household, and personal care products. The marketplace's affordable and good for the planet products are eco-friendly and simply designed, in simple black and white. For an annual membership of $79, members get access to cruelty-free manufacturing, sustainable packaging, tons of vegetarian and vegan options, gluten free, no harmful chemicals, zero waste, biodegradable and compostable products.
Boob Design: A Nursing Collection You'll Wear Long After You're Done Feeding Baby
When you're a sleep-deprived new mom, 3 a.m. impulse buys of ill-fitting nursing clothes may seem like a good idea. But for styles that'll make you look and feel your best—and are kind to the environment—there's no better option than the nursing collection from Boob Design. They make garments with a purpose, meaning their designs are intentionally meant to be worn from bump to toddlerhood and beyond. All their styles are made of sustainable materials that are traceable from fiber to final garment and they only work with factories that respect their code of conduct. Plus, they're GOTS-certified (learn more about their sustainability code of ethics here). Bottom line: Boob Design knows what's best for the environment and for new moms. What more could you want? Online: boobdesign.com
Snapper Rock: Sustainable Swimwear Made from Recycled Products
In January of this year swimwear brand, Snapper Rock released Oceania, their first sustainable swimwear capsule collection made from recycled products. The reef-inspired collection features their signature UPF50+ technology and includes styles for parents and kids that range from bikinis to rash tops to board shorts, baby sets and more. According to Snapper Rock, “by selecting recycled materials, [they] can reduce the consumption of nonrenewable resources, such as oil and coal, reduce water and energy use, and help to clean up our beaches and oceans from discarded waste.” Sounds like a win-win to us. Online: snapperrock.com
Dyper: The Compostable Diaper
Dyper
In the past, if you wanted eco-friendly diapers, your only choice was cloth diapers...until now. Month-to-month subscription service, Dyper is giving parents another option for diapering with their chemical-free and totally compostable diapers. Durable, absorbent and free of all the chemicals, inks and phthalates you want nowhere near baby, Dyper’s goods are convenient (manage your deliveries using the website or mobile app) and affordable ($68/month). Running out of diapers? Rely on Dyper’s service that sends extra diapers within 4-24 hours. Plus, with each order of their compostable diapers, the company purchases carbon offsets on behalf of the customer.
Dyper has partnered with TerraCycle on ReDyper, a composting program where subscribers can opt-in and receive bags and a specially-designed box to send diapers out for compost. Subscribers can download a prepaid shipping label and all waste composted will be used in projects such as vegetation in highway medians.
Finnish-based brand Reima is no stranger to kids activewear. Expect bright, bold prints, non-toxic waterproof finishes and materials that include recycled polyester and biodegradable, mulesing-free wool. Their current winter collection includes fan favorites like the Silda Reflective Jacket that’s designed with reflective prints to keep your kiddo safe, Kinsei, a quick drying wool base layer that allows for less micro plastic shedding in washes, and the Nalle, a winter suit for baby designed using plastic bottles. Keep an eye out for Reima’s upcoming seasonal collections, which we’re guessing will be just as impressive as this winter’s one. Online: us.reima.com/
Apple Park: Whimsical Toys & Clothes for Baby & Kids
Apple Park
After having her firstborn 10 years ago, mom Angie Ting discovered that eco-friendly, organic and hypoallergenic toys and clothes for baby just weren’t widely available. Her disappointment led to the inception of Apple Park, which today is known for colorful and whimsical toys, clothes and accessories. Their newest Organic Farm Buddies collection, launching March 2020, starts at $11 with nothing over $37. Expect fun hippos, flamingos, zebras and more, all made with organic fibers and sustainable ingredients. Online: applepark.com
Luxury doesn’t equate to cruelty. At least that’s the way Rivers Eight sees things. Their luxe handbags and travel accessories are faux skin, and to the naked eye may get PETA riled up. But, rest assured the entire hand-crafted collection is cruelty-free and made right in L.A. A current fan favorite is this 3-in-1 bag, which is a fold-over belt bag, cross-body bag and clutch all in one. So go ahead and celebrate the animal kingdom with Rivers Eight, all without negatively impacting their population. Online: riverseight.com
Rothy’s: Put Your Best Foot Forward with These Kid Sneakers
Rothy’s has a cult following amongst women so it’s only natural that they’re just as popular with the pint-sized set. Check out their girls’ loafer line and their slip-on shoe that every kid can wear. The latter—tested out by active, busy kids—are washable and offered in 10 different colors and prints inspired by the bright colors of the 1970s. Both shoes feature a stretchy knit made out of recycled water bottles and are machine washable. Online: rothys.com.
There is one thing a family can never have too many of: bags! From totes to kid backpacks to duffles and adult-sized backpacks, Parkland is your go-to spot for functional bags with a punch of attitude and style. The exterior fabric of all bags is made from recycled water bottles (check out this cool video explaining the process here) and their mission is all about inspiring others to make sustainable choices. Now, that’s a brand (and mission!) we can get behind. Check out all of Parkland’s products, including their brand-new spring line, at parklandmfg.com.
It may be hard to grasp life without plastic, but we have an easy step to take to help get you closer to that goal. Choose Bee’s Wrap, an alternative to plastic bags, tupperware and saran wrap. Made of organic cotton, sustainably harvested beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin, use them to wrap around veggies, cheese, fruit, snacks, sandwiches or really, any food products. They’re lightweight and reusable (clean by washing with cool water and light soap) for about a year. After you’re done, compost or use as a fire starter for your next camping trip. Multiple options available at beeswrap.com.
Kinder Birch: GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton Onesies
Kinder Birch, a new clothing company that debuted just this year, is disrupting the organic baby clothing space. Their styles are all GOTS certified Organic cotton and all printed with low impact dye. The patterns are whimsical, fun and playful, with the actual fabric thick enough to withstand rough and tumble play, while being oh-so-soft for baby's skin. Toddler PJs and more styles coming soon. Available at kinderbirch.com.
CrayonBlocks: 100% Biodegradable Beeswax Crayons (Created by a Dad!)
If Junior is into art, but you’re worried about what type of unsafe materials he’s coming into contact with, you’re not alone. The dad creator beyond CrayonBlock felt the exact same way when his son licked a crayon and realized his child was tasting paraffin. Thus, the idea of CrayonBlocks was born. This dad-created line of crayons is 100% biodegradable, paraffin- and chemical-free, certified organic beeswax with food grade colors that conform to the strictest of standards. Not only that, but the crayons also feature 8 edges and 8 corners making them easy to grip and draw. Available at crayonblocks.com for $13.99.
Recover Brands: Tees Made of Recycled Water Bottles
Every day—not just Earth Day—is a teachable moment to show your kids how to really care for Mother Earth. Remind her of this daily with a “Protect Our Parks” tee from Recover Brands. This brand makes their goods from recycled water bottles (check out the process here). Bonus: their apparel also comes in adult sizes, too! Available at recoverbrands.com for $18.
There are so many awesome companies that make going plastic-free easy and Stasher is one of our favorite eco-friendly brands. Their goods are all 100% pure platinum food-grade silicone that are easy to clean, reusable and non-toxic. We think Stasher bags stand out because you can not only store snacks for easy access (the bags are super easy to open and close for little hands), but you can also microwave, place in the oven, store in the freezer, boil on the stove and wash in the dishwasher. Versatile and functionality at its best. Available online at stasherbag.com.
Aldea Home + Baby: Eco-Friendly Furniture with a Conscious
Fans of modern, eco-friendly brands should check out the kid's collection and baby registry from San Francisco’s famed home goods store Aldea Home + Baby. The store prides itself on carrying only items from sustainable artisans and socially conscious design companies, so you can feel good about purchasing items that look this great. Not in the Bay Area? You can still get in on the goodness by shopping online at aldeahome.com.
Sustainable LEGO Bricks: Your Favorites Made Better
The LEGOs you know and love are in for some big changes. In an effort to create zero waste, the company is producing LEGO bricks made from plant-based materials, but you likely won’t notice at all. LEGO just announced in early 2018 that it has started production on sustainable blocks made with materials sourced from sugarcane. The plant-based polyethylene is softer but still durable. Despite these new changes, LEGO promises that builders won’t notice a difference in the look or feel of the bricks. Learn more here.
—Erin Lem, Shahrzad Warkentin, Eva Cerise and Karly Wood
When our editor’s son lost his first tooth she stayed up all night waiting for the elusive tooth fairy (okay, she stalked the TF. Our staff is just that dedicated). The following is the interview she managed to get despite the ever-so-slightly irritated fairy’s busy schedule.
RT: Tooth Fairy, sorry to spring this on you but you are a difficult fairy to reach. I mean, do you even have a phone or an email?
TF: It’s really alright, it’s just that you caught me off guard and you know I’ve got several more [children] to visit before daybreak, but I’m happy to answer a few questions. No, I don’t carry a cellphone. I operate on the Pixie Network. Oh, hey, shoutout to this Michigan mom who made me a mask. It fits perfectly!
RT: Okay, we have to ask. What is the Pixie Network?
TF: Every time someone says “Tooth Fairy” I get a little alert—not a text or anything drab like that. I have a crew of pixies with amazing hearing, and they scan the globe for phrases like “loose tooth” or “tooth fairy” and make note. They actually have created this giant global map for me in my office where they chart potential lost teeth, so that I can plan ahead. I never used to have that luxury and let me tell you: it is waaay nicer to end up in Barbados with a swimsuit than in a parka because you had to dash down from the North Pole at the last minute. And pixies are so uniquely qualified for the task because not only are they really good at being nearly invisible, they travel like a whisper on the wind. And they are very loyal.
RT: That’s amazing. We had no idea. Do you only attend to the lost teeth of human children?
TF: I mean, if your dog loses its tooth and doesn’t manage to swallow it I guess I can answer a very polite and hopeful plea but that’s not my job, really. I don’t oversee animals. I do, however, reward children of other species: gnomes, fairies, dwarves, elves, pixies (obv.) and the like. Trolls, however, are another matter. They don’t get their teeth at all until they are adults and there’s not enough gold in the world to get me near an adult troll’s pillow. I may be magical, but I have my limits.
RT: We’ll take your word on the trolls. So tell us, is your name actually Tooth Fairy or is that your job title?
TF: Well, at this point my job title is my name. I mean, I answer to it, regardless. My full name at birth (although records are spotty at best, having been recorded hundreds of years ago using the ink of elderberries, which is NOT age proof) was: Esmeralda Asteria Bonvecchio Fee Fee Dientaris. Few people know it or can pronounce it correctly, so generally, I just answer to Tooth Fairy or “Tee-Eff” for short.
RT: Is there anything our readers’ kids should know about their teeth and the exchange of teeth?
TF: Well, every household and child is different, but I’ve found over the years there is no one common denomination for a single tooth. I do love the current trend of making a neat little pillow or pouch to put the tooth in: makes it easier for me to find it. And I never mind when a little snack or note is left. Kids should know that teeth that are in better condition of course get a premium: free of cavities, well-brushed, low plaque, a nice sheen. These are all qualities that I look for and will leave a leeetle bit more under the pillow. I work closely with the Switch Witch, who works just after Halloween, to exchange candy for prizes. This helps improve the quality of baby teeth around the globe. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I really must get back to the grind.
RT: Thanks again, Tee-Eff. We really appreciate your taking the time to talk with us. Next time, we’ll find you through the Pixie Network.
TF: Yes, errrr…do that. I’ll be sure and get back to you right…ahem…away. Ta ta!
Shortly after saying this TF gave a little wave and poof! disappeared in a cloud of what looked like glittery smoke or baby powder, though it smelled as minty as toothpaste.
I kneeled on the floor of our son’s nursery, my big belly resting on my thighs, as I folded tiny onesies and sweatpants, lifting up each piece to inspect it and sniff it, breathing in that sweet Dreft mixture of baby powder and potential. Each pile was arranged by size and type, and I was pleased with myself—for my organization, and for my forethought. Our baby would be the best dressed baby on the block and his small, cool guy clothes would be laundered with their own special products and process. Only the best for my man!
By the time our daughter arrived two years later, I was buying baby-specific bath and laundry products for them and many bulk cleaning supplies from Costco. That is, until our daughter started getting car sick.
At least once a week, even on a ten minute drive to the freeway entrance, our daughter would throw up her latest meal, all over herself and her car seat. My husband would strip the seat and hose down the inner plastic, his nose scrunched as he investigated to ensure he didn’t miss a drop of puke. We’d wash the cover and pads in our Kirkland detergent and hang it all to dry. As soon as I’d climb into the car, I’d feel a pounding headache begin to form right above my eyebrows. I’d drive with the windows down to help the air circulate, knowing I had to make some big changes.
I am a fan of The Bachelor franchise, so I jokingly started talking about my “Clean Product Journey” on Instagram. I had already converted to Tubby Todd for everything kid bath-related and was slowly working through my beauty products, but I hadn’t considered our dishwasher pods or Clorox wipes or detergents—not even my beloved Dreft. From our daughter’s 4th or 5th car barf, it was on: my journey would end in—at minimum—a new long-term relationship with products that were both clean and not overly crunchy. I would become a hippie, a fancy one—a fancy hippie who likes light smells and decent price points.
The items you see here have been deeply and lovingly researched, often with support from the Environmental Working Group website, which rates products on their toxicity. I’m pleased with where I am on my journey and glad I get to share my progress, but I’m far from done. Hope they help!
This is one of the few EWG-verified laundry detergents that has any scent, and it smells like a lavender and lemongrass wafting in to your window on a warm afternoon. I get it on Subscribe and Save from the company, along with their dishwasher pods.
Tubby Todd has a cult following for good, clean reasons!
$40
Any mommy Facebook group will tell you we swear by Tubby Todd's All Over Ointment (AOO) for all things eczema and dry skin-related. Their bubble bath, shampoo, conditioner, detangler, body lotion and thicker Dream Cream are daily go-tos at our house. I even got a bottle of bubble bath for myself so I wouldn't have to keep taking one out of our kids's bathroom!
I learned from the L'Avant ladies (two moms from Seattle with six kids between them) that most cleaning wipes are made of plastic. Their Multipurpose Wipes are not only powered by plants, but also 100% biodegradable. Score one for us, and one for the environment!
An All Purpose spray that's endorsed by Bravo? Okay!
$14.49
I've tried a lot of sprays, you guys. Like, so many sprays. I keep coming back to this one. It leaves NO streaks, doesn't give me headaches, and has a nice scent that I don't mind smelling all over the house, even in the kitchen where I prefer citrus. It's also nice that I can get it with a quick trigger finger Amazon Subscribe & Save, but I've seen it at Target too.
A cold-pressed hand soap that doesn't strip your skin.
$4.99
We're all washing our hands a lot more these days and that can strip out moisture. Raw Sugar makes the only soaps I've found that don't dry out my hands. Plus, they look and smell great! The Coconut + Mango is my go-to, but I love all the scents they have and keep Lemon Sugar in the kitchen.
Honest and Water Wipes are marketed as super pure, but they're actually not as pure as these wipes are. This is another Amazon Subscribe & Save item I get for us that's a little pricier than the others, but worth it for sensitive baby booties. Plus, I use them on their faces, too, and haven't seen any little rashes like I did wiping with the others. The price goes way down if you subscribe.
Dream Cream deserves its own spotlight because it is so deliciously moisturizing. I get a weird patch of dry skin on my right pointer finger every year when the weather gets colder and Dream Cream, with its shea base, is one of the few lotions that can combat it. We love it so much that I got an extra tube for husband to lather on his dry hands throughout the day. The scent is light and very gender-neutral.
Wool Dryer Balls Laundry 6-Pack-100% Organic New Zealand Wool
Time to get on the dryer ball bandwagon!
$19.99
I've been using dryer balls for a handful of years and I love knowing that I'm not burning chemicals into our clothes with dryer sheets. I put a drop of essential oils on them (I like Saje blends) in the dryer and let them do their thang. They do get caught up in our clothes when we take loads out, and I like to huck them back into the laundry room and see how successful I am at making my shots. Our kids have fun throwing them back, too!
Nice suds, fights grime, and plant-based—oh, yeah!
$3.99
My first deep product research journey was for dish soap. I spent at least a year looking for something that smelled citrus-y, was clean, had good bubbles, fought grime, and didn't dry out my hands. Ecos has been the far and away clear winner so far. I find it on Amazon (fulfilled by Whole Foods) and at other similar fancy grocery stores. When I can't find it, my backup is the dish soap from Trader Joe's.
If you're like me, at the end of a long day, you might want to grab a glass of wine and soak in the tub while you watch bad TV on the iPad. It's important that when you take those baths, the bubbles are nice and fluffy and stick around. Enter: Tubby Todd. I tried a bunch of bubble baths at various price points when our toddlers were smaller and nothing compared to this stuff. It's also hydrating and great for sensitive skin! Treat yourself to this—it'll change your baths for good.
Baby powder has become a source of controversy over the past few years. Many users claim that this one time household staple causes cancer. Johnson & Johnson announced today that they will stop selling its talc-based baby powder in the U.S. and Canada.
“Demand for talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder in North America has been declining due in large part to changes in consumer habits and fueled by misinformation around the safety of the product and a constant barrage of litigation advertising,” the company said in a statement.
Cornstarch-based baby powder will still be available in North America. Both types of powders will continue to be sold globally where there is significantly higher consumer demand for the product Johnson & Johnson said.
We can’t do anything about the sweltering summer temperatures (boo!), but we can offer tips for keeping kids cool, calm and collected through the dog days of summer (yay!). Here are some of our favorite ways to beat the heat. And the best part? You can do all of them without breaking a sweat. (Sorry, we had to.)
1. Keep It Cool A shady spot is a must for outdoor activities, and to really keep baby’s skin from getting sweaty and irritated, slather on Pipette’s Baby Cream to Powder. It works like baby powder, but without the talc or messy application. When you apply this cream, you’ll feel it dry into a silky powder that minimizes sweat and chafing. Made with sugarcane-derived squalane and mango seed butter for moisturizing and arrowroot powder and tapioca starch to wick away wetness, it’s the perfect cream to keep your child cool and comfortable on warm days.
2. Take Cover If you’re planning to log a lot of hours in the sun with your mini-me, you’ll need to keep an arsenal of baby-friendly sunscreen at the ready. Our top pick: Honest Mineral Sunscreen. The zinc oxide-based formula is rated at SPF 50+, and because it’s made with shea butter and coconut oil and without chemicals, parabens, fragrance or dyes, it’s gentle enough for baby. (Find more of our sunscreen recommendations here: The Best Baby Sunscreens.)
3. Just Breathe To keep baby from feeling hot and bothered this summer, ditch the polyester duds and look to breathable fabrics made from natural fibers. Cotton is a classic pick, but bamboo is taking the children’s textile market by storm for good reason. Not only is it soft and breathable, it absorbs up to three times its own weight to help wick away sweat from babyies’ skin, keeping them cool and dry. (It’s a great choice for bed sheets, too!)
4. Drink Up Keeping baby hydrated is important year-round but even more crucial when the mercury starts to rise. Offer baby liquids frequently, especially when you’re out and about, to ward off dehydration. Keep liquids cool by popping bottles or sippy cups into a small insulated bag with an ice pack when you head outdoors. Planning a longer outing? Freeze liquids before you leave and you’ll have an icy drink to enjoy.
5. Just Add Water A little water exploration can go a long way in creating fun summer experiences with babies—and keeping them cool, of course! Pack the swim diaper and sunscreen and head to your local splash pad or zero-depth entry leisure pool, or bring the fun home with a small inflatable pool, splash mat or water table you can set up in your own backyard.
6. Let Loose Imagine this: It’s hot out, the humidity is high, and you’re trapped in a cocoon of fabric with another human being’s body heat emanating through it. That is how your baby may feel after spending too much time in a carrier this summer. Consider opting for a stroller (with a sufficient sun shade!) instead. If you (or your baby) prefer a carrier, look for one made of light, breathable fabric, such as the Bamboo Moby Wrap, to help keep both of you comfortable. (Check out the latest baby carriers here: The Best New Baby Carriers)
7. Turn Up the Air Adding a portable fan to your baby’s stroller will help keep them cool and comfortable. Our pick: the O2COOL® 4-Inch Portable Stroller Clip Fan has an easy-to-use design that clips onto any stroller frame and a bendable neck that allows you to adjust the direction of the airflow for maximum comfort.
8. Timing Is Everything To avoid the energy drain that comes from being in the heat, plan your outdoor adventures for the early morning or evening hours instead. Besides letting you take advantage of cooler temps, you and baby will benefit from smaller crowds, whether you’re heading to the park (no wait for the baby swings!) or the zoo (finally, a front-row glimpse of the lions!). If you want to get out in the afternoon, choose an indoor spot like an aquarium, pet store or the local mall, where you can take advantage of the AC.
9. Spray It On Most babies have a blast playing outside on a sunny day, but the elements can take their toll quickly on sensitive skin. After extensive sun exposure, reach for a moisturizing spritz like Mustela After Sun Hydrating Spray, which is made with avocado oil and shea butter to soothe, nourish and refresh your little one’s skin.
10. Monitor Magic A baby monitor with up-to-date temperature sensing technology can keep baby sleeping comfortably through those hot summer nights. Because infants aren’t able to regular their body temperatures as well as adults, a too warm or too cool environment can make your little one restless. Most experts recommend setting the thermostat between 68 and 72. One option: The Philips Avent DECT Baby Monitor with Temperature Sensor and Night Mode will not only let you monitor the climate in baby’s room, it allows you to create customizable settings to alert you to changes in nursery temperature changes.
He was nine pounds when I met him. Somehow I’d squeezed all nine of those pounds out of me with no medication. “Hello you!” I said, holding him in my arms as the night nurse tried to put him in the bassinet. “You should get some rest,” she said. “No, I’ll just keep him right here by my side.”
I wasn’t afraid of crushing him in my sleep like I was with his older sister. I wanted to drink him in and imprint his utter perfection alone in that peaceful hospital room. I touched his soft cheek and searched his alert eyes for a sign he recognized the unconditional love that pulsed with my every heartbeat. Later that day, I’d be the mother of two: an infant and a toddler. But at that moment it was just him and me, numb from our mutual physical exertion. A nurse came in, turned on the lights and pulled the curtain closed beside me as if that would allow for peace and privacy when another new mom was wheeled in surrounded by a boisterous family. Roommates: a perk of managed care health insurance. I practiced the Lamaze breaths I forgot to use two hours earlier, knowing that this was the calm before the real storm. “Hello you,” I whispered, “Who might you become one day?” and I dozed despite the din.
Truth is, I wasn’t always the best mother. In some ways it is amazing he and I made it out alive. I am dedicated but I’m easily distracted. I manufacture magic despite multi-tasking. I’m overprotective but I encourage adventure. I am fabulously flawed like every other originator of offspring I know, and my son loves to challenge my competency.
For example, there was the time I took a shower. Honestly, when you’re the mother of two or more tiny people, it seems like you can count those times on a hand, and this was one of those days when I could no longer bare the scent of myself, nor could I imagine my husband coming home from work to my greasy hair matted with spit up and my frenzied eyes ringed in puffed purple.
I planted my children in their room and closed the door. My bathroom is six feet away. The baby monitor was next to the shower and the hall door was closed. I implored my three-year-old: “Play toys with your baby brother for two minutes on the rug,” I begged, “Only open the door to get mommy if it’s an emergency.”
I took the fastest shower in human history. Didn’t even dream of shaving my legs. I wrapped that towel around me with the speed of a hummingbird’s wings and stepped into the hall to see the children’s bedroom door open. My daughter stood by the also open hallway door. “Where is Jack?” I squawked! “He wanted to go out,” she replied. “What?!” I screamed as I ran through the house leaving footprint puddles on the hardwood floors, the linoleum in the kitchen like a slip-n-slide. The kitchen door was open too, and then I saw that the gardener had the pool gate propped open with a trashcan. The rumble of the lawnmower drowned out my cries as I flew toward the pool imagining the worst scenario, and there I saw my six-month-old son on his knees by the pool steps, splashing his hand in the water. Another ten seconds and who knows?
A couple of years passed sans near-death experiences when I was folding laundry and my then three-year-old son toddled into my bedroom looking like Charlie Brown’s friend, Pigpen, with a literal poof of dust floating above his head. Hoping it was a minor concern, I asked him to show me where this happened. I mean it had only been a couple of minutes since I put superhero t-shirts in his drawer and he was happily playing with Thomas the Train. But when I entered his room, it was like the Colorado Rockies in March. Every peak and every valley covered in fine, white dust. His train table, stuffed animals, books, rug, closet, shoe rack, and shoes. All white. The dresser, inside opened drawers and the lampshade: all covered. He looked at me through frosted eyelids as I slid down the wall and broke into defeated sobs. There was only one solution that I could think of. We had to sell the house.
My husband, of course, disagreed with my assessment and, after hours of dusting, vacuuming, and swiffering, my son’s room was cleaner than it ever was or has been since and smelled powdery fresh for years. But I remain filled with fear for having left the baby powder within reach each time I’d hear a PSA about Mesothelioma.
Perhaps a year went by when my daughter came into the kitchen while I was making dinner. “Jack is rappelling up the slide with a bungee cord,” she warned. I looked out the window and caught sight of him in his boyhood Indiana Jones bliss. “Don’t be a tattle tale,” I told her. “It looks dangerous,” declared my ever-wise six-year-old. I went back to chopping the vegetables no one would want to eat, but within fifteen minutes, I heard a cry outside the kitchen door and there stood Jack, his face masked in blood. The bungee hook had come free from the top of the slide and gashed him at the brow-line, centimeters from his eye. The emergency room doctor concluded he was lucky to still have that eye.
My son has leaped over countless boulders spanning deep crevasses at 31 National Parks. I hear the rescue helicopters circling above and imagine the reporters’ microphones forced in my face, “What were you thinking? Are you fit to be a mother?”
But at least I tried to teach safety and calculated risk, and I’ve been known to pull over my car and threaten to call parents when I see his friends riding their bikes with helmets dangling from handlebars or perched on their heads with unbuckled straps flapping in the breeze. My fear is justified thanks to my son.
As we were loading the car en route to the airport for a trip to Mount Rainier, my then ten-year-old son was racing his sister on his bike just a block from our house. He flipped over the handlebars and tri-pod landed in the street, cracking his helmet. His sister carried him into the house crying. He said his arms hurt, but there were no outward signs of trauma and he seemed to recover after a tender snuggle. We had to leave or we’d be late to the airport. But as we sat in the terminal, ready to board, I looked at his ashen face. He was in pain and fearful of derailing our travel plans. I imagined being in the wilderness without access to medical care. What kind of mother am I? We booked later flights. A trip to Urgent Care revealed not one but two broken arms. One in two places. Trooper that he is, my son hiked Mt. Rainier like a man in a western stick up, arms perpetually raised over his head to minimize pain and swelling. My husband and I fed and bathed him for the first month of fifth grade.
The scent of baby powder has long since faded, replaced by the fragrance of sweaty soccer shin guards and volleyball kneepads, Nike high tops and discarded jerseys resting on guitar cases and flung atop a surfboard. In ninth grade, the kid broke his collarbone snowboarding. In 11th grade, a collision on the volleyball court resulted in a High School career-ending knee injury.
But those days of picking up Lincoln Logs and stepping on Legos fade more quickly than you can imagine when you’re in the midst of them. Last week I watched as that baby I refused to put in the hospital bassinet threw his graduation cap into the air on his High School soccer field. Now, as I look into those bright blue eyes, I know he is secure in my unconditional love. Yet when I hold those stubbly chiseled cheeks in my hands I still wonder, “Who might you become one day?” Though I know him better than I did eighteen years ago, saying goodbye as he heads out to discover that answer is going to be my toughest challenge yet.
Suzanne Weerts is a producer, writer and storyteller who shares tales from her life on stages across Southern California. The mother of two young adults, she does a lot of yoga, eats a lot of chocolate and drinks her fair share of wine in a quest for calm.
